In Augusta County, spousal support violations under Va. Code § 20-107.1 can lead to contempt proceedings with serious penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Augusta County can help you enforce your support order.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Spousal support, also called alimony, is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1 in Virginia. When a former spouse fails to make court-ordered support payments, the recipient can file a motion for contempt. The court must find that the payor had the ability to pay and willfully failed to do so. A spousal support violation lawyer Augusta County can guide you through this process. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law experience.
For the official statute on spousal support, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Augusta County General District Court website.
- File a motion for show cause at the Augusta County General District Court, 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show-cause hearing with evidence of missed payments and the payor’s ability to pay.
- The court determines if contempt occurred and may order payment plans, wage garnishment, or jail time.
- If the court finds contempt, it can also award attorney fees to the prevailing party.
- Appeal any adverse ruling to the Augusta County Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Augusta County, contempt for unpaid alimony can result in jail time, fines, and wage garnishment under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | Civil | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, bank levy, lien on property |
| Criminal Contempt | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, loss of professional license |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has been representing clients since 1997. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts spousal support determinations. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law cases. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
In Augusta County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ 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 Shenandoah/Woodstock Location is approximately 45 minutes from the Augusta County General District Court, accessible via I-81 and Route 250.
Looking for a contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Augusta County near Staunton or Waynesboro? We serve clients throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
We serve the following communities: Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, Churchville.
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
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Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Augusta County?
Yes. If the court finds you in civil contempt for willfully failing to pay spousal support, you can face up to 12 months in jail. The court must find you had the ability to pay and chose not to. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Augusta County can help you avoid incarceration.
How do I enforce an alimony order in Augusta County?
File a motion for show cause at the Augusta County General District Court. The court will set a hearing where the non-paying spouse must explain why they should not be held in contempt. If the court finds contempt, it can order wage garnishment, bank levy, or jail time.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is coercive — the court orders you to pay or face jail until you comply. Criminal contempt is punitive — it carries a criminal record and up to 12 months in jail. Both can result from unpaid alimony. A spousal support violation lawyer Augusta County can explain the distinction.
Can alimony be modified if I lose my job?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1 if you have a material change in circumstances, such as job loss. The court will consider your ability to pay and the recipient’s needs. You must act promptly — back support cannot be modified retroactively.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Augusta County?
It depends. A show-cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. If the case is complex, involving financial discovery or multiple hearings, it can take 3-6 months. Augusta County General District Court handles these matters efficiently.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.