In this age of equality, many women earn as much as, if not more than, their husbands. So while it is still fairly uncommon for men to ask for spousal support in Virginia from their ex-wives, it is possible that you would be ordered to pay spousal support to your ex-husband if you were married for at least 5 years and you bring home a significantly larger income than he.
In order to determine the amount of Virginia spousal support that should be paid to either spouse, the court will look at several factors, including:
- the disparity between incomes;
- the length of the marriage;
- the need for the spousal support; and
- a spouse’s ability to pay Virginia spousal support.
Please keep in mind that Virginia spousal support is rarely permanent unless you were married for more than 20 years. If you have been married less than 5 years, you may not be required to pay spousal support at all. If your husband gave up his career in order to raise the children, you may be required to pay rehabilitative spousal support so he can go back to school or receive job training.
Speaking to an experienced Virginia Beach divorce lawyer can help you get a better understanding of if and how spousal support may be involved in your Virginia divorce.
You can learn more about Virginia spousal support by visiting our article library.
Contacting a Virginia Divorce Attorney
At this vulnerable time, it’s critical that you have exceptional legal representation that not only understands the specifics of your case, but is dedicated to your best interests and that of your family.
The Virginia divorce attorneys at Hofheimer Family Law Firm represent Virginia women who wish to file for divorce. We are committed to fighting for your rights, assisting in child custody disputes, and advocating that you receive everything you are entitled to and need in order to start your new life. You can learn more by requesting a FREE copy of our guide, What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorce, or reserving your seat at our monthly divorce seminar – 757-425-5200.