If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support in Roanoke County, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Roanoke County can file a show-cause motion at the Roanoke County Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 documented case results in the Roanoke Valley with a 94% favorable outcome rate. You do not have to accept unpaid support.
Virginia Spousal Support Contempt Law
Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, a spouse who willfully fails to pay court-ordered spousal support may be held in contempt of court. Contempt proceedings allow the court to impose sanctions including wage garnishment, property liens, and jail time. The statute provides 13 factors the court considers when determining spousal support amounts and modifications. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving the firm unique insight into how Virginia courts handle financial obligations between spouses. A spousal support violation lawyer Roanoke County can help you enforce your order.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Roanoke County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.1 (Spousal Support Factors) — Official Virginia General Assembly statute governing spousal support determinations and enforcement.
- Roanoke County General District Court — Official court website for Roanoke County, including filing information and court hours.
How Alimony Contempt Works in Roanoke County
Roanoke County Circuit Court handles all spousal support contempt motions. The court requires clear evidence of willful non-payment before issuing sanctions. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Roanoke County must file a show-cause motion and present proof of the support order and payment history.
- Gather your divorce decree or spousal support order showing the payment terms.
- Document all missed or partial payments with bank records and communication logs.
- File a show-cause motion at the Roanoke County Circuit Court, 305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153.
- Attend the contempt hearing where the court determines if the non-payment was willful.
- If contempt is found, the court may order wage garnishment, property liens, or other enforcement remedies.
In Roanoke County, willful failure to pay spousal support can result in contempt findings with serious legal consequences.
| 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, property liens, credit damage |
| Repeated willful non-payment | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Jail time, criminal record, loss of professional license |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Alimony Contempt Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects its commitment to clients across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers leads family law matters for Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in Virginia, bringing extensive courtroom experience and a Ph.D.-level understanding of communication dynamics to complex family disputes.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also provides strategic oversight on all Virginia family law cases. His background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 give the firm a unique advantage in spousal support matters.
Case Results in Roanoke County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 total documented case results across all practice areas in Roanoke County, with a 94% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Roanoke County Location
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Roanoke County courts, approximately 90 miles south via I-81. The court is located at 305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153, accessible from I-81, I-581, Route 11, Route 419, and Route 220.
Looking for an alimony contempt lawyer near Roanoke County? We serve Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Contempt in Roanoke County
Can I go to jail for not paying spousal support in Roanoke County?
Yes. Willful failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in civil contempt with up to 12 months incarceration under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court must find the non-payment was willful before imposing jail time.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Roanoke County?
It depends. A show-cause motion typically gets a hearing within 21-60 days of filing at the Roanoke County Circuit Court. Contested cases with complex financial evidence may take 3-6 months to resolve fully.
What evidence do I need for a spousal support contempt case?
You need your divorce decree or support order, bank statements showing missed payments, communication records (emails, texts) about the missed payments, and proof of the other party’s ability to pay.
Can a spousal support violation lawyer help if my ex lives outside Virginia?
Yes. Virginia courts can enforce spousal support orders against out-of-state payors through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). Your lawyer can coordinate with courts in the other state.
Is mediation required before filing a contempt motion in Roanoke County?
No. Mediation is not mandatory before filing a show-cause motion for spousal support contempt in Roanoke County. However, the court may order mediation if both parties agree to attempt resolution first.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Hub page for all Virginia family law matters.
- Shenandoah County Family Law Lawyer — Nearby locality with similar court procedures.
- Roanoke County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Related practice area in the same locality.
