VIRGINIA Part 94

4.      What do we need to do to get alimony?

Alimony

Alimony, now often referred to as spousal support or maintenance and support, consists of periodic payments awarded to a financially dependent spouse when the couple ends their marriage.

Historically, alimony was seen as a continuation of a husband's obligation to support his wife but the law now states that alimony may be awarded to either husband or wife, depending on each one's ability to provide for his or her own needs and the ability of the other spouse to provide for them. In reality, it is rare that husbands receive alimony awards from their wives.