Arlington County Alimony Contempt Lawyer — Enforce Your Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, you need an experienced alimony contempt lawyer Arlington County. The Arlington County Circuit Court can hold a non-paying spouse in contempt under Va. Code § 20-107.3, imposing fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing support orders. We provide 24/7 consultations to protect your financial stability.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Understanding Contempt for Unpaid Alimony in Arlington County
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered financial obligation. When a payor willfully fails to make payments, it is a violation of a court order. In Virginia, this violation is governed by the same statute that outlines spousal support factors, Va. Code § 20-107.3. To prove contempt for unpaid alimony, you must show the court order was clear, the payor had the ability to pay, and they willfully disobeyed the order. The process begins by filing a “Rule to Show Cause” with the Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Gather all court orders and payment records showing missed alimony.
- File a Petition for Rule to Show Cause for Contempt with the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk.
- Serve the petition on the non-paying spouse according to Virginia law.
- Attend the contempt hearing, present evidence of the violation and ability to pay.
- The judge may order payment of arrears, attorney’s fees, wage garnishment, or jail time.
Penalties for Spousal Support Violation in Virginia
In Arlington County, contempt for unpaid alimony can result in coercive sanctions to compel compliance and punitive measures for the violation itself.
| Potential Sanction | Purpose | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Payment of Arrears | Make the recipient whole | Court orders a lump sum or payment plan for all missed support. |
| Wage Garnishment | Ensure future payments | Income withholding order sent directly to payor’s employer. |
| Fines | Punish the violation | Monetary penalty paid to the court, separate from owed alimony. |
| Attorney’s Fees | Compensate recipient for enforcement costs | Payor may be ordered to pay the recipient’s legal fees. |
| Jail Time | Coerce compliance for willful contempt | Typically used when payor has ability to pay but refuses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Alimony Contempt Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the state’s family law framework. For spousal support violation lawyer Arlington County clients, we use this foundational knowledge to build strong enforcement actions.
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
Case Results in Arlington County
Our team has secured favorable outcomes for clients in Arlington County courts. In one case, we successfully argued for a contempt finding against a spouse who willfully withheld over $25,000 in spousal support, resulting in a court order for immediate payment of arrears, ongoing wage garnishment, and payment of our client’s attorney’s fees. In another matter, we defended a payor facing contempt by demonstrating a bona fide change in financial circumstances, skilled the court to modify the support order instead of imposing sanctions. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement cases, ensuring every legal avenue is explored to secure the financial support our clients are owed.
Contact Our Arlington County Alimony Contempt Lawyer
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209 is strategically positioned to serve clients at the Arlington County Circuit Court. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need a contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Arlington County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Alimony Contempt in Arlington County: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step to enforce unpaid alimony in Arlington County?
File a Petition for Rule to Show Cause for Contempt with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk. This legal document asks the court to require your former spouse to explain why they should not be held in contempt for violating the support order.
Can someone go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia?
Yes. If the court finds the non-payment was willful and the payor had the ability to pay, a judge can impose a jail sentence for contempt. This is often used as a coercive measure to force compliance with the court order.
How long does a contempt hearing take in Arlington County?
It depends on the complexity. A clear case with clear evidence may be heard within 60-90 days of filing. Contested hearings with disputes over income or willfulness can take longer. The Arlington County Circuit Court’s schedule also affects timing.
What evidence do I need for a contempt case?
You need the original support order, bank statements or records showing missed payments, and evidence of the payor’s ability to pay during the violation period (e.g., pay stubs, employment records, evidence of lifestyle expenses).
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid by the other side in a contempt case?
Yes. Virginia courts often order the party found in contempt to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the party who had to file the enforcement action. This is a common remedy in successful contempt cases.
For more information on court procedures, visit the Virginia Courts website.
If you are dealing with a spousal support violation, contact an alimony contempt lawyer Arlington County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We also assist with related matters like divorce in Alexandria and criminal defense in Arlington. For a broader view of our services, see our Virginia Family Law hub.