Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach — How to Enforce or Defend Your Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse has stopped paying spousal support, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach can help. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court can hold a non-paying spouse in contempt. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Call (888) 437-7747 today.
An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach helps enforce or defend spousal support orders under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
What Is Alimony Contempt Under Virginia Law?
Alimony contempt occurs when a spouse willfully fails to pay court-ordered spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court may find a non-paying spouse in civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt aims to compel compliance through fines or jail until payment is made. Criminal contempt punishes past violations. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all alimony contempt proceedings. A spousal support violation lawyer Virginia Beach can explain the difference between civil and criminal contempt and which applies to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony contempt is distinct from child support contempt. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court considers 13 factors when determining spousal support amounts. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Virginia Beach must prove the non-paying spouse had the ability to pay but willfully refused. The burden of proof is clear and convincing evidence for civil contempt, and beyond a reasonable doubt for criminal contempt.
Official Virginia Law and Court Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.1 (Spousal Support) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Virginia Beach General District Court — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: How Alimony Contempt Works in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach Circuit Court, judges expect a detailed affidavit of support arrearage before issuing a show cause order. The court typically sets a hearing within 21-60 days of filing a motion for contempt.
Prosecutors in Virginia Beach often recommend a payment plan before seeking jail time for first-time contempt. Your attorney can negotiate a purge amount to avoid incarceration.
- Step 1: Gather all payment records, bank statements, and communication showing missed or partial spousal support payments.
- Step 2: File a motion for contempt with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B.
- Step 3: Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Step 4: Attend the show cause hearing where the court determines if contempt occurred.
- Step 5: If contempt is found, the court may order payment of arrears, attorney fees, or jail time.
- Step 6: File a wage withholding order with the court to ensure future payments are deducted automatically.
In Virginia Beach, alimony contempt carries potential jail time, fines, and mandatory payment of arrears with interest.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (Failure to Pay) | Civil | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | None (but may owe arrears + interest) | None | Wage garnishment; lien on property; attorney fees awarded |
| Criminal Contempt (Willful Refusal) | Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; loss of professional license; deportation risk (non-citizens) |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Virginia Beach, we have 8 documented case results with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, has a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in financial cases involving business income, self-employment, or complex asset structures. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Location
Distance: Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Near Me: Looking for an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach near the Oceanfront or Town Center? We serve all of Virginia Beach.
Neighborhoods Served: Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
NAP: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Contempt in Virginia Beach
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court can hold you in criminal contempt for willful non-payment, carrying up to 12 months in jail. Civil contempt can also result in jail time, but you can be released by paying the arrears.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid alimony in Virginia Beach?
File a motion for contempt at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B. The filing fee is approximately $86. You must serve the motion on the other party through sheriff service ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100).
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt aims to compel payment — you can avoid jail by paying the arrears. Criminal contempt punishes past willful refusal and results in a criminal record. The burden of proof is higher for criminal contempt (beyond a reasonable doubt).
Can alimony arrears be modified or forgiven in Virginia?
No. Under Virginia law, alimony arrears that have vested cannot be modified retroactively. The court can only modify future payments. However, the court may set a payment plan for arrears to avoid jail time.
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. If the case involves complex financial issues, a commissioner in chancery may be appointed, adding 60-90 days to the timeline.
What defenses are available for alimony contempt in Virginia?
Common defenses include inability to pay due to job loss, disability, or retirement; payment in full; or modification of the support order. The court will examine your financial circumstances at the time of non-payment.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.