Henrico County alimony contempt cases under Va. Code § 20-107.1 can result in wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time for willful nonpayment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Henrico County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico 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 paying spouse fails to comply with a court order for spousal support, the receiving spouse can file a motion for contempt. Contempt proceedings in Henrico County are heard in the Circuit Court. The court has authority to enforce its orders through various remedies, including wage garnishment, property liens, and incarceration for willful noncompliance. A spousal support violation lawyer Henrico County can help you understand your rights and options under Virginia law.
For the official text of Virginia’s spousal support statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Henrico County Circuit Court procedures, visit the Henrico County General District Court website.
Henrico County Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. For contempt cases, the moving party must prove willful nonpayment by clear and convincing evidence. The court typically schedules contempt hearings within 30-60 days of filing.
- File a motion for contempt at Henrico County Circuit Court (4301 East Parham Road).
- Serve the motion on the nonpaying spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show-cause hearing with documentation of missed payments.
- Present evidence of willful nonpayment to the judge.
- Request specific remedies: wage garnishment, property lien, or incarceration.
- Obtain a court order for enforcement with payment schedule.
In Henrico County, alimony contempt carries potential incarceration up to 12 months, fines up to $2,500, wage garnishment up to 50% of disposable income, and property liens.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful nonpayment of spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
| Failure to appear at contempt hearing | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Bench warrant issued |
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+ total case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Alimony Contempt Lawyer Henrico County clients benefit from this depth of experience in family law enforcement matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Henrico 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 Richmond location is accessible from Henrico County courts via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve clients in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Looking for an alimony contempt lawyer near Henrico County? We represent clients throughout the Richmond metropolitan area.
Neighborhoods served: Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, Mechanicsville (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 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 Henrico County?
Yes. Willful nonpayment of spousal support can result in civil contempt with up to 12 months incarceration. The court must find that you had the ability to pay and chose not to. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Henrico County can help you avoid jail by demonstrating inability to pay or negotiating a payment plan.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid alimony in Henrico County?
File a motion for contempt at Henrico County Circuit Court (4301 East Parham Road). The filing fee is approximately $86. You must serve the motion on the nonpaying spouse. The court will schedule a show-cause hearing typically within 30-60 days. A spousal support violation lawyer Henrico County can handle the filing and service for you.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying the owed support. Criminal contempt is punitive — it punishes past willful disobedience of a court order. Civil contempt carries no fixed sentence; you are released once you comply. Criminal contempt carries up to 12 months incarceration regardless of payment.
Can alimony be modified if I lose my job in Henrico County?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support based on a material change in circumstances, such as job loss. The modification is retroactive only to the date of filing. You must continue paying the current amount until the court modifies the order. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Henrico County can help you file for modification before arrears accumulate.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Henrico County?
A contempt hearing is typically scheduled within 30-60 days of filing the motion. If the court finds contempt, enforcement remedies (wage garnishment, property lien) can be implemented within 2-4 weeks. Complex cases with disputes over ability to pay may take 3-6 months for resolution.