Neal Caffrey

Virginia

Virginia Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

Virginia Alimony Calculator

Spousal Support Analysis

Guideline Monthly Payment
Factor & Duration Analysis
This tool uses Virginia’s pendente lite formula and is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. The final award and duration are discretionary. Adultery can be an absolute bar to receiving support. Consult a qualified VA attorney.

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:

  1. Payor’s Gross Monthly Income – The higher-earning spouse’s monthly income before taxes.
  2. Recipient’s Gross Monthly Income – The lower-earning spouse’s monthly income before taxes.
  3. Length of Marriage (Years) – Total years of the marriage.
  4. Minor Children – Whether the couple has children under 18.
  5. 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)

Explore Other States’ Alimony Calculators