If you are a homemaker who is ready to move on from an unhealthy marriage, divorce can be a great relief. This may be especially true if your spouse is abusive. However, you might still worry about your financial security in the next chapter of your life since you haven’t been earning an income for some time.
Might evidence of domestic violence help you secure spousal support? Virginia follows an equitable distribution for the division of marital property. This means that the family court will consider unique elements of your marriage, including domestic violence, when dividing marital property.
What is spousal support?
Spousal support is the financial assistance homemakers like you can expect in the aftermath of a divorce. If you were in a high-asset marriage, alimony orders can help you to maintain the standard of life you got used to during the marriage. The longer a marriage was, the more likely a financially dependent spouse will qualify for alimony.
The age difference between you and your breadwinner spouse is another factor that will determine your eligibility for spousal support. Moreover, you can expect the judge to consider you and your spouse’s mental conditions and your non-monetary contributions to the marriage.
As a homemaker in high-asset marriages, your contributions most likely included managing the household and raising children, which can be challenging to quantify financially. However, these contributions are crucial and recognized by the courts as integral to the marriage.
How domestic violence can influence alimony allocation
Old Dominion law explicitly includes consideration of any instances of domestic violence when deciding on spousal support. State law also acknowledges that you may have suffered severe physical and psychological effects due to the domestic violence you suffered during your marriage. For you as a homemaker who may already face challenges re-entering the workforce, this impact can be even more pronounced.
If you’re a homemaker who is anticipating divorce, the domestic violence you may have endured during the marriage may qualify you for spousal support. The courts recognize the profound impact that abuse can have on a victim’s financial independence and overall well-being. By working with a trusted legal team to effectively demonstrate the presence of domestic violence in your marriage, you can make a compelling case for receiving the financial support necessary to rebuild your life.