Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County — Enforcing Your Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered alimony in Arlington County, you need an experienced alimony contempt lawyer Arlington County. The Arlington County Circuit Court can hold a payor in contempt under Va. Code § 20-107.3 for unpaid spousal support, imposing fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing support orders.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
When a court orders spousal support (alimony) in Virginia, it is a legally binding obligation. Failure to pay is not merely a private dispute; it is a violation of a court order. The legal mechanism to address this is a contempt proceeding. An alimony contempt lawyer Arlington County files a “Rule to Show Cause” petition with the Arlington County Circuit Court, asking the judge to find the non-paying party in contempt and to enforce the order through available remedies.
The primary statute governing spousal support enforcement in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which includes provisions for the enforcement of support decrees. The court’s power to hold individuals in contempt for non-payment is a critical tool to ensure compliance and provide relief to supported spouses.
- Gather all evidence of missed payments, including bank statements, canceled checks (or lack thereof), and any communication about the non-payment.
- Your alimony contempt lawyer Arlington County will draft and file a “Rule to Show Cause” petition with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk.
- The court will schedule a hearing and serve the non-paying party with the petition, requiring them to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt.
- At the hearing, your attorney will present evidence of the violation and the other party’s ability to pay.
- The judge may order immediate payment, wage garnishment, a purge payment to avoid jail, or other enforcement actions.
In Arlington County, contempt for unpaid alimony can result in the court imposing wage garnishment, seizing assets, charging fines, or ordering jail time until the overdue amount (the “purge”) is paid.
| Remedy | Description | Court Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Wage Garnishment | Court order directing employer to withhold support from paycheck. | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Income Deduction Order | Similar to garnishment, often issued automatically with the support order. | Va. Code § 20-79.1 et seq. |
| Contempt of Court | Finding that can lead to fines, attorney’s fees, or jail until a “purge” payment is made. | Court’s inherent contempt power |
| Liens & Asset Seizure | Placing a lien on property or seizing bank accounts or tax refunds. | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex family law enforcement matters. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the state’s family law framework. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. For a spousal support violation lawyer Arlington County, our team understands the procedural nuances of the Arlington County Circuit Court.
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
Our firm has achieved documented results in Arlington County courts. In one case, we successfully pursued contempt actions skilled to the full recovery of overdue spousal support for a client, including an award of attorney’s fees. Another case involved securing a wage garnishment order against a non-compliant payor who had relocated out of state. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, provides oversight on complex enforcement strategies.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County Circuit Court. We are a trusted alimony contempt lawyer Arlington County for communities including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need a contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Arlington County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
FAQs: Alimony Contempt in Arlington County
What happens if my ex-spouse is found in contempt for not paying alimony in Arlington County?
The judge can order immediate payment, wage garnishment, pay your attorney’s fees, impose fines, or order jail time until a “purge” payment is made to clear the contempt. The specific remedy depends on the amount owed and the payor’s circumstances.
How long does a contempt proceeding for unpaid alimony take in Arlington County?
It depends on the court’s docket. After filing a Rule to Show Cause, a hearing is typically scheduled within 4 to 8 weeks. If the matter is contested or requires discovery, it can take several months to reach a final resolution and enforcement.
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid if I win a contempt case for unpaid spousal support?
Yes. Virginia courts often award attorney’s fees to the prevailing party in contempt actions for unpaid support, as the non-paying party’s violation necessitated the legal action. Your petition should specifically request fee reimbursement.
What evidence do I need for a contempt case against my ex for not paying alimony?
You need the original support order, proof of missed payments (bank statements, payment logs), evidence of the payor’s ability to pay (pay stubs, tax returns), and any relevant communications about the non-payment. Documentation is critical.
Can alimony be enforced if the paying spouse moves out of Virginia?
Yes. Through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), Virginia courts can enforce orders against payors in other states. We coordinate with local authorities in the other state to initiate income withholding or other enforcement actions.
For more information on Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website. To learn about Arlington County court procedures, see the Arlington County Circuit Court website.
If you are dealing with a Virginia family law matter, our firm can help. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria. For other legal needs in Arlington, consider our criminal defense or DUI defense services.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.