When does the payment of spousal support end in Virginia? This is a common question among divorcing couples.

Length of Time for Spousal Support

Spousal support, whether court ordered or agreed to by the spouses with the help of a Virginia spousal support lawyer, can be paid in a lump sum or periodic payments for a set number of years or an unspecified period of time.

A spouse has a better chance to receive spousal support without a defined duration if the marriage lasted for many years, the spouse seeking support is nearing or at retirement age, or unable to support him or herself. There are three principal types of spousal support awarded in Virginia that specifies when the payment of spousal support ends:

• Periodic payments for an undefined duration. This is also known as indefinite spousal support, usually paid on a monthly basis.
• Periodic payments for a defined duration. Also referred to as rehabilitative spousal support, this enables one of the divorcing spouses who earns less financially to pay for education and get on their feet again. It has set payment intervals and a designated end date.
• Lump sum award. This type of support is due when the court awards it. It can be paid all at once or in installments, but the total amount is known.

The court can make an award based on one of these three types of support, or a combination of two or more of these types. However, if spousal support was not sought in the divorce, it cannot be sought after the divorce is granted, unless reserved by the party seeking it. Contact the spousal support attorneys at Select Law Partners for help with your case today.