If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support in Chesterfield County, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesterfield County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can file a show-cause motion under Va. Code § 20-107.1. We have 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, spousal support (alimony) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, which gives the court authority to award periodic payments, lump-sum support, or a combination. When a payor spouse willfully fails to make court-ordered payments, the recipient can file a motion for contempt. The court may impose sanctions including wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time for continued noncompliance. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and has deep experience with support enforcement in Chesterfield County.
Alimony contempt specifically involves a court finding that the payor spouse had the ability to pay but willfully refused. Unlike a simple modification request, contempt proceedings require proof of willful disobedience. The court at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road) applies a clear-and-convincing evidence standard for civil contempt. A spousal support violation lawyer Chesterfield County must distinguish between inability to pay (which may warrant modification) and willful refusal (which supports contempt sanctions).
Review the official Virginia statute: Va. Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). For court procedures, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Circuit Court requires a separate affidavit of income and expenses for any contempt hearing. The court typically sets a show-cause hearing within 30-45 days of filing. Judges in the 12th Judicial District often order mediation before a contempt finding.
- File a show-cause motion at Chesterfield County Circuit Court, 9500 Courthouse Road.
- Serve the motion on the nonpaying spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the preliminary hearing where the judge sets a full evidentiary hearing date.
- Present evidence of the support order, payment history, and the payor’s ability to pay.
- If contempt is found, request wage garnishment, property liens, or other enforcement remedies.
- If the payor cannot pay, seek a modification rather than contempt to avoid sanctions.
In Chesterfield County, alimony contempt carries potential jail time, fines, and mandatory payment of arrears.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (willful nonpayment) | Civil — not criminal | Up to 12 months (coercive) | None (but must pay arrears) | None directly | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
| Criminal Contempt (willful defiance) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, possible jail |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Our attorneys handle alimony contempt cases in Chesterfield County with firsthand knowledge of local court procedures and judges.
In Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Alimony Contempt Lawyer near Chesterfield County — serving Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
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Q: Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Chesterfield County?
Yes. If the court finds you willfully refused to pay court-ordered spousal support despite having the ability to pay, you may face up to 12 months in jail for civil contempt or criminal contempt. The court must find willful disobedience by clear and convincing evidence.
Q: How long does an alimony contempt case take in Chesterfield County?
It depends. A show-cause hearing is typically set within 30-45 days of filing. A full evidentiary hearing may take 2-4 months. Complex cases involving business valuation or hidden assets can take 6-12 months to resolve.
Q: What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt case?
You need the court order establishing support, proof of nonpayment (bank statements, payment records), and evidence of the payor’s ability to pay (tax returns, pay stubs, bank accounts). Chesterfield County judges often request 12 months of financial records.
Q: Can I modify alimony instead of filing contempt?
Yes. If the payor spouse lost their job or had a significant change in income, a modification under Va. Code § 20-107.1 may be appropriate. Contempt is for willful refusal to pay, not inability to pay. A spousal support violation lawyer Chesterfield County can advise which path fits your situation.
Q: Does Virginia require a separation before filing for alimony contempt?
No. Alimony contempt is based on a court order that already exists. You do not need a new separation period. The contempt motion is filed in the same court that issued the support order — typically Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
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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.