Can I get spousal support?

Spousal Support is one of the most complex areas in Virginia Family Law.  This is because the Courts are required to consider 13 specific factors in determining whether (and how much, and for how long) to award spousal support.  

To further complicate matters, the Courts are not required to give all factors the same (or any) weight, as long as they've considered each of them.  This means that each spousal support determination is going to be fact-dependent.  So spousal support cases outcomes are also very difficult to predict.

In the end, the length of the marriage, the relative financial position of the parties' and each party's conduct during the marriage are the main issues the Courts will consider.  The first two are the most easily quantified, but the third one is important, too.

As always, it is best to consult with an experienced Family Law attorney to see how likely you are to receive (or be obligated to pay) a spousal support award.