Can alimony be awarded based on need after a long-term marriage?

Yes, alimony can be awarded based on need after a long-term marriage in Virginia. According to Virginia law, courts may award alimony – also known as spousal support or maintenance – when there is a need for a spouse who is able to pay. In these cases, the court will take into consideration the extent of the marriage, including its length, and consider a variety of factors to decide if alimony is necessary. When a court is determining the length of alimony that should be awarded for a long-term marriage, the court may consider factors such as each spouse’s income and earning potential, the life that the spouses had established and reasonably anticipated, the age, physical and mental health of each spouse, any parenting responsibilities that might be due to either spouse, and any tax consequences of the alimony. If the court finds that alimony is necessary, it may award an amount that is "just and reasonable" in light of all of the factors mentioned above. Alimony may be awarded on a temporary, permanent, or long-term basis depending on the need of the receiving spouse. In any case, the court may review and modify the amount of alimony if necessary to ensure that the receiving spouse is provided with the financial support necessary to maintain the lifestyle established and enjoyed during the marriage.

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Can alimony be awarded based on need after a long-term marriage?

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