Financial support provided from one spouse to another following a marital separation or dissolution in the Commonwealth of Virginia is a complex legal matter. The award of such support, and the amount and duration thereof, are determined by statutory factors considered by the court. A recipient spouse may receive periodic payments to assist in maintaining a reasonable standard of living post-divorce, particularly if there is a significant disparity in earning capacity between the parties. For instance, a spouse who sacrificed career opportunities to raise children during the marriage may be awarded support to allow them to become self-sufficient.
This type of post-marital support addresses economic imbalances created during the marriage and mitigates potential financial hardships arising from the severance of the marital union. Historically, it served to protect women who often lacked independent financial resources. While gender is no longer a determining factor, the concept remains a vital mechanism for ensuring a fairer outcome in divorce proceedings, especially when one party has demonstrably contributed to the other’s professional advancement or has been economically disadvantaged by the marriage. Awards, if granted, can be temporary, rehabilitative, or in some rare circumstances, permanent.
