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Virginia Alimony Calculator (2026)

Under Virginia Code § 16.1‑278.17:1, the Family Courts calculate pendente lite spousal support with a set percentage formula that applies only when the parties’ combined monthly gross income does not exceed $10,000.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. · Ver esta página en español

Before taxes, from all sources (same definition as Va. child support, § 20-108.2).
Before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Code of Virginia — formula for determination of pendente lite spousal support — Va. Code § 16.1-278.17:1.

How Virginia calculates it

  • Confirm that the payor and payee’s combined monthly gross income is $10,000 or less.
  • Determine whether the spouses have minor children in common.
  • If there are no minor children, multiply the payor’s monthly gross income by 27% and the payee’s monthly gross income by 50%.
  • If there are minor children, multiply the payor’s monthly gross income by 26% and the payee’s monthly gross income by 58%.
  • Subtract the payee amount from the payor amount; if the result is negative, set the guideline support to $0.
  • If combined monthly gross income exceeds $10,000, the court sets support case by case rather than using the formula.

Worked example

In the example with no minor children, the payor earns $90,000 per year ($7,500 per month) and the payee earns $30,000 per year ($2,500 per month). Applying the 27% rate to the payor’s $7,500 yields $2,025; applying the 50% rate to the payee’s $2,500 yields $1,250; the guideline monthly support is $775.

Frequently asked questions

When does Virginia award pendente lite spousal support?

Under Va. Code § 16.1‑278.17:1, temporary support is presumed when the parties’ combined monthly gross income does not exceed $10,000; the court then applies the statutory percentage formula.

How are the percentages different if we have minor children?

If the spouses share minor children, the formula uses 26% of the payor’s monthly gross income minus 58% of the payee’s monthly gross income.

Is there a minimum amount of pendente lite support in Virginia?

The formula’s result is never below $0, and the statute does not set a statutory minimum; the court can still order a higher amount if justified.

What if our combined monthly income is more than $10,000?

When combined monthly gross income exceeds $10,000, the statutory formula does not apply and the court determines support on a case‑by‑case basis.

Does pendente lite support affect the final alimony award after divorce?

Final alimony in Virginia is discretionary and governed by Va. Code § 20‑107.1; the temporary pendente lite amount is only a presumptive figure and does not bind the court’s final decision.

Is the calculation different in Virginia Beach, Richmond or Arlington?

No. Va. Code § 16.1-278.17:1 applies statewide, so courts in Virginia Beach, Richmond, Arlington and every other county start from the same guideline. Local practice can differ in how judges weigh deviation factors and in typical negotiated outcomes, but the formula on this page is the one used across Virginia.

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StateTally. (2026). Virginia Alimony Calculator (2026). Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://statetally.com/alimony/virginia/