Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach — What Are Your Options for Unpaid Support?
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach can file a show-cause motion at Virginia Beach Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Virginia Alimony Contempt Law — Va. Code § 20-107.1
Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, spousal support orders are enforceable through contempt proceedings. When a payor willfully fails to make court-ordered payments, the recipient can petition the court to hold the payor in contempt. Virginia Beach Circuit Court has authority to impose sanctions including wage garnishment, property liens, and incarceration for up to 12 months per violation. The statute requires the court to consider 13 factors when determining spousal support amounts, but contempt focuses solely on whether the payor violated a valid court order.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal References
- Va. Code § 20-107.1 (Spousal Support) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Virginia Beach General District Court — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: Filing Contempt in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Circuit Court requires a verified petition for show cause. The court typically sets a hearing within 21-45 days of filing.
Prosecutors in Virginia Beach treat willful non-payment of spousal support as a serious violation of court authority.
- Gather all payment records showing missed or partial spousal support payments.
- File a verified petition for show cause at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $86) and arrange service of process on the non-paying spouse.
- Attend the show-cause hearing prepared with payment history and any communication records.
- Request specific remedies: wage garnishment, lump-sum payment plan, or incarceration for willful violations.
- If the court finds contempt, obtain a written order specifying the enforcement remedy and payment schedule.
In Virginia Beach, alimony contempt carries potential incarceration up to 12 months and fines up to $2,500 per violation under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| 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 directly | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
| Repeated willful violations | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months per violation | Up to $2,500 per violation | None directly | Potential incarceration, loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Alimony Contempt Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Virginia Beach family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia’s family law framework. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach team understands the local court procedures at Virginia Beach Circuit Court and can move quickly to enforce your spousal support order.
Virginia Beach Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Family Law Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We serve the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Looking for an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach near the Oceanfront or Town Center? We handle cases throughout the Virginia Beach area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Contempt in Virginia Beach
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Virginia Beach Circuit Court can hold you in contempt for willful non-payment of spousal support, with incarceration up to 12 months per violation under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid alimony in Virginia Beach?
File a verified petition for show cause at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway. The filing fee is approximately $86. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-45 days.
What defenses are available for alimony contempt in Virginia Beach?
It depends. Common defenses include inability to pay due to job loss, disability, or retirement. The court requires documented proof of changed circumstances since the original support order.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Virginia Beach?
Simple contempt cases resolve in 2-4 months. Contested cases involving evidentiary hearings or financial discovery can take 6-12 months depending on court docket availability.
Can I get back alimony payments my ex-spouse missed?
Yes. The court can order a lump-sum payment of all missed spousal support, establish a payment plan, or garnish wages to collect arrears. Interest may also accrue on unpaid amounts.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt aims to compel compliance through fines or incarceration until payment is made. Criminal contempt punishes past willful violations with fixed jail terms and fines up to $2,500.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
- Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Virginia Beach DUI Lawyer
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block, Former Virginia State Trooper
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.