Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County — How to Enforce or Defend a Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse stops paying court-ordered spousal support, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can file a show-cause motion under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. You can enforce or defend against contempt for unpaid alimony with experienced legal guidance.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington 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. The court considers 13 statutory factors to determine the amount and duration of support. When a payor spouse willfully fails to comply with a support order, the recipient can file a motion for contempt. The court may impose sanctions including wage garnishment, property liens, or incarceration. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law statutes. A spousal support violation lawyer Arlington County can help you handle these proceedings.
For the official statute governing spousal support in Virginia, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms related to contempt motions, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
- Gather all court orders, payment records, and communication showing the support obligation and missed payments.
- File a motion for show-cause at the Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show-cause hearing prepared with a payment history summary and any evidence of willful nonpayment.
- Request specific remedies: wage garnishment, lump-sum payment, attorney fees, or incarceration for willful contempt.
- If you are the payor facing contempt, present evidence of changed circumstances or inability to pay.
In Arlington County, contempt for unpaid alimony carries potential incarceration up to 12 months and fines up to $2,500 for each violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful nonpayment of spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, property liens, attorney fees |
| Repeated violations | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months per violation | Up to $2,500 per violation | None directly | Possible jail time, loss of driver’s license for nonpayment of support |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s deep involvement in Virginia family law. The firm’s favorable outcome rate exceeds 93%.
Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Former prosecutor. Founded firm 1997. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Bar: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY. Mr. Sris leads the family law practice and provides strategic oversight on all alimony contempt cases in Arlington County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented 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 Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209. Accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Alimony contempt lawyer near Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 — meetings by appointment only.
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Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Arlington County?
Yes. Willful nonpayment of spousal support can result in civil contempt with up to 12 months incarceration. The court must find you had the ability to pay and chose not to. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Arlington County can help you present a defense.
How do I enforce an alimony order in Arlington County?
File a motion for show-cause at Arlington County Circuit Court. The court can issue wage garnishment, property liens, or order incarceration. You need evidence of the order, missed payments, and the payor’s ability to pay. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can prepare and file the motion.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying. Criminal contempt is punitive — it carries a fixed sentence regardless of payment. Civil contempt is more common for alimony violations. A spousal support violation lawyer Arlington County can explain which applies to your case.
Can alimony be modified if I lose my job?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support based on a material change in circumstances, such as job loss. The court will consider your ability to pay and the recipient’s needs. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Arlington County can help you file for modification before the contempt motion.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Arlington County?
A show-cause hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion. The court may issue temporary orders for wage garnishment while the case is pending. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can expedite the process.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in a nearby locality, see our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, explore our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer page or Arlington County DUI Lawyer page.
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block, Former Virginia State Trooper. Visit our Arlington Law Office Location page for directions.
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.