Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Arlington County, VA

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

When a marriage ends and one spouse requires ongoing financial support that has no fixed end date, the question of indefinite alimony becomes central. In Arlington County, Virginia, spousal support of this nature is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, which lists thirteen statutory factors the court weighs when determining whether, how much, and for how long support should be paid. The Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, holds exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and spousal support matters, while the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court addresses standalone custody, visitation, and child support issues during the pendency of a divorce. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assists clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington in presenting their financial circumstances to the court and advocating for a fair result. To discuss your situation with an attorney who concentrates in Virginia family law, reach us at (888) 437-7747.

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What Indefinite Alimony Means in Arlington County

In Virginia, indefinite alimony is a form of spousal support ordered without a predetermined termination date. It is not limited to a set number of payments or a fixed rehabilitation period. A court may award indefinite support when the recipient spouse is unable to become self‑supporting due to age, health, or other circumstances that are not expected to change substantially, or when the standard of living established during the marriage cannot be maintained without ongoing assistance. The Arlington County Circuit Court evaluates the factors set out in Va. Code § 20-107.1, including each party’s financial resources, the duration of the marriage, the contributions of each spouse to the well‑being of the family, and the age and physical and mental condition of each party. Because Virginia is an equitable distribution state rather than a community property state, property division and spousal support are considered separately, but the overall economic picture of the marriage influences both.

Arlington County’s urban density and its position adjacent to Washington, D.C., mean that many families have substantial household incomes, complex asset structures, and significant professional‑career interruptions that bear directly on spousal support analysis. Cases may involve forensic accounting to value retirement accounts, professional practices, or investment holdings. The court can order support that continues indefinitely, or it may set a defined duration if the evidence shows that the recipient can eventually become self‑supporting. Orders are subject to modification upon a showing of a material change in circumstances, such as a substantial change in the income of either party or the remarriage of the recipient.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Indefinite Alimony Cases

Determining whether indefinite alimony is appropriate calls for a careful presentation of the statutory factors to the Arlington County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by working with clients to assemble a complete picture of the marriage’s financial history, including income documentation, asset schedules, monthly budgets, and evidence of contributions both monetary and non‑monetary. When one spouse’s career trajectory was interrupted to support the other’s advancement, that history is documented and framed for the court in accordance with the factors listed in § 20-107.1. If vocational attorneys or medical professionals are needed to speak to the recipient’s ability to become self‑supporting, the firm works with qualified independent professionals whose findings become part of the evidentiary record.

After the initial evaluation, the firm’s attorneys explore whether a settlement can be reached through direct negotiation or mediation. In Arlington County, mediation is available but not mandatory, and many spousal‑support disputes are resolved by agreement without a contested hearing. When trial is necessary, the firm’s attorneys are prepared to examine witnesses, challenge conflicting financial evidence, and argue the factors in open court. Throughout the process, clients are kept informed of procedural deadlines, the progress of discovery, and the realistic range of possible outcomes under the Virginia statutory framework. No attorney can promise a particular result, but Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to achieve an order that reflects the evidence and the law.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor whose experience in the courtroom informs his approach to spousal‑support litigation and negotiation. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His command of how evidence is received and tested by a judge allows him to present financial and lifestyle evidence in a way the court can readily evaluate.

Alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. These attorneys are Of Counsel to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and provide additional depth in family law matters. They appear regularly in the Arlington County Circuit Court and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Together, they and Mr. Sris assist clients across Arlington County and the broader Northern Virginia region, approaching each alimony determination with attention to the statutory factors, the family’s unique financial circumstances, and the long‑term implications an indefinite award can carry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is indefinite alimony in Virginia?

Indefinite alimony is spousal support ordered without a fixed end date, intended for situations where the recipient spouse is unlikely to become self‑supporting. It is one of several types of support the court may order under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Unlike rehabilitative support, which is designed to end after a period of education or training, indefinite support continues until a material change in circumstances justifies modification or termination. The court decides whether to award it based on the thirteen statutory factors, including the duration of the marriage, the standard of living, and the parties’ respective financial resources.

