Alimony Contempt Lawyer Bedford County — What Are Your Options for Unpaid Support?
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support in Bedford County, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Bedford County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can file a show-cause motion under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Our firm has 31 documented results in Bedford County courts. We handle contempt for unpaid alimony cases aggressively.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, spousal support (alimony) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court considers 13 statutory factors to determine the amount and duration of support. When a payor willfully fails to comply with a support order, the recipient can file a motion for contempt. The Bedford County Circuit Court has authority to enforce support orders through contempt proceedings, which can result in wage garnishment, property liens, or even jail time for willful noncompliance. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and brings deep knowledge of Virginia family law to every spousal support violation case.
For the official statute governing spousal support in Virginia, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Bedford County court procedures, visit the Bedford County General District Court website.
- Document all missed or partial payments with bank records, canceled checks, and communication logs.
- File a motion for show-cause at the Bedford County Circuit Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202).
- Attend the show-cause hearing where the judge determines if willful contempt occurred.
- If contempt is found, the court may order wage garnishment, lump-sum payment, or incarceration.
- Your attorney can negotiate a payment plan to avoid jail while ensuring you receive what you are owed.
In Bedford County, willful failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt findings with serious consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful failure to pay spousal support (first offense) | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
| Willful failure to pay spousal support (subsequent offense) | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Jail time, fines, loss of professional license |
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. Our favorable outcome rate exceeds 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential unique to our firm in the Virginia family law market. We handle contempt for unpaid alimony cases with the same aggressive approach that has produced 31 documented results in Bedford County alone.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 31 total documented case results across all practice areas in Bedford County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. In Bedford County Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, we obtained a dismissal for a domestic assault charge. In Bedford County Circuit Court, we secured a bond grant for a computer solicitation case. Our spousal support violation lawyer Bedford County team applies this same track record to contempt for unpaid alimony matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves clients at Bedford County courts (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523). Accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24. Serving Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
Looking for a contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Bedford County near you? We are near the National D-Day Memorial and Smith Mountain Lake.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. By appointment only.
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Bedford County?
Yes. Willful failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in civil or criminal contempt, carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court must find you had the ability to pay but chose not to.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Bedford County?
It depends. A show-cause motion is typically heard within 21-60 days of filing. Contested cases with evidentiary hearings may take 3-6 months. Bedford County Circuit Court schedules contempt hearings on its regular docket.
What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt case?
You need bank statements, canceled checks, payment records, and any communication showing missed payments. The court requires clear and convincing evidence that the payor willfully violated the support order.
Can alimony be modified if I lose my job in Bedford County?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support under Va. Code § 20-109 if you experience a material change in circumstances, such as job loss. Modification is separate from contempt — you must address both issues.
Is Virginia a community property state for alimony purposes?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, not a 50/50 split. The court considers each spouse’s needs and ability to pay.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-04-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.