Alimony Contempt Lawyer Prince George County — How to Enforce Your Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse stops paying court-ordered spousal support, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Prince George County can file a show-cause motion at Prince George County Circuit Court. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court can hold the payor in contempt, impose jail time, or garnish wages. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 7 documented case results in Prince George County. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Spousal support contempt in Virginia occurs when a payor willfully fails to comply with a court order for alimony or spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court has authority to enforce its own orders through contempt proceedings. A spousal support violation lawyer Prince George County can help you file a motion for contempt, which asks the judge to find the non-paying spouse in civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt is coercive — the payor can purge the contempt by paying the arrears. Criminal contempt is punitive and can result in jail time. The Prince George County Circuit Court at 6601 Courts Drive handles all spousal support enforcement matters.
For the full text of Virginia’s spousal support statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Prince George County General District Court website.
- Gather all court orders showing the spousal support obligation.
- Document every missed or partial payment with dates and amounts.
- File a motion for show cause at Prince George County Circuit Court.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse by sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show-cause hearing prepared with payment records.
- Request a wage garnishment or income withholding order if the court finds contempt.
In Prince George County, contempt for unpaid spousal support 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 (unpaid support) | Civil — coercive | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | None | None | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
| Criminal Contempt (willful violation) | Criminal — punitive | 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. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm’s favorable outcome rate is 93%+.
In Prince George County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 7 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 43% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 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 Richmond location is approximately 25 miles from Prince George County Circuit Court (6601 Courts Drive), accessible via I-295 and Route 10.
Alimony contempt lawyer near Prince George County — serving Prince George, Hopewell, and surrounding areas.
Neighborhoods served: Prince George, Hopewell area.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
How long does a contempt hearing take in Prince George County?
Yes, typically 2-4 weeks from filing the show-cause motion to the first hearing date. Prince George County Circuit Court sets contempt hearings on its regular motion docket. Emergency motions may be heard sooner.
Can I get my ex-spouse arrested for not paying alimony?
No, not directly. Civil contempt does not involve arrest without a court order. If the court finds criminal contempt, a bench warrant may issue. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Prince George County can explain the difference.
What evidence do I need for a contempt motion?
It depends. You need the court order establishing support, payment records showing missed amounts, and proof of service. Bank statements, canceled checks, and pay stubs are common evidence. The court also considers the payor’s ability to pay.
Can the court modify spousal support during contempt proceedings?
No, contempt and modification are separate legal actions. The court can only enforce the existing order in a contempt hearing. To change the amount, you must file a separate motion for modification under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
What happens if the payor claims they cannot afford to pay?
It depends. The court will hold an evidentiary hearing to determine if the inability to pay is willful or involuntary. If the payor voluntarily quit a job or reduced income, the court may still find contempt. Financial affidavits and tax returns are required.
Can I get attorney’s fees for enforcing a support order?
Yes, Virginia law allows the court to award reasonable attorney’s fees to the prevailing party in contempt proceedings. The court considers the financial resources of both parties and the nature of the case. A spousal support violation lawyer Prince George County can request fees in the motion.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.