In Arlington County, Virginia, spousal support enforcement falls under Va. Code § 20-107.3; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. An Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County can help you collect unpaid support through contempt, wage garnishment, or income withholding.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony enforcement in Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which gives courts the authority to enforce spousal support orders through contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, and income withholding. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. An Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County uses these legal tools to collect unpaid spousal support.
For the full text of Virginia’s spousal support enforcement laws, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges routinely issue show cause orders for alimony enforcement within 21 days of filing a motion. The court expects documented proof of missed payments and a clear payment history before ordering wage garnishment.
- Gather all payment records and the original support order.
- File a motion for show cause or wage garnishment at Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the enforcement hearing with your documentation.
- Request a wage withholding order if the court finds non-compliance.
- Follow up to ensure the garnishment is implemented by the employer.
In Arlington County, failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt of court, fines, and potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Spousal Support | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
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 across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs spousal support enforcement in Virginia. This achievement gives the firm unique authority in alimony enforcement matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, 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 Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. If you need an Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County near the Courthouse area, we are close by.
We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
How long does alimony enforcement take in Arlington County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing. Wage garnishment can take 30-90 days to implement after the court order. Contempt proceedings may take longer if the non-paying spouse contests the motion.
Can I enforce an out-of-state alimony order in Arlington County?
Yes. Virginia recognizes foreign alimony orders under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). You must register the out-of-state order with Arlington County Circuit Court before enforcement. An Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County can handle this process.
What happens if my ex-spouse refuses to pay alimony in Arlington County?
The court can hold them in civil contempt, which may result in jail time until they pay. Other remedies include wage garnishment, bank account levies, and property liens. The court can also order payment plans with automatic wage withholding.
Is alimony enforcement the same as child support enforcement in Virginia?
No. Alimony enforcement is handled through the Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-107.3, while child support enforcement often goes through the Department of Social Services (DCSE). The procedures and remedies differ, though both can involve wage garnishment and contempt.
Can I modify alimony while also enforcing it in Arlington County?
Yes, but these are separate legal actions. You can file a motion to enforce the existing order while simultaneously filing a motion to modify future payments. The court will address enforcement of past-due amounts separately from any modification request.
Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Samantha Powers — Arlington County Alimony Enforcement Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.