Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach — What Are Your Options?
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.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony contempt occurs when a spouse willfully fails to pay court-ordered spousal support. Under Virginia law, the court may impose sanctions including wage garnishment, property liens, or even jail time for contempt. The burden is on the party seeking enforcement to show the other party had the ability to pay but chose not to. A spousal support violation lawyer Virginia Beach can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove willful non-compliance.
- Va. Code § 20-107.1 (Spousal Support Factors) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Virginia Beach General District Court — official court website
- File a motion for contempt at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show-cause hearing with your financial documentation.
- Present evidence of the missed payments and the other party’s ability to pay.
- Request the court’s remedy: wage garnishment, lump sum payment, or incarceration.
- Obtain a written order from the judge and ensure it is filed with the court clerk.
In Virginia Beach, willful failure to pay spousal support can result in contempt of court, fines, and potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful non-payment of spousal support | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
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 secured 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, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law experience. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Virginia Beach, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 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 serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B). Our location is accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Alimony Contempt Lawyer near Virginia Beach — serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Virginia courts can hold you in civil contempt for willfully failing to pay spousal support. Incarceration is possible but courts often use wage garnishment or property liens first.
How do I enforce an alimony order in Virginia Beach?
File a motion for contempt at Virginia Beach Circuit Court. You must show the other party had the ability to pay and willfully refused. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Virginia Beach can help prepare your case.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is used to compel payment — you can avoid jail by paying. Criminal contempt punishes past willful non-compliance and may result in a fixed jail sentence. Most alimony cases involve civil contempt.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Virginia Beach?
It depends. A show-cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. Complex cases with financial disputes may take 3-6 months to resolve fully.
Can alimony be modified if I lose my job?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support based on a material change in circumstances, such as job loss. However, you must continue paying until the court modifies the order.
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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.