Alimony Enforcement Lawyer in Virginia — How Do You Enforce a Spousal Support Order?
If your former spouse stops paying court-ordered spousal support, an Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Virginia can file a show cause motion under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide. You can pursue wage garnishment, contempt, or judgment enforcement. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-107.3 gives courts authority to enforce spousal support orders. When a payor fails to comply, the recipient can ask the court to hold the payor in contempt, garnish wages, or seize assets. The statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997). The court can also order payment plans or modify the original support order if circumstances changed.
For the full text of Virginia’s spousal support enforcement statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures on enforcement motions, visit the Virginia Judicial System website.
In Fairfax County Circuit Court, judges routinely issue show cause orders within 14 days of a properly filed motion. The court expects you to document every missed payment with bank records or canceled checks. You must also prove the payor has the current ability to pay before the court will find contempt.
- Step 1: Gather all payment records, bank statements, and the original support order.
- Step 2: File a show cause motion at the Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road).
- Step 3: Serve the payor with the motion and a summons to appear in court.
- Step 4: Attend the hearing and present evidence of missed payments and the payor’s ability to pay.
- Step 5: Request a specific remedy: wage garnishment, lump sum judgment, or contempt sanctions.
- Step 6: If the court finds contempt, the judge may order jail time, fines, or a payment plan.
In Virginia, willful failure to pay spousal support can result in contempt of court, wage garnishment, and up to 12 months in jail for each violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful non-payment of spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months per violation | Up to $2,500 per violation | None directly | Wage garnishment, bank levy, property lien |
| Criminal contempt (repeated violations) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, possible jail time |
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 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. This achievement gives the firm unique authority in family law matters across the state.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fairfax County alone, the firm has secured dismissals in false report cases under Virginia 18.2-461. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 3 miles from the Fairfax County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 50. Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Virginia services available near Fair Oaks Mall and George Mason University. Serving Fairfax, Arlington, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church, Manassas, Woodbridge, Leesburg, Ashburn, Warrenton, Stafford, and Fredericksburg.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Can I enforce an alimony order without a lawyer in Virginia?
Yes, but it is not recommended. You can file a pro se show cause motion at the circuit court. However, an Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Virginia can help you handle complex procedural rules and present evidence effectively.
How long does alimony enforcement take in Fairfax County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing. If the court finds contempt, a wage garnishment order can take effect within 30 days. Complex cases with multiple violations may take 3-6 months.
What happens if my ex-spouse cannot afford to pay alimony?
It depends. The court cannot hold someone in contempt if they lack the ability to pay. Your ex-spouse can file a motion to modify support. An enforce alimony order lawyer Virginia can help you respond to modification requests.
Can I get back child support and alimony enforced together?
Yes. Virginia courts can enforce both child support and spousal support in the same proceeding. You can file a single show cause motion covering all unpaid support. An unpaid spousal support lawyer Virginia can help you consolidate your claims.
Does Virginia allow wage garnishment for unpaid alimony?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court can order wage garnishment for unpaid spousal support. The garnishment can take up to 50% of disposable earnings. An Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Virginia can file the garnishment paperwork for you.
What is the statute of limitations for enforcing alimony in Virginia?
10 years. Under Virginia law, you have 10 years from the date each payment was due to enforce it. After 10 years, the debt may be barred. Contact an Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Virginia promptly to avoid losing your rights.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Henrico County divorce lawyer page and Chesterfield County divorce lawyer page. For related practice areas, see Danville reckless driving lawyer and Danville petit larceny lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys: SRIS, P.C. attorney profiles. Visit our Richmond office location page.
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.