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FAQ

What's the difference between spousal support, alimony and separate maintenance?

There isn't any, they all mean an amount payable from one spouse to the other so that the spouse in need can afford to live.

How long does Pendente Lite support last?

Usually until the final decree of divorce is entered.

For how long will I receive spousal support?

That is determined by the length of the marriage, your ability to financially meet your own needs and the ability of the opposing party to pay along with a host of other factors. If the court decides you should only need support for a limited amount of time, that is called Rehabilitative Spousal Support. If you are awarded support until death, remarriage or cohabitation, that is considered permanent support.

Evening and weekend appointments are available under certain circumstances
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What Our Clients Say

Spousal Support

Initial

During separation, if there is the need on the part of one spouse and the ability on the part of the other spouse to pay, the court may award temporary spousal support. This is called Pendente Lite support. In Fairfax County, a specific calculation is used to determine spousal support. Other jurisdictions may consider the Fairfax method, however, they are not bound to it. Usually there needs to be a disparity in incomes by about 30%, or other factors such as high costs of living born by the party needing support.

Final

At the time of the equitable distribution hearing on property, or in a separate hearing, the court will make a "permanent" determination of spousal support. This may include an award of a reservation of spousal support to one or both parties, a fixed monthly sum until death, remarriage, or cohabitation with another, a fixed monthly sum for a specific duration, or a lump sum award. Lump sum awards are rare because the court is not in a position to determine how that amount of money will meet the person's needs over an unlimited span of time. The more likely outcome is a fixed monthly sum of spousal support.

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FAQ

What's the difference between spousal support, alimony and separate maintenance?

There isn't any, they all mean an amount payable from one spouse to the other so that the spouse in need can afford to live.

How long does Pendente Lite support last?

Usually until the final decree of divorce is entered.

For how long will I receive spousal support?

That is determined by the length of the marriage, your ability to financially meet your own needs and the ability of the opposing party to pay along with a host of other factors. If the court decides you should only need support for a limited amount of time, that is called Rehabilitative Spousal Support. If you are awarded support until death, remarriage or cohabitation, that is considered permanent support.

Call 703.279.5140
Evening and weekend appointments are available under certain circumstances
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What Our Clients Say