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Berkeley County Alimony Lawyer

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At Sutton & Janelle, PLLC, we have an exceptional track record of success when it comes to helping our clients through the many aspects of divorce. With more than 70+ years of collective experience, our Berkeley County attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of the West Virginia legal system to provide the legal assistance necessary to navigate through any complications you might encounter in your case. We have tried hundreds of spousal support matters to conclusion, and resolved even more through alternative settlement means.

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What Is Spousal Support? 

Spousal support payment

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a payment made by one spouse to the other in order to help the recipient spouse avoid financial hardship. 

Whether the amount is determined through settlement, mediation or litigation, having an experienced and skilled Martinsburg alimony attorney on your side can help you obtain the outcome you desire.

Types of Spousal Support in West Virginia Include:


  • Temporary spousal support – Payments made during the divorce process
  • Permanent spousal support – Payments which lasts as long as possible for the recipient spouse to maintain support for himself or herself
  • Rehabilitative spouse support – Provides financial assistance for the recipient spouse to get back to work
  • Spousal support in gross – A set amount of payments for a determined period of time

What Is Alimony Based On?

Spousal support is determined based on the needs of the recipient spouse and the paying spouse’s financial capability to provide support, as well as a myriad of factors from the marriage. Whether or not one spouse was at fault for causing the end of the marriage, receiving alimony doesn’t necessarily involve merit or punishment. Each case is unique, and there is no statewide guideline or formula. Having experienced trial counsel in Berkeley County can be critically important to the outcome.

The Factors for Spousal Support in West Virginia Include the Following:


  • Length of the marriage
  • Amount of time the spouses lived together during the marriage
  • Each spouse’s income and other consistent earnings
  • The earning capability of each spouse based on education, skills, experience, amount of time absent from working and care for children
  • Each spouse’s educational qualifications
  • If a spouse sacrificed education or employment opportunities during marriage
  • Division of marital property
  • Ages, mental and emotional conditions of both spouses
  • Standard of living during marriage
  • The likelihood that the recipient spouse can increase earning capacity with more education or training
  • Expense of obtaining additional education
  • Any contribution made by a spouse to the education or career of the other
  • Costs of minor children’s education
  • Costs of health care
  • Tax consequences of spouse support payments
  • Financial needs of each spouse
  • Feasibility of working outside the home, if the receiving spouse has custody of minor children
  • Any legal obligations
  • Any costs and care related with a child’s disabilities

Let Us Start Your Case Today

Our Berkeley County alimony attorneys understand what it takes to get the results you want. We are ready to conduct a thorough assessment of your unique situation in order to determine the best course of action for you.

Contact us and request a case evaluation today with our spousal support lawyers in Berkeley County, WV.

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