If your ex-spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support in Dinwiddie County, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Dinwiddie County can file a show-cause motion at the Dinwiddie Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 30 documented case results in Dinwiddie County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Last verified: April 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony contempt in Virginia occurs when a spouse willfully fails to comply with a court order for spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court may hold the non-paying spouse in contempt, which can result in fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled these matters across Dinwiddie County for over 25 years.
Alimony contempt is distinct from general divorce enforcement. The specific statute governing contempt for unpaid alimony is Va. Code § 20-107.1, which provides the court with authority to enforce spousal support orders through contempt proceedings. Unlike child support enforcement, alimony contempt does not involve the Division of Child Support Enforcement — it requires a private motion filed by your attorney.
For the official statute governing spousal support enforcement, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Dinwiddie County court procedures, visit the Dinwiddie County Combined Courts website.
In Dinwiddie County Circuit Court, the judge will issue a show-cause order requiring the non-paying spouse to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt. The court typically sets the hearing within 30-45 days of filing the motion.
- Gather all evidence of missed payments, including bank statements, canceled checks, and text messages.
- File a show-cause motion at the Dinwiddie Circuit Court, located at the Dinwiddie Courthouse.
- Serve the motion on your ex-spouse through the sheriff’s office or a private process server.
- Attend the contempt hearing and present your evidence to the judge.
- If the court finds contempt, request wage garnishment, lump-sum payment, or other enforcement remedies.
In Dinwiddie County, alimony contempt carries potential penalties including fines, wage garnishment, and incarceration for willful non-compliance.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful non-payment of spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months (coercive) | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, bank levy, lien on property |
| Repeated willful non-payment | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Attorney fees awarded to the other party |
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 across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces — a statute directly related to spousal support enforcement. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also oversees all family law cases in Dinwiddie County. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and brings over 25 years of experience to complex spousal support matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 30 total documented case results across all practice areas in Dinwiddie County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 30 minutes from the Dinwiddie County Courthouse, accessible via I-85 and Route 1. If you need an alimony contempt lawyer near Dinwiddie, we serve clients throughout Dinwiddie, McKenney, and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Dinwiddie County?
Yes. Virginia courts can hold you in contempt for willfully failing to pay court-ordered spousal support. The judge may impose up to 12 months of coercive incarceration to compel payment. This is a civil contempt remedy, not a criminal sentence.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid alimony in Dinwiddie County?
You file a show-cause motion at the Dinwiddie Circuit Court. The filing fee is approximately $86. Your attorney must serve the motion on your ex-spouse through the sheriff’s office or a private process server. The hearing is typically set within 30-45 days.
What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt hearing?
You need proof of missed payments: bank statements showing non-deposit, canceled checks, text messages or emails acknowledging missed payments, and the original court order establishing spousal support. A payment history log is also useful.
Can alimony be modified if I lose my job in Dinwiddie County?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1 if you have experienced a material change in circumstances, such as job loss or reduced income. You must file this motion before stopping payments to avoid contempt.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Dinwiddie County?
A contempt hearing is typically scheduled within 30-45 days of filing the show-cause motion. If the court finds contempt, enforcement remedies like wage garnishment can begin within 2-4 weeks after the hearing. Complex cases may take longer.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying the owed support. Criminal contempt is punitive and requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you willfully disobeyed the court order. Criminal contempt carries a separate fine and jail sentence.
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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.