In Chesapeake, alimony contempt proceedings under Va. Code § 20-107.1 can result in wage garnishment, liens, or jail time for willful nonpayment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake (100% favorable outcome rate). An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake can help enforce or defend spousal support orders. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony contempt in Virginia occurs when a spouse willfully fails to comply with a court-ordered spousal support obligation. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court may find a party in contempt for nonpayment, which can lead to enforcement actions including wage garnishment, property liens, suspension of driver’s licenses, and incarceration. The Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles both enforcement petitions and defense against contempt allegations. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law.
For the official statute governing spousal support in Virginia, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Chesapeake court procedures, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all spousal support contempt matters. The court requires clear evidence of willful nonpayment — inability to pay due to job loss or medical emergency is a valid defense. Prosecutors in Chesapeake routinely request wage garnishment as the first enforcement step before seeking incarceration.
- File a motion for show cause or rule to show cause at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Serve the opposing party with the motion and supporting affidavit at least 21 days before the hearing.
- Prepare financial documentation including pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements for the past 12 months.
- Attend the show-cause hearing where the judge determines whether willful nonpayment occurred.
- If contempt is found, the court may order wage garnishment, property liens, or a payment plan.
- If contempt is not found, the case may be dismissed or the support order may be modified.
In Chesapeake, alimony contempt carries potential wage garnishment, property liens, and up to 12 months in jail for willful nonpayment under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful nonpayment of spousal support | Civil contempt (court discretion) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
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 Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Chesapeake, the firm has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. The spousal support violation lawyer Chesapeake team handles contempt enforcement and defense with a case-specific approach.
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. The contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Chesapeake team serves Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Chesapeake?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, willful nonpayment of spousal support can result in civil contempt with up to 12 months in jail. The court must find that you had the ability to pay and willfully chose not to. Inability to pay due to job loss or medical emergency is a valid defense.
How do I enforce an alimony order in Chesapeake?
File a motion for show cause at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive). The court will schedule a hearing within 21-45 days. You must serve the opposing party with the motion and supporting financial documentation. The court may order wage garnishment, property liens, or a payment plan.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is the most common type for alimony nonpayment. It is coercive — the court orders compliance (like wage garnishment) to enforce the support order. Criminal contempt requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of willful disobedience and carries potential jail time. Most Chesapeake cases are civil contempt.
Can alimony arrears be modified in Chesapeake?
No. Under Virginia law, past-due spousal support (arrears) that have already accrued cannot be retroactively modified. However, the court can modify future support obligations if there is a material change in circumstances. A spousal support violation lawyer Chesapeake can help you seek modification of future payments.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Chesapeake?
A show-cause hearing is typically set within 21-45 days of filing the motion. The entire contempt case, including any appeals, usually resolves within 3-6 months. Complex cases involving multiple financial documents or disputes over ability to pay may take 6-12 months.
What defenses are available for alimony contempt in Chesapeake?
Common defenses include: inability to pay due to job loss, medical emergency, or disability; the support order was modified or terminated; the other party waived payment; or the nonpayment was not willful. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake can evaluate which defenses apply to your situation.
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.