How long do you have to be married in order to be qualified for spousal support?

Q: How long do you have to be married in order to be qualified for spousal support?

In Virginia, you're separated when one spouse leaves the marriage with the intent not to return. That doesn't mean that one or the other of you has to leave the home, it just means that you make the decision not to live as husband and wife any longer. You're still married. You have to be separated for a year before your divorce will be granted, unless you either (1) can prove adultery (which qualifies you for an immediate divorce), or (2) don't have any minor children and have signed a separation agreement (then you can get divorced after a 6 month separation period)

January 23, 2012 By HofheimerFamilyLaw

In Virginia, Spousal Support is determined at a temporary support hearing. Based on the needs of the parties, relative incomes, and expenses. If you are in a Juvenile Court, they often apply the spousal support factors.