When a marriage ends, the financial uncertainty that follows can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about how you will maintain stability or whether you will be required to provide support to your ex-spouse. Speaking with a Richmond alimony lawyer could help clear up this uncertainty so you can move forward with confidence.

At Ashwell & Ashwell, our experienced family law team has guided clients through difficult divorce proceedings in Virginia courts, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you. Our attorneys approach every case with careful preparation, strategic thinking, and a focus on protecting your interests.

Understanding Alimony Rules

Spousal support is not automatically awarded. Instead, judges evaluate a number of factors as listed in Virginia Code § 20-107.1(E), such as the length of the marriage, the financial needs and resources of everyone involved, and each spouse’s contributions to the maintenance of the household. They also consider earning capacity, age, and health when deciding the amount and duration of payments.

Spousal support often intersects with other divorce issues, including the division of property and child custody arrangements. For example, if one spouse stayed home to raise children while the other advanced their career, the court may recognize that contribution when deciding whether to award support.

These factors are weighed carefully, and no two cases are alike. Having an experienced Richmond attorney present your circumstances clearly and effectively is essential to achieving a fair spousal support/alimony agreement. Our team brings a comprehensive approach to every case, ensuring that your position is supported not only by financial records, but also by the story of your marriage and your contributions.

What Are the Types of Spousal Support Available in Richmond?

Virginia courts may order several forms of alimony, depending on the circumstances. These include:

  • Temporary support while a case is pending
  • Rehabilitative support to help a spouse achieve self-sufficiency
  • A lump-sum payment agreed to in a settlement
  • Indefinite support in rare cases involving lengthy marriages

Each form of alimony carries unique considerations. For example, rehabilitative support may be tied to a specific timeline for education or career training, while indefinite support often applies when one spouse cannot reasonably return to the workforce due to age or health.

Our attorneys provide clear guidance so you understand both the opportunities and the limitations of each type of support  in Richmond. Because we are a cross-trained family law team, we anticipate how each support arrangement may affect your broader divorce case, including property distribution and financial planning.

Modification and Enforcement

Life continues to change, even after a divorce. remarriage, retirement, or loss of employment may necessitate a modification of the agreement.

In other cases, one spouse may fail to comply with an existing order, creating the need for enforcement proceedings. This could include wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, or other remedies available under state law.

Our lawyers assist clients in Richmond with both seeking modifications to spousal support arrangements and holding the noncompliant spouse accountable. We know how to present your case so that judges understand both the practical realities of your situation and the legal grounds for the relief you are seeking. We ensure that the court considers all relevant facts and that your rights remain protected.

Call An Attorney in Richmond to Protect Your Right to Spousal Support

Whether you are seeking support or facing a claim for it, a Richmond alimony lawyer could guide you through every stage of the process. We provide steady advocacy and a clear path forward during a challenging time.

By working with Ashwell & Ashwell, you benefit from a team respected in Virginia courts for our strategic advocacy and thorough preparation. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how our attorneys could protect your financial future.