If your former spouse stops paying court-ordered spousal support, an Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Virginia Beach can help. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. You have legal options to collect unpaid support.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony enforcement in Virginia Beach falls under Virginia’s equitable distribution laws. When a spouse fails to pay spousal support as ordered by the court, the receiving spouse can seek enforcement through contempt proceedings. Virginia law treats unpaid spousal support as a serious matter. The court can hold the non-paying spouse in contempt, which may result in wage garnishment, property liens, or even jail time. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving him unique insight into how these laws work in practice.
For the official text of Virginia’s spousal support enforcement laws, visit the Virginia General Assembly code site. For court procedures and forms, check the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all spousal support enforcement matters. The court requires proof of the existing support order and evidence of non-payment. Judges in Virginia Beach take unpaid support seriously and have broad authority to enforce orders.
- Step 1: Gather Your Documents. Collect your divorce decree, spousal support order, and any payment records showing missed payments.
- Step 2: File a Motion for Contempt. File at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Step 3: Serve the Non-Paying Spouse. The sheriff’s office serves the motion. Cost is approximately $12 for sheriff service.
- Step 4: Attend the Hearing. The court will hear evidence and determine if the spouse is in contempt.
- Step 5: Court Orders Enforcement. If contempt is found, the court can order wage garnishment, property liens, or other remedies.
In Virginia Beach, failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt of court with penalties including fines, wage garnishment, and potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Spousal Support | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months (coercive) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
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 has handled 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This achievement gives the firm unique authority in spousal support enforcement matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience in Virginia family law.
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 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 serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Looking for an enforce alimony order lawyer Virginia Beach or unpaid spousal support lawyer Virginia Beach? We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
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Can I enforce a spousal support order from another state in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Virginia courts can enforce spousal support orders from other states under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). You must register the foreign order with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court before enforcement can begin.
How long does it take to enforce an alimony order in Virginia Beach?
It depends. A simple wage garnishment motion can be resolved in 4-8 weeks. A contested contempt hearing may take 3-6 months depending on court availability and the complexity of the case.
What happens if my ex-spouse still refuses to pay after a contempt order?
The court can impose escalating penalties including additional fines, property liens, suspension of professional licenses, and coercive incarceration until payment is made. Each violation can result in separate contempt findings.
Can I get back child support and alimony enforced together?
Yes. Virginia Beach Circuit Court can enforce both child support and spousal support in the same proceeding. The court has authority to address all unpaid support obligations simultaneously through a single contempt motion.
Is there a time limit to enforce unpaid spousal support in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia law allows enforcement of unpaid spousal support for up to 10 years from the date each payment was due. After that period, the unpaid amounts may be barred by the statute of limitations.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.