Under the law, the judge must consider evidence of the amount of income to be generated by any monetary award prior to awarding alimony. The criteria to be applied by the judge in alimony cases is set forth in the Virginia code. They include the following:
Length of the marriage.
Education and training.
Age and health.
Respective financial positions.
Need for support.
Ability to pay.
Contributions to the family during marriage.
Prospects of the parties.
Division of marital property.
Standard of living during the marriage.