If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support in Poquoson, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Poquoson from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, willful nonpayment can lead to jail time. We have 2 documented case results in Poquoson. Call (888) 437-7747 today.
What Is Alimony Contempt Under Virginia Law?
Last verified: April 2026 | Poquoson General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony contempt occurs when a spouse willfully disobeys a court order to pay spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court can hold the non-paying spouse in contempt, which may result in fines, wage garnishment, or jail time. A spousal support violation lawyer Poquoson can file a motion for contempt to enforce the order. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute).
For more information, review the Virginia spousal support statute (Va. Code § 20-107.1) and the Poquoson General District Court website.
How a Poquoson Alimony Contempt Case Works
In Poquoson Circuit Court, the judge will review the payment history and the non-paying spouse’s ability to pay. The court may order a show cause hearing.
- Document Nonpayment: Gather bank statements, payment records, and the divorce decree showing the support order.
- File a Motion for Contempt: Your attorney files a motion with Poquoson Circuit Court at 500 City Hall Avenue.
- Serve the Non-Paying Spouse: The court issues a show cause order requiring the spouse to appear.
- Attend the Hearing: The judge hears evidence and determines if contempt occurred.
- Court Orders Enforcement: The judge may order wage garnishment, lump-sum payment, or jail time.
In Poquoson, willful failure to pay spousal support can result in civil or criminal contempt penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful nonpayment of spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months (coercive) | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
| Criminal contempt (repeated willful violation) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, loss of professional license |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Alimony Contempt Case?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). Firm-wide, we have achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) also oversees complex family law matters. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Case Results in Poquoson
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 total documented case results across all practice areas in Poquoson, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Poquoson Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Poquoson courts (500 City Hall Avenue), accessible via Route 171 (Victory Blvd) and Route 134. We are an alimony contempt lawyer near Poquoson serving the Poquoson community.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Contempt in Poquoson
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Poquoson?
Yes. Willful failure to pay spousal support can result in civil contempt with up to 12 months coercive incarceration. Criminal contempt carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid alimony in Poquoson?
Your attorney files a motion for contempt with Poquoson Circuit Court at 500 City Hall Avenue. The court issues a show cause order requiring the non-paying spouse to appear and explain the nonpayment.
What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt case?
You need the divorce decree showing the support order, bank statements, payment records, and any communication about missed payments. A detailed accounting of all missed payments is critical.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Poquoson?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. The entire contempt case, including enforcement, may take 2-4 months.
Can alimony be enforced through wage garnishment in Virginia?
Yes. The court can order wage garnishment to collect unpaid spousal support. This is a common enforcement remedy in Poquoson Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.