Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach — How to Enforce or Defend Your Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse has stopped paying spousal support in Virginia Beach, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can file a show-cause motion under Va. Code § 20-107.1. With 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach, we enforce or defend contempt actions.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Spousal support contempt in Virginia Beach arises when one party willfully fails to pay court-ordered alimony. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court may hold a non-paying spouse in contempt, which can result in fines, wage garnishment, or jail time. The statute lists 13 factors the court considers when awarding or modifying spousal support. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has personally worked with Virginia family law statutes since founding the firm in 1997.
For alimony contempt specifically, Va. Code § 20-107.1 governs spousal support awards and enforcement. Unlike general family law statutes, this section provides the legal framework for contempt proceedings when a spouse fails to comply with a support order. The court must find a willful violation before imposing contempt sanctions.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors) and Virginia Beach General District Court website. These government sources provide the current legal standards for alimony contempt in Virginia Beach.
In Virginia Beach Circuit Court, alimony contempt cases follow a specific process. The court requires clear evidence of willful non-payment before issuing sanctions. Our spousal support violation lawyer Virginia Beach team knows how local judges handle these motions.
- File a show-cause motion at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B.
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $86) and serve the motion on your former spouse.
- Attend the show-cause hearing where the judge reviews evidence of non-payment.
- Present proof of the support order and payment history.
- Respond to any defenses raised, such as inability to pay.
- Receive the court’s ruling on contempt and any enforcement remedies.
In Virginia Beach, alimony contempt carries potential penalties including fines, wage garnishment, and up to 12 months in jail for willful violations.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful non-payment of spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, lien on property, attorney fees |
| Failure to appear at show-cause hearing | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Bench warrant issued |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Virginia Beach, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 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.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Looking for an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach near you? We represent clients throughout Virginia Beach and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, willful non-payment of spousal support can result in civil contempt with up to 12 months in jail. The court must find you had the ability to pay but chose not to.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid alimony in Virginia Beach?
File a show-cause motion at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B. The filing fee is approximately $86. You must serve the motion on your former spouse and attend a hearing.
What defenses are available for alimony contempt in Virginia Beach?
Common defenses include inability to pay due to job loss, disability, or changed circumstances. You may also argue that the support order was modified or that you made partial payments. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Virginia Beach can help build your defense.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Virginia Beach?
A show-cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. Contested cases with complex financial issues may take 3-6 months to resolve. The court prioritizes support enforcement matters.
Can alimony be modified if I lose my job in Virginia Beach?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on a material change in circumstances. Job loss qualifies if it is involuntary and you are actively seeking new employment.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Virginia Beach DUI Lawyer
Attorney Profile | Our Richmond Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.