You know that you lived the American dream for a while. You married and you had two children and lived in a beautiful home. Your husband earned enough you could stay home while your kids were young. But now, you are facing divorce. You haven’t been part of the workforce in eight years and you’re not sure how you will support yourself. Will you qualify for alimony after your divorce?
Determining spousal support in Virginia
In Virginia, courts only award spousal support when it is necessary. Here are the factors that determine if you will receive spousal support in Virginia:
- You have been married a long time.
- Your spouse earns significantly more than you do.
- You have a disability that prevents you from working.
How long alimony lasts
If you will receive alimony after your divorce, how long you receive it is based on these factors:
- How long you were married
- Your income and financial needs and those of your spouse
- Your age and mental and physical health (as well as that of your spouse)
- The standard of living you enjoyed during your marriage
- If you made any contributions toward your spouse’s education, training or ability to earn their income
- If you have a child young enough or who has a disability or health condition that makes it appropriate that you are a stay-at-home parent
If you are concerned about how you will support yourself after divorce, work closely with your divorce attorney. Your attorney can help determine how many assets you may receive in the divorce and if you may qualify for spousal support.
You likely will have to learn to live on less after your divorce. Yet, in time, you can build your finances back up and have more control over your financial future.
