In Chesapeake, willful failure to pay court-ordered spousal support is contempt of court under Va. Code § 20-107.1, carrying potential jail time and fines. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help enforce or defend these orders. We have 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary.
What Is Alimony Contempt in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Alimony contempt occurs when a spouse willfully disobeys a court order to pay spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court may hold a non-paying spouse in contempt, which can result in fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time. The Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands that these cases require immediate action. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law knowledge.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.1 — Spousal Support Statute (Virginia General Assembly)
- Chesapeake General District Court — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: How Alimony Contempt Works in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake General District Court, the judge will issue a show cause order requiring the non-paying spouse to explain why they should not be held in contempt. The burden shifts to the alleged violator to prove inability to pay.
An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake must gather pay stubs, bank records, and tax returns to demonstrate either willful non-payment or genuine financial hardship. The court considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
- File a show cause motion with Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show cause hearing; present evidence of willful non-payment.
- If contempt is found, the court may order payment plan, wage garnishment, or jail.
- If defending, present evidence of job loss, medical emergency, or other inability to pay.
- Appeal any contempt finding to Chesapeake Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Chesapeake, alimony contempt carries potential jail time, fines, and mandatory wage garnishment for willful non-payment of spousal support.
| 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, bank levy, property lien |
| Repeated willful non-payment | Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Jail time, criminal record, loss of professional license |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 every case. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating unparalleled family law knowledge. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake team includes Samantha Rae Powers, who handles all Virginia family law matters. She brings 18+ years of experience and a J.D./M.A. from the University of Florida. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex contempt cases.
Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 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 Chesapeake Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). The court is accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
Looking for an Alimony Contempt Lawyer near Chesapeake? We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
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 Chesapeake
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. Willful failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in civil contempt with up to 12 months in jail. The court must find you had the ability to pay but chose not to. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake can help defend against contempt allegations.
How do I enforce an alimony order in Chesapeake?
File a show cause motion with Chesapeake General District Court. The court will issue an order requiring the non-paying spouse to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt. A spousal support violation lawyer Chesapeake can handle the entire process for you.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for unpaid alimony?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying. Criminal contempt is punitive — it results in a fixed jail sentence and a criminal record. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Chesapeake can explain which applies to your situation.
Can alimony be modified if I lose my job?
It depends. Virginia courts can modify spousal support if there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss. You must file a petition for modification before stopping payments. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake can help you seek modification.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Chesapeake?
A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. The entire contempt case, including any appeals, can take 3-6 months. A spousal support violation lawyer Chesapeake can expedite the process.
What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt case?
You need the original support order, proof of non-payment (bank statements, payment records), and evidence of the other party’s ability to pay (pay stubs, tax returns, employment records). A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Chesapeake can help gather this evidence.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.