Indefinite Alimony Lawyer James City County, VA
You’ve been ordered to pay indefinite alimony in James City County. The support obligation feels like it will never end—and under Virginia law, in certain circumstances, it might not. The uncertainty can affect your financial future, your retirement plans, and your ability to move on. Whether you are the spouse who must pay or the spouse who depends on that support, you need clear answers about how indefinite alimony works and what can be done about it. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team help clients in James City County understand their options and work toward a resolution that reflects the financial realities of their situation. To discuss your specific matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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ToggleWhat Indefinite Alimony Means in James City County
Under Virginia law, indefinite alimony—formerly called permanent spousal support—is awarded when the court finds that a spouse’s need for financial support is likely to be permanent. The governing statute, Va. Code § 20-107.1, sets out thirteen factors the judge must consider, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, the earning capacities of each party, and the contributions each spouse made to the family’s well‑being. Unlike rehabilitative alimony, which is designed to help a spouse become self‑sufficient within a defined period, indefinite alimony continues without a predetermined end date. It may be awarded when age, health, or a long absence from the workforce makes it unlikely that the recipient spouse will ever achieve financial independence. For a detailed statutory analysis, see our comprehensive overview on the firm’s main site.
James City County family‑law cases are heard in two courts. The James City County Circuit Court at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 4, Williamsburg, handles all divorce and spousal‑support matters. Stand‑alone custody and support actions proceed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Because indefinite alimony is typically awarded as part of a final divorce decree, your case will most likely be filed in Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with local practice in the Ninth Judicial District and appear regularly in James City County courts. We serve clients from our Richmond location—by appointment only—at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23225.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Indefinite Alimony Cases
Every indefinite‑alimony dispute turns on the specific facts of the marriage. Our team starts by gathering a complete financial picture: tax returns, pay stubs, business records, retirement‑account statements, and evidence of the marital lifestyle. For the spouse who may be asked to pay, we examine whether an award of indefinite duration is truly warranted under the thirteen factors—or whether a shorter, rehabilitative period is more appropriate. For the spouse seeking support, we document the need for ongoing assistance and present the case in a way that aligns with the statutory factors. In either situation, we work to present a clear, well‑supported position, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
Because indefinite alimony can be revisited if circumstances change, we also counsel clients on modification and enforcement. A substantial change in either party’s income, health, or living situation may support a petition to modify or terminate the award. We help clients understand when such a motion is viable and guide them through the procedural requirements at the James City County Circuit Court. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel focus on practical, forward‑looking strategies that protect your financial well‑being as circumstances evolve.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and serves as its Owner and Founder. A former prosecutor, he brings decades of litigation experience to family‑law matters. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), legislation that addressed certain procedural aspects of equitable distribution. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who concentrate in family law and civil litigation. Collectively, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. They handle the full range of alimony matters—from initial awards to modifications and enforcement—with a focus on achieving outcomes that are fair under the specific facts of each case.
Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA. (Links open official lawyer‑search pages.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is indefinite alimony in Virginia?
Indefinite alimony is spousal support that continues without a set termination date. It is awarded when the court finds that a spouse is unlikely to become self‑sufficient because of age, health, or a long absence from the workforce. The factors are set out in Va. Code § 20‑107.1. Even though the award is called “indefinite,” it can be modified or ended if a substantial change in circumstances occurs.
How does a Virginia court decide whether to award indefinite alimony?
The court weighs thirteen statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, the contributions of each spouse, the couple’s standard of living, and the needs and earning capacities of each party. No single factor controls, and the judge has considerable discretion. A spouse seeking indefinite support must show that the need is likely to be permanent. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can indefinite alimony be modified or terminated?
Yes. Either party may petition the James City County Circuit Court for modification if they can prove a material change in circumstances—such as a significant income change, remarriage of the recipient, or cohabitation in a relationship analogous to marriage. The moving party must demonstrate that the change was not anticipated at the time of the original order and that it warrants a revision.
Do I need a lawyer for an indefinite alimony case in James City County?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but the legal and financial issues involved in an indefinite‑alimony determination are often complex. An experienced attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, analyze the thirteen statutory factors, and present your position effectively before the court. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I bring to a consultation about indefinite alimony?
Bring any existing court orders, your most recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and retirement‑account statements, and a list of monthly living expenses. If you have a separation agreement or prenuptial agreement, bring that as well. The more complete your financial picture, the better we can assess what a fair outcome might look like in your case.
Where can I find a family law attorney near James City County who handles indefinite alimony?
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel serve clients throughout James City County from the firm’s Richmond location. We appear at the James City County Circuit Court on alimony and divorce matters. Reach our location by appointment at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By appointment only.
See also: York County Family Law Lawyer · Williamsburg Family Law Attorney · Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer
Official Virginia resources: Virginia Code § 20‑107.1 (spousal support factors) · Virginia Judicial System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder
Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York
Practicing since 1997
Last reviewed: June 2026
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.