Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach — Enforcing Your Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, you need an alimony contempt lawyer Virginia Beach. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Virginia Beach can file a Rule to Show Cause in Virginia Beach Circuit Court to enforce the order. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach family law matters. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
What Is Alimony Contempt in Virginia?
When a court orders one spouse to pay spousal support (alimony) to the other, that order is legally binding. Failure to pay is a violation of a court order, which can lead to a finding of contempt. Contempt is a serious legal action where the court can compel payment and impose penalties on the non-paying party.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
The primary statute governing spousal support in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-107.1, which outlines the factors for awarding support. Enforcement and contempt actions are judicial powers inherent to the court to uphold its orders. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep involvement in shaping family law.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s spousal support laws, visit the Virginia Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly site). To review procedures for the local court, see the Virginia Beach Circuit Court website.
The Process for Enforcing Alimony in Virginia Beach
Enforcing a spousal support order requires specific legal steps. In Virginia Beach, all divorce and spousal support matters are handled by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. The court requires clear proof of the unpaid amount and the willful nature of the non-payment.
- Gather all evidence of missed payments, including bank statements and the divorce decree.
- Your attorney files a “Rule to Show Cause” motion with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, detailing the violation.
- The court schedules a hearing, and the non-paying spouse (the respondent) is served with the motion.
- At the hearing, both parties present evidence. If the court finds the respondent in willful contempt, it can order immediate payment, impose fines, or even sentence jail time until the arrears are paid.
- The court may also award you attorney’s fees for having to bring the enforcement action.
Potential Consequences for Unpaid Alimony
In Virginia Beach, willful failure to pay court-ordered alimony can result in a contempt finding, with penalties including wage garnishment, liens on property, fines, and potential jail time.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Mechanism | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Income Deduction Order | Wage Garnishment | Direct payment from employer |
| Contempt of Court | Rule to Show Cause | Fines, attorney’s fees, jail time |
| Judgment Lien | Recording Arrears | Lien on real property or assets |
| Intercept Tax Refund | State/Federal Offset | Capture of tax refunds |
| Suspension of Licenses | Driver’s/Professional License | Loss of driving or professional license |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Spousal Support Violation
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our firm has a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. We understand the financial and emotional urgency of enforcing a spousal support order. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 reflects a significant commitment to Virginia family law.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Documented Case Results in Virginia Beach
Our firm has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. In family law, favorable outcomes include successful enforcement of support orders through contempt motions, securing judgments for arrears, and obtaining income deduction orders to ensure future payments. Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement cases, leveraging his decades of experience and legislative background.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Alimony Contempt Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at the Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and surrounding communities. Looking for a spousal support violation lawyer Virginia Beach near you? Contact us today.
Alimony Contempt in Virginia Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my ex-spouse is found in contempt for not paying alimony?
The court can order immediate payment of all arrears, impose fines, award you attorney’s fees, and, in cases of willful refusal, sentence jail time until the amount is paid.
How long does a contempt hearing take in Virginia Beach?
It depends on the court’s docket and the complexity of the case. After filing a Rule to Show Cause, a hearing is typically scheduled within a few weeks to a few months in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Can I get my ex-spouse’s wages garnished for unpaid alimony?
Yes. The court can issue an Income Deduction Order, which mandates their employer to withhold support payments directly from their paycheck, similar to child support withholding.
What evidence do I need to prove contempt for unpaid alimony?
You need the court order requiring payment, your records (bank statements, checks) showing payments received and missed, and any communication (texts, emails) discussing the non-payment to demonstrate it was willful.
Can my ex-spouse go to jail for not paying alimony?
Yes, but typically as a last resort. A judge may use the threat or imposition of jail time to coerce payment of overdue support, often releasing the individual once the arrears are paid.
Related Pages: For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer or Virginia Beach DUI lawyer pages. For more family law information, visit our Virginia family law hub or a family law attorney in Henrico County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your alimony contempt case in Virginia Beach.