Spousal Support & Alimony

Spousal Support Lawyer Stafford VA | Shawna L. Stevens PLLC

Spousal support — commonly called alimony — is determined by the Stafford County Circuit Court at 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554 using the factors set out in Va. Code § 20-107.1. Unlike child support, Virginia has no fixed formula for spousal support. Courts weigh the duration of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the circumstances that led to the divorce. Shawna L. Stevens PLLC represents both payors and recipients in Stafford spousal support proceedings.

Serving Stafford County, Virginia (22554, 22556), Fredericksburg, and surrounding counties.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation Call (540) 310-4088

Shawna L. Stevens

Family Law Attorney • Stafford County, Virginia

Virginia Law: Spousal Support & Alimony in Stafford

The Stafford County Circuit Court applies Virginia statutes in every spousal support matter:

Va. Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors)
Va. Code § 20-109 (modification and termination)
Va. Code § 20-91 (fault grounds affecting support)

Shawna L. Stevens PLLC brings over 20 years of experience in Stafford courts.

How We Handle Spousal Support & Alimony Cases in Stafford

Support Awards

Spousal support in Virginia is not automatic — it is awarded based on the statutory factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the relative earning capacities of the parties, the duration of the marriage, and each spouse's financial needs and obligations. We build the factual record that supports your position, whether you are seeking support or contesting it.

Pendente Lite Support

During active divorce litigation, a spouse may seek temporary spousal support — called pendente lite support — to maintain financial stability while the case proceeds. We file pendente lite motions quickly and present the income and expense documentation needed to establish appropriate temporary support.

Support Modifications

A spousal support order can be modified upon a material change in circumstances under Va. Code § 20-109. Common grounds include a significant change in either party's income, retirement, or cohabitation by the recipient. We handle modification proceedings in the Stafford County Circuit Court efficiently.

Support Termination

Spousal support terminates upon the recipient's remarriage by operation of law. It may also be terminated or reduced upon cohabitation with another person in a relationship analogous to marriage. If you are the payor and believe termination is warranted, we pursue that result in the Stafford County Circuit Court.

The Stafford County Circuit Court

Your case will be heard at Stafford County Circuit Court, located at 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554.

Stafford is one of the fastest-growing jurisdictions in Virginia, with a significant active-duty and veteran military population near Quantico Marine Corps Base. Shawna L. Stevens PLLC has appeared before this court for over 20 years.

Questions About Spousal Support & Alimony in Stafford

How does the Stafford County Circuit Court decide whether to award spousal support?

The court applies the nine-factor analysis in Va. Code § 20-107.1. Key factors include the parties' incomes and earning capacities, the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, each spouse's financial needs, and — significantly — the circumstances leading to the divorce. Fault can affect the amount and duration of support.

Does adultery affect spousal support in Virginia?

Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, a spouse who commits adultery is permanently barred from receiving spousal support, unless the court finds that a denial would constitute a manifest injustice. For the payor, proving the recipient's adultery is one of the strongest defenses to a support claim. We evaluate whether fault grounds apply and whether pursuing them serves your goals.

How long does spousal support last in Stafford?

Virginia courts have broad discretion over the duration of spousal support. For shorter marriages, support is often time-limited. For long marriages where one spouse left the workforce, permanent or long-term support is more common. The Stafford County Circuit Court sets the duration based on the specific circumstances of the marriage and the time needed for the recipient to achieve financial independence.

Can a spousal support order be changed after it is entered?

Yes, under Va. Code § 20-109, either party can petition the Stafford County Circuit Court to modify support when there has been a material change in circumstances. The change must be significant and not reasonably anticipated at the time of the original order. Common grounds include job loss, retirement, or a substantial income change.

Talk to a Stafford Spousal Support Lawyer

If you are facing a spousal support matter in Stafford County, Virginia, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.

Phone: (540) 310-4088

Email: [email protected]

Address: 307 Lafayette Blvd, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Serving the entire Fredericksburg region — Spousal Support Attorney in Fredericksburg, VA