Is alimony awarded in all divorces?

No, alimony is not awarded in all divorces in Virginia. In Virginia, alimony is discretionary, meaning that a court will decide if it is appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Generally, alimony is awarded to one spouse when the other spouse has a higher income, is better educated, or has career prospects that make it easier for them to maintain their standard of living. Alimony can also be awarded in cases where the marriage has lasted for a long time and the spouse seeking alimony is unable to support themselves adequately. In order for the court to consider awarding alimony, the petitioner must prove that they need financial assistance to maintain the same standard of living enjoyed during the marriage. The court looks at a number of factors, such as the length of the marriage, the income and earning capacity of each spouse, their education levels, and the contributions made by each spouse to the marriage. The court may also consider other factors, such as the ability of the spouse seeking alimony to become self-supporting, the health and age of the spouses, the parenting arrangements, the standard of living during the marriage, and the tax implications of awarding alimony. It is important to keep in mind that alimony is a legal right and that it should be pursued if you believe you are entitled.

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