If your former spouse has stopped paying spousal support in Roanoke County, an Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Roanoke County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can file a show cause motion under Va. Code § 20-107.3. With 34 documented local results, we help enforce alimony orders.
What Is Alimony Enforcement Under Virginia Law?
Alimony enforcement is the legal process of compelling a former spouse to comply with a spousal support order issued by a Virginia court. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended, the court has authority to hold a non-paying spouse in contempt, garnish wages, or seize assets. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles enforcement actions in Roanoke County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Roanoke County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony Enforcement: Specific Legal Standards
Alimony enforcement actions in Roanoke County rely on Va. Code § 20-107.3, which governs equitable distribution and spousal support. When a payor spouse fails to comply, the court may issue a show cause order, require payment of arrears, or modify the support order. The standard for enforcement is a preponderance of the evidence showing willful non-compliance.
For the official statute governing alimony enforcement, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Roanoke County court procedures, visit the Roanoke County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Enforcing Alimony in Roanoke County
Roanoke County Circuit Court handles all spousal support enforcement matters. The court requires a sworn affidavit detailing the amount of arrears and the payor’s ability to pay. A show cause motion is the first step, and if granted, the court can issue a capias for arrest.
- File a show cause motion at Roanoke County Circuit Court (305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153).
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show cause hearing with documentation of missed payments.
- Present evidence of the payor’s income and assets for garnishment.
- Request a court order for wage garnishment, asset seizure, or contempt finding.
- If contempt is found, the court may impose jail time or fines until payment is made.
In Roanoke County, failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt of court, wage garnishment, and potential incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Spousal Support (Civil Contempt) | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, asset seizure, credit damage |
| Willful Non-Compliance with Support Order | Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential jail time |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Alimony Enforcement in Roanoke County?
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 documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs spousal support enforcement in Virginia. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO, also oversees all family law cases at the firm. He is a former prosecutor and founded the firm in 1997.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 total documented case results across all practice areas in Roanoke County, with a 94% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Roanoke County Location
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Roanoke County courts (305 East Main Street), accessible via I-81, I-581, Route 11, Route 419, and Route 220. We serve Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba.
Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Roanoke County near Salem and Vinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Enforcement in Roanoke County
Can I enforce an alimony order from another state in Roanoke County?
Yes. Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), you can register a foreign alimony order in Roanoke County Circuit Court and enforce it through contempt or wage garnishment. The court has jurisdiction over the payor if they live or work in Virginia.
How long does alimony enforcement take in Roanoke County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. If the payor is served promptly, a contempt hearing can occur within 30-45 days. Wage garnishment orders take effect within 2-4 weeks after the hearing.
What evidence do I need for an alimony enforcement case?
You need the original divorce decree or spousal support order, bank statements showing missed payments, communication records (emails, texts) about non-payment, and proof of the payor’s income or assets. A sworn affidavit summarizing the arrears is also required.
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Roanoke County?
Yes. If the court finds you in civil contempt for willfully failing to pay, you can be incarcerated for up to 12 months. However, the jail time is “purgeable” — you can be released by paying the arrears or agreeing to a payment plan.
What is the difference between alimony enforcement and modification?
Enforcement compels compliance with an existing order through contempt or garnishment. Modification changes the amount or duration of support due to a material change in circumstances, such as job loss or remarriage. You cannot modify support through an enforcement action.
How much does it cost to file an alimony enforcement action in Roanoke County?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a show cause motion is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12. Private process server fees range from $50-$100. Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of the case and whether a hearing is required.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. Also explore Shenandoah County Family Law Lawyer and Roanoke County Criminal Defense 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 current guidance.