Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County — How to Enforce Your Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse stops paying court-ordered spousal support, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can file a show cause motion in Arlington County Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-107.1. We have 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What Is Alimony Contempt in Arlington County, Virginia?
Alimony contempt occurs when a spouse willfully fails to pay spousal support as ordered by the court. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the Arlington County Circuit Court has authority to enforce its own support orders through contempt proceedings. The court can find a non-paying spouse in civil or criminal contempt, which carries potential consequences including wage garnishment, property liens, and jail time. Virginia law requires the moving party to prove the other party had the ability to pay but chose not to. The court considers 13 statutory factors when determining spousal support amounts and enforcement remedies.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Legal Authority for Alimony Contempt in Arlington County
Virginia law provides the statutory framework for spousal support enforcement. The primary statute governing alimony contempt is Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly), which outlines the factors for spousal support awards and the court’s enforcement powers. The Arlington County General District Court website provides local procedural information for filing motions. These government sources establish the legal basis for contempt actions in Arlington County.
How an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County Handles Your Case
In Arlington County Circuit Court, the process begins with filing a show cause motion. The court sets a hearing date within 21 to 60 days. Your attorney must present evidence of the missed payments and the other party’s ability to pay.
- Gather all spousal support orders and payment records.
- Document every missed or partial payment with dates and amounts.
- File a show cause motion at Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through sheriff or process server.
- Attend the contempt hearing with your financial evidence.
- Request remedies including wage garnishment or property liens.
In Arlington County, alimony contempt carries potential penalties including fines, wage garnishment, and incarceration for willful non-compliance.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | Civil violation | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, property liens |
| Criminal Contempt | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Alimony Contempt Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law experience. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Arlington County, the firm has 115 documented case results with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also provides oversight on complex alimony contempt cases. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. He founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Alimony Contempt Case Results in Arlington County
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. These results include successful enforcement of spousal support orders through contempt proceedings in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Alimony Contempt Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is located at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, near the Arlington County Courthouse. We serve clients throughout Arlington County including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Our office is accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Looking for an alimony contempt lawyer near Arlington County? We handle cases throughout Northern Virginia.
Neighborhoods served: Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Contempt in Arlington County
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Arlington County?
Yes. Virginia courts can hold you in criminal contempt for willful non-payment of spousal support, carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court must find you had the ability to pay.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid alimony in Arlington County?
You file a show cause motion at the Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. The filing fee is approximately $86. You must serve the motion on the other party and attend a hearing where you present evidence of missed payments.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying what you owe. Criminal contempt is punitive — you serve a fixed sentence regardless of payment. Civil contempt requires proof by clear and convincing evidence; criminal contempt requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Can alimony arrears be collected through wage garnishment in Arlington County?
Yes. Virginia law allows wage garnishment for spousal support arrears. The court can order your employer to deduct payments directly from your paycheck. Garnishment continues until all arrears are paid in full, plus interest.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Arlington County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21 to 60 days of filing. Contested cases with complex financial issues can take 3 to 6 months. Simple cases with clear payment records may resolve in one hearing.
What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt hearing?
You need the court order establishing spousal support, bank statements showing missed payments, communication records about non-payment, and evidence of the other party’s ability to pay. Financial affidavits are required for both parties.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve Alexandria family law clients. Related services include criminal defense in Arlington County and DUI defense in Arlington County. View our Arlington location page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.