How does the court decide whether to award indefinite alimony?

The Arlington County Circuit Court weighs the thirteen factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1, focusing on the recipient’s ability to become self‑supporting and the payor’s ability to pay. Key considerations include the age, health, and earning capacity of each spouse; the contributions each made to the family; the marital standard of living; and any history of non‑monetary contributions, such as supporting the other spouse’s career or raising children. The court has broad discretion and may decide that indefinite support is warranted if it finds a significant and lasting disparity that rehabilitation cannot bridge.

Can indefinite alimony be modified or terminated?

Yes, indefinite alimony in Virginia may be modified or terminated if either party demonstrates a material change in circumstances since the last order. Common grounds include a substantial increase or decrease in either party’s income, the recipient’s remarriage, or cohabitation in a relationship analogous to marriage. To seek modification, the party must file a motion in the Arlington County Circuit Court and present current financial evidence. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What factors does the Virginia court consider under Va. Code § 20-107.1?

The statute lists thirteen factors, including the parties’ financial resources, the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and the age and physical and mental condition of each party. The court also examines the contributions of each spouse to the family’s well‑being, the property interests of each, and any history of marital fault that contributed to the dissolution. All thirteen factors are weighed together; no single factor is controlling. The court’s goal is to reach a fair and equitable result based on the evidence presented.

Do I need a lawyer for an indefinite alimony case in Arlington County?

While you are not required to hire counsel, an attorney who is experienced in Virginia spousal‑support matters can help you present the statutory factors and financial evidence that a judge will rely on. Indefinite alimony determinations involve detailed financial disclosures, possible expert testimony, and arguments that map the facts of the marriage to § 20-107.1. An attorney can also counsel you on realistic expectations, potential settlement terms, and the tactical advantages and risks of litigation. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

What is the difference between indefinite alimony and other types of spousal support?

Indefinite alimony has no fixed end date, whereas rehabilitative alimony is designed for a defined period to allow a spouse to obtain education or training. Temporary support is ordered while a divorce is pending, and lump‑sum alimony is a one‑time payment. The court chooses the type of support or a combination of types based on the facts of the case. Cases involving an inability to become self‑supporting due to age or disability often result in indefinite awards, while rehabilitative support is more common when the recipient has employable skills but needs time to re‑enter the workforce.

Can I seek indefinite alimony if the marriage was relatively short?

Duration of the marriage is one of the thirteen factors but is not an absolute bar to an indefinite award. A short marriage may make indefinite support less likely, but the court can still award it if other factors—for example, the recipient’s severe health conditions or the disproportionate financial resources of the parties—demonstrate that a defined‑duration award would be inequitable. Each case is evaluated on its own facts, and the court’s focus is the overall fairness of the result.

What if my spouse refuses to pay court‑ordered indefinite alimony?

If a payor falls behind, the recipient can seek enforcement through the Arlington County Circuit Court or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Enforcement options may include wage garnishment, a show-cause hearing for contempt, and, in appropriate circumstances, a money judgment for the arrears. It is important to document each missed payment and to act promptly, as delays can complicate enforcement. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does Arlington County handle alimony enforcement?

Enforcement actions for spousal‑support orders are brought before the Arlington County Circuit Court or the J&DR District Court, depending on whether the order was part of a divorce decree or a standalone support order. The court can order the payor to appear and explain the non‑payment, assess arrearages, direct a payment schedule, and, if a contempt finding is made, impose sanctions designed to compel compliance. An experienced family law attorney can help the recipient prepare the necessary motion, gather records of non‑payment, and present the case to the court.

How can I schedule a consultation about an indefinite alimony matter?

You can speak with an attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. by calling (888) 437-7747. Phone consultations are available responsive for initial intake, and in‑person appointments are scheduled at our Arlington location by prior arrangement. During the consultation, we typically discuss the facts of the marriage, the financial picture, and the likely manner in which the statutory factors apply. There is no cost to speak with us about your situation.

Virginia legal resources:
Va. Code § 20-107.1 (Spousal support factors) — Official text of the statute governing alimony in Virginia.
Virginia’s Judicial System — Information about Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

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