Virginia temporary spousal support
How Virginia calculates presumptive temporary spousal support.
Code of Virginia §20-103 creates a presumptive pendente lite formula when the spouses' combined monthly gross income does not exceed $10,000. If the spouses have minor children in common, the amount is 26% of the payer's monthly gross income minus 58% of the recipient's monthly gross income. If they do not have minor children in common, the percentages are 27% and 50%. [1]
With minor children in common: 26% of payer gross income − 58% of recipient gross income.
Without minor children in common: 27% of payer gross income − 50% of recipient gross income. A court may deviate from the presumptive amount for good cause. [1]
Final Virginia spousal support
Virginia does not use the temporary formula to calculate final spousal support.
Section 20-107.1 allows periodic support for a defined or undefined duration, a lump sum, or a combination. When deciding the nature, amount, and duration of final support, the court considers the spouses' needs and resources, marital standard of living, marriage duration, age and health, family circumstances, contributions, property, earning capacity, education and training, career and parenting decisions, tax consequences, and other equitable factors. [2]
The statute for temporary support specifically says a pendente lite order has no presumptive effect on the final decision. This calculator therefore does not reuse the temporary percentage formula as a final alimony estimate. [1][2]
Questions about Virginia spousal support calculations.
Does the Virginia temporary formula apply at every income level?
No. The statutory presumptive formula applies only when the spouses' combined monthly gross income does not exceed $10,000. Above that amount, this calculator does not invent a percentage formula. [1]
Can a Virginia judge change the temporary formula result?
Yes. Section 20-103 allows the court to deviate from the presumptive amount for good cause based on relevant evidence about the spouses' current financial circumstances and other permitted considerations. [1]
Does the temporary amount predict final Virginia alimony?
No. Virginia law says the temporary support order has no presumptive effect on final support. Final support is decided under §20-107.1 and its factors. [1][2]
Virginia spousal support sources and calculator limits
- 01Code of Virginia §20-103, temporary spousal support
- 02Code of Virginia §20-107.1, final spousal support
Public-source check: September 6, 2026. Current calculator rules release: 0.18.0. This calculator does not decide final support, calculate child support, or determine statutory gross income.