Virginia Alimony Calculator
Spousal Support Analysis
What Is the Virginia Alimony Calculator?
The Virginia Spousal Support Calculator is a tool that estimates potential alimony payments based on state guidelines. It uses a statutory formula known as the pendente lite formula. Courts often use this formula for temporary support, though judges have wide discretion when making final decisions.
The calculator helps you:
- Estimate monthly support payments
- Understand how length of marriage impacts support duration
- See how fault grounds, like adultery, may affect eligibility
- Compare scenarios with or without minor children
How the Calculator Works
The tool asks for a few key inputs:
- Payor’s Gross Monthly Income – The higher-earning spouse’s monthly income before taxes.
- Recipient’s Gross Monthly Income – The lower-earning spouse’s monthly income before taxes.
- Length of Marriage (Years) – Total years of the marriage.
- Minor Children – Whether the couple has children under 18.
- Grounds for Fault (Adultery) – If adultery is proven, it may block spousal support.
The Formula
Virginia law sets different formulas depending on whether the couple has minor children:
- Without minor children:
- Payor’s share: 27% of their income
- Recipient’s share: 50% of their income
- Payment = (Payor’s share) – (Recipient’s share)
- With minor children:
- Payor’s share: 26% of their income
- Recipient’s share: 58% of their income
- Payment = (Payor’s share) – (Recipient’s share)
The calculator applies these multipliers, subtracts, and gives a guideline figure. If the result is less than zero, the support amount is $0.
Duration of Support
The calculator also gives a duration analysis:
- Long marriages (20+ years): Courts may award permanent or undefined support.
- Mid-length marriages: A common rule of thumb is about 50% of the marriage length. For example, an 18-year marriage could mean ~9 years of support.
- Short marriages: Duration is at the judge’s discretion.
Fault and Adultery
Virginia takes marital fault seriously.
- Recipient adultery: Can be an absolute bar to receiving alimony, unless denying support would be a manifest injustice.
- Payor adultery: May increase the likelihood or length of an award against them.
The calculator factors this in. If the recipient is at fault, it will return $0.00 as the likely result.
Why the Calculator Is Useful
- Quick estimates: Helps both payor and recipient understand possible outcomes.
- Transparency: Breaks down complex legal formulas into clear numbers.
- Preparation: Gives you an idea before talking to a lawyer.
But remember:
This tool is only a guideline.
Judges can deviate based on many factors, including health, earning capacity, lifestyle during marriage, and fairness.
Example Scenario
- Payor’s Income: $7,000/month
- Recipient’s Income: $2,000/month
- Length of Marriage: 18 years
- No Minor Children
- No Fault Alleged
Result:
- Estimated Payment: Around $1,400/month
- Duration: About 9 years (half the marriage length)