Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Chesterfield County — Enforce Your Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, you need an experienced alimony enforcement lawyer in Chesterfield County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing support orders in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered financial obligation. When the paying spouse fails to meet this obligation, the receiving spouse has legal recourse. An alimony enforcement lawyer Chesterfield County can handle the procedural steps required by the Chesterfield County Circuit Court to compel payment and collect arrears.
The primary statute governing spousal support enforcement in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-112. This statute provides the court with the authority to enforce its decrees and orders. For unpaid spousal support, the typical enforcement action is a Motion for Rule to Show Cause, asking the court to require the non-paying spouse to explain why they should not be held in contempt.
- Gather all documentation of the original support order and every missed payment.
- Your attorney will draft and file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause (Contempt) with the Circuit Court.
- The court will schedule a hearing and serve the non-paying spouse with the motion.
- At the hearing, your attorney will present evidence of the delinquency.
- The judge may order immediate payment, wage garnishment, a lien on property, or impose jail time for contempt.
- The court can also award you attorney’s fees for having to bring the enforcement action.
In Chesterfield County, failing to pay court-ordered spousal support can lead to a contempt finding, resulting in wage garnishment, property liens, driver’s license suspension, or jail time until the arrears are paid.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Mechanism | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Motion for Rule to Show Cause | Contempt of Court | Jail time (purgeable by payment), fines |
| Income Deduction Order | Wage Garnishment | Automatic payment from employer |
| Lien | Judgment Lien | Claim against real estate or personal property |
| Intercept | Tax Refund/ Lottery Intercept | State intercepts funds owed to payor |
| Suspension | Driver’s/License Suspension | Suspension of professional, driver’s, or recreational licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the evolution of state family law. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Our team, including firm founder Mr. Sris, has specific experience handling enforcement actions in Chesterfield County. We understand the local court’s procedures for filing motions for rule to show cause and presenting evidence of non-payment effectively.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Chesterfield County and is accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We are your local resource for an alimony enforcement lawyer near Chesterfield County, serving communities including Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
FAQs: Enforcing Alimony in Chesterfield County
What is the first step to enforce an alimony order in Virginia?
The first step is to document every missed payment meticulously. Then, an enforce alimony order lawyer Chesterfield County will typically file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause (Contempt) in the Circuit Court that issued the original order, citing Va. Code § 20-112.
Can my ex-spouse go to jail for not paying alimony in Chesterfield County?
Yes. If the court finds them in willful contempt for non-payment, the judge can impose a jail sentence. This is often “purgeable,” meaning they can be released once the overdue support (arrearage) is paid.
How long does an alimony enforcement case take?
It depends on the court’s docket and the complexity of the case. After filing a motion, a hearing in Chesterfield County Circuit Court might be scheduled within 4 to 12 weeks. If the payor contests the motion, it can take longer.
What can an unpaid spousal support lawyer Chesterfield County do besides filing for contempt?
An attorney can also seek an Income Deduction Order for automatic wage garnishment, place a lien on the payor’s property, petition to intercept tax refunds or lottery winnings, or seek suspension of their driver’s or professional licenses.
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid by my ex-spouse for an enforcement action?
Yes. Virginia law allows the court to order the non-paying spouse to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the receiving spouse to enforce the support order, as it is considered a waste of judicial resources.
If you are struggling to collect court-ordered spousal support, contact an alimony enforcement lawyer Chesterfield County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We are prepared to take decisive legal action to enforce your rights. For related legal matters in the area, consider our Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer or Chesterfield County DUI lawyer services. For broader Virginia family law resources, visit our Virginia family law hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.