
If your former spouse has stopped paying spousal support in Rockingham County, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Rockingham County can file a show-cause motion under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 30 documented case results in Rockingham County. You can enforce your order through the Circuit Court at 53 Court Square.
Last verified: April 2026 | Rockingham/Harrisonburg 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, which gives the court authority to award periodic payments, lump-sum support, or both. When a payor spouse willfully fails to make court-ordered payments, that failure constitutes contempt of court. A spousal support violation lawyer Rockingham County can help you file a motion for contempt, which asks the judge to find the non-paying spouse in violation and impose remedies such as wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time. The statute lists 13 factors the court considers when determining support amounts, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and has deep familiarity with Virginia’s support enforcement framework.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors) and the Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court website for local procedural rules.
- Gather all payment records, bank statements, and the original support order.
- File a show-cause motion at Rockingham County Circuit Court, 53 Court Square.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through the sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show-cause hearing and present evidence of willful non-payment.
- Request remedies: wage garnishment, property lien, or contempt finding.
- If the court finds contempt, the judge may order payment plans, fines, or jail time.
In Rockingham County, contempt for unpaid alimony can result in fines up to $2,500, jail time up to 12 months, or both, depending on the amount owed and the willfulness of the violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt for unpaid alimony | Civil/Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. Ms. Powers handles all Virginia family law matters, including alimony contempt enforcement.
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 VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep legislative and courtroom experience in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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. Ms. Powers handles all Virginia family law matters, including alimony contempt enforcement.
In Rockingham County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 30 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 30 minutes from Rockingham County Circuit Court, accessible via I-81 and Route 33. We serve clients in Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, Dayton, Elkton, Timberville, and Broadway.
Looking for a contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Rockingham County? We are near the Rockingham County Courthouse and James Madison University.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Q: Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Rockingham County?
Yes. If the court finds you in willful contempt for unpaid alimony, you can face up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The judge will consider your ability to pay before imposing jail time.
Q: How long does an alimony contempt case take in Rockingham County?
It depends. A show-cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. If the case is contested with evidence disputes, it may take 3-6 months for a final ruling.
Q: What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt case?
You need the original support order, bank statements showing missed payments, communication records (emails, texts) about the missed payments, and proof of the payor’s income or assets.
Q: Can alimony be modified if I lose my job in Rockingham County?
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 new income and ability to pay.
Q: Does Rockingham County Circuit Court handle alimony contempt?
Yes. Rockingham County Circuit Court at 53 Court Square handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, including contempt for unpaid alimony. The filing fee is approximately $86.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Shenandoah County family law page and Frederick County family law page. For related practice areas in Rockingham County, see our criminal defense page and DUI/DWI page. View our attorney profile at Samantha Powers profile. Our location page is Shenandoah/Woodstock office.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.