If your former spouse has stopped paying spousal support, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Chesterfield County can help. Virginia law allows the court to enforce support orders through contempt proceedings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. Va. Code § 20-107.1 governs spousal support.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, spousal support (alimony) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1. When a paying spouse fails to make court-ordered payments, the receiving spouse may file a motion for contempt. The court can find the non-paying party in civil contempt, which may result in wage garnishment, property liens, or even jail time. The statute lists 13 factors the court considers when determining support amounts. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia spousal support statute (Va. Code § 20-107.1) and the Chesterfield County General District Court website. These government sources provide the most current legal information.
In Chesterfield County, the Circuit Court handles all spousal support contempt matters. The process begins with filing a motion for contempt and a show cause order. The court sets a hearing date, typically within 30-60 days. At the hearing, the judge determines whether the non-payment was willful.
- File a motion for contempt and show cause order at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road).
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pre-hearing conference to discuss settlement options.
- Present evidence of missed payments, including bank statements and communication records.
- Request specific remedies: wage garnishment, lump sum payment, or modification of the support order.
- If the court finds willful contempt, it may impose sanctions including attorney fees and jail time.
In Chesterfield County, spousal support contempt carries potential penalties including wage garnishment, property liens, and incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful failure to pay spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, property liens, attorney fees |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep experience in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 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 is approximately 15 miles from Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95 and Route 10.
Looking for a spousal support violation lawyer Chesterfield County or a contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Chesterfield County? We serve clients near Chesterfield Towne Center and Pocahontas State Park.
We serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
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Q: How long does a spousal support contempt case take in Chesterfield County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 30-60 days of filing. Contested cases with evidence disputes can take 3-6 months. Pre-hearing conferences often resolve matters faster.
Q: Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Chesterfield County?
Yes. Virginia law allows the court to impose up to 12 months in jail for willful failure to pay spousal support. The court considers your ability to pay and whether the non-payment was intentional.
Q: What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for unpaid alimony?
Civil contempt aims to compel compliance through sanctions like wage garnishment. Criminal contempt punishes past violations with fines or jail time. Most spousal support cases in Chesterfield County are civil contempt.
Q: Can a spousal support order be modified after a contempt finding?
Yes. If your financial circumstances have changed, you can file for modification under Va. Code § 20-109. The court may adjust the support amount while still addressing the past-due payments.
Q: What evidence do I need for a contempt hearing in Chesterfield County?
You need the court order establishing support, proof of missed payments (bank statements, payment records), communication about the missed payments, and evidence of the other party’s ability to pay.
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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.