Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Options?
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can help you enforce the order. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court can hold a non-paying spouse in contempt. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony contempt in Virginia occurs when a spouse willfully fails to pay spousal support as ordered by the court. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court has authority to enforce its own orders through contempt proceedings. If you are owed back spousal support, you can file a motion for contempt in Arlington County Circuit Court. The court may order the non-paying spouse to pay the arrears, face fines, or even serve jail time for willful non-compliance. A spousal support violation lawyer Arlington County can guide you through this process.
For the official statute governing spousal support and contempt in Virginia, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing requirements, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
- Step 1: Gather Evidence. Collect bank statements, payment records, and any communication showing missed payments.
- Step 2: File a Motion for Contempt. File with the Arlington County Circuit Court, including a detailed affidavit of arrears.
- Step 3: Serve the Motion. Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the motion to the non-paying spouse.
- Step 4: Attend the Show-Cause Hearing. Present your evidence to the judge. The non-paying spouse must explain why they should not be held in contempt.
- Step 5: Obtain a Court Order. If the court finds contempt, it can order payment of arrears, attorney fees, and potentially jail time.
In Arlington County, willful failure to pay spousal support can result in contempt of court, with penalties including fines, payment of arrears, and up to 12 months in jail.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful Failure to Pay Spousal Support | Civil Contempt / Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None specific | Wage garnishment, lien on property, attorney fees awarded to the other party |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law experience. Our team includes attorneys with former prosecutor and law enforcement backgrounds, providing a strategic advantage in contempt cases.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Distance: Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Near-Me: Alimony contempt lawyer near Arlington County.
Neighborhoods Served: Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
NAP: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250. By appointment only.
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Arlington County?
Yes. If the court finds you in willful contempt for failing to pay spousal support, you can face up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court must find that you had the ability to pay and chose not to.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid alimony in Arlington County?
You file a motion for contempt at the Arlington County Circuit Court. Include a detailed affidavit showing the missed payments and evidence of the other party’s ability to pay. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Arlington County can prepare and file this motion for you.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying the arrears. Criminal contempt is punitive — you face jail time regardless of payment. Virginia courts typically use civil contempt for alimony enforcement, but can escalate to criminal contempt for repeated violations.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Arlington County?
It depends. A show-cause hearing can be scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion. If the case is contested, it may take 3-6 months for a full evidentiary hearing. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can help expedite the process.
Can I get attorney fees if I win an alimony contempt case?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court can award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in a contempt proceeding. This is common when the non-paying spouse is found in willful contempt.
Internal Links:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Arlington County
- DUI Lawyer Arlington County
- Attorney Profile: Bryan Block
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.