Arlington County Alimony Contempt Lawyer — What Are Your Options for Unpaid Spousal Support?
An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County handles violations of spousal support orders under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. You can enforce unpaid alimony through contempt proceedings at the Arlington County Circuit Court. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony contempt in Virginia arises when a former spouse willfully fails to pay court-ordered spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court has authority to enforce support orders through contempt proceedings. A finding of contempt can result in fines, wage garnishment, or incarceration. The Arlington County Circuit Court handles all spousal support enforcement matters. You must show the payor had the ability to pay and willfully chose not to pay. The burden of proof is clear and convincing evidence. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can help you gather the necessary financial records and present your case effectively.
Alimony contempt is distinct from other family law violations. The specific statute governing contempt for unpaid spousal support is Va. Code § 20-107.1, which addresses spousal support factors and enforcement mechanisms. Unlike child support contempt under Va. Code § 20-108.1, alimony contempt requires proof of willfulness and ability to pay. A spousal support violation lawyer Arlington County understands these nuanced legal distinctions and can build your case accordingly.
For more information on Virginia spousal support laws, review Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges require specific evidence of willful nonpayment. You must present bank statements, pay stubs, and communication records showing the payor had income but chose not to pay. The court sets show-cause hearings within 30-60 days of filing a motion for contempt.
- File a motion for show cause at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show-cause hearing with financial documents proving nonpayment.
- Present evidence of the payor’s ability to pay during the hearing.
- Request a remedy: wage garnishment, lump sum payment, or contempt finding.
- If contempt is found, the court may impose fines, community service, or jail time.
In Arlington County, alimony contempt carries potential incarceration up to 12 months and fines up to $2,500 for each violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful nonpayment of spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, lien on property, credit damage |
| Repeated willful nonpayment | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months per violation | Up to $2,500 per violation | None directly | Jail time, criminal record, 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law experience. The firm’s 93%+ favorable outcome rate reflects a commitment to client advocacy. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Arlington County from SRIS, P.C. brings this experience to every case.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and managing attorney, oversees all family law cases at SRIS, P.C. His background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provide unique insight into Virginia family law proceedings.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented 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 Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. An alimony contempt lawyer near Arlington County can help you enforce your spousal support order. 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Arlington County?
Yes. Willful nonpayment of spousal support can result in a contempt finding with up to 12 months incarceration per violation under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Yes. Willful nonpayment of spousal support can result in a contempt finding with up to 12 months incarceration per violation under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court must find you had the ability to pay and chose not to pay. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can help you present evidence of inability to pay if that applies to your situation.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Arlington County?
It depends. A show-cause hearing is typically set within 30-60 days of filing the motion at Arlington County Circuit Court.
It depends. A show-cause hearing is typically set within 30-60 days of filing the motion at Arlington County Circuit Court. The full contempt proceeding, including discovery and trial, can take 3-6 months if contested. A spousal support violation lawyer Arlington County can help expedite the process.
What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt case?
You need bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, and communication records showing the payor had income but did not pay.
You need bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, and communication records showing the payor had income but did not pay. The court also considers the payor’s employment status, assets, and any medical or financial hardships. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Arlington County can help you organize this evidence.
Can alimony be modified if I lose my job?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on a material change in circumstances.
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on a material change in circumstances. The court considers your ability to pay, your ex-spouse’s needs, and the duration of the marriage. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can advise on whether modification or contempt defense is appropriate.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying. Criminal contempt is punitive — jail time is imposed regardless of payment.
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying the owed support. Criminal contempt is punitive — jail time is imposed regardless of payment. The court decides which type applies based on your conduct and history of nonpayment. A spousal support violation lawyer Arlington County can explain which standard applies to your case.
Learn more about Virginia family law services. For neighboring localities, see our Alexandria family law lawyer. For related practice areas in Arlington County, see our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer and Arlington County DUI lawyer. Visit our Arlington 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.