Can alimony be awarded if the couple was never married?

In the state of Virginia, alimony can be awarded to unmarried couples under certain circumstances. This form of legal financial support is known as “palimony.” Palimony is similar to alimony, but it is available to couples who have never been married. The state’s laws require an unmarried couple to have lived together in a “marriage-like” relationship in order for the courts to consider them for palimony. The length of the relationship and any explicit or implied agreements between them must also be established before palimony can be awarded. When determining the amount of palimony to be paid, the court considers factors similar to those for alimony awards. These include each partner’s income, ability to pay, and their contributions to the relationship. Additionally, the court looks at current and future needs of both parties. This includes both financial needs and any emotional or lifestyle needs that have been established over the course of the relationship. Palimony awards can be just as extensive as regular alimony, and can include a range of payments from childcare to housing costs. In Virginia, palimony awards are typically intended to be temporary until the person without the financial resources can become financially independent. Overall, palimony is a way for unmarried couples in Virginia to gain the same financial support that married couples would receive in the event of a breakup. It is an important legal tool that allows unmarried couples to protect themselves as much as possible, and provides recourse in the event that the relationship ends.

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Can alimony be awarded if the couple was never married?

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