If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, Virginia Beach Circuit Court can enforce support orders through wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time for willful nonpayment. Our firm has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach — What Are Your Options for Unpaid Support?
Understanding Alimony Contempt Under Virginia Law
Alimony contempt occurs when a spouse willfully fails to pay court-ordered spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, Virginia courts have broad authority to enforce support orders. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all spousal support enforcement matters. A finding of contempt can result in wage garnishment, bank account levies, property liens, or incarceration for up to 12 months per violation. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law enforcement mechanisms.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.1 (Spousal Support) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Virginia Beach General District Court — Official Court Website
How Alimony Contempt Proceedings Work in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Circuit Court requires a formal motion for contempt to initiate enforcement. The court sets a show-cause hearing where the alleged contemnor must explain nonpayment. Judges in Virginia Beach typically order wage garnishment as a first remedy before considering incarceration.
- Gather all court orders showing the spousal support obligation.
- Document each missed or partial payment with dates and amounts.
- File a Motion for Show Cause at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Attend the show-cause hearing with your attorney and evidence.
- Request specific enforcement remedies: wage garnishment, property lien, or incarceration.
- Obtain a court order for payment plan or lump-sum arrears judgment.
In Virginia Beach, willful failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt findings with serious legal consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful nonpayment of spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months per violation | Up to $2,500 per violation | None directly | Wage garnishment, property liens, bank levies, credit damage |
| Failure to appear at show-cause hearing | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Bench warrant issued, additional fines |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Alimony Contempt Cases in Virginia Beach
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Virginia Beach family law matters. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating unparalleled familiarity with Virginia family law enforcement. Our Virginia Beach family law team includes Samantha Rae Powers, who holds a J.D./M.A. from University of Florida and a Ph.D. in Communication from UCSB, with 18+ years of experience. We provide case-specific strategies for spousal support enforcement.
Virginia Beach Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The office is accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (Virginia Beach Expressway).
Alimony contempt lawyer near Virginia Beach — serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Contempt in Virginia Beach
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, Virginia Beach Circuit Court can order incarceration for up to 12 months per willful violation of a spousal support order. The court typically considers wage garnishment or property liens before jail time.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Virginia Beach?
It depends. A show-cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion at Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Contested cases with complex financial issues may take 3-6 months for final resolution.
What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt case?
You need the original spousal support order, bank statements showing missed payments, communication records (emails, texts) about nonpayment, and a detailed financial statement. Virginia Beach Circuit Court requires complete documentation.
Can alimony be modified if I cannot pay?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1 if you have experienced a material change in circumstances, such as job loss or disability. This is separate from contempt proceedings.
Does Virginia Beach have a specific process for alimony enforcement?
Yes. All enforcement actions must be filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B). The court requires a Motion for Show Cause and a financial statement. Mediation is available but not mandatory.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is used to compel compliance with the support order, with possible incarceration until payment is made. Criminal contempt punishes willful disobedience and carries fixed jail terms. Virginia Beach Circuit Court determines which applies.
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.