If your former spouse fails to pay court-ordered spousal support in Fairfax County, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Fairfax County can file a show cause motion under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results across all practice areas (97% favorable outcome rate).
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax 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. When a payor spouse willfully fails to make court-ordered payments, the recipient can seek a contempt finding. Contempt for unpaid alimony is a civil enforcement mechanism that can result in wage garnishment, property liens, or incarceration. The Fairfax County Circuit Court has authority to enforce support orders and impose sanctions for noncompliance.
- Va. Code § 20-107.1 (Spousal Support) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Fairfax County General District Court — Official Court Website
In Fairfax County, a spousal support violation lawyer Fairfax County must file a show cause motion in the Circuit Court where the divorce decree was entered. The court will issue an order requiring the nonpaying spouse to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt.
- Gather all payment records, bank statements, and the original support order.
- File a show cause motion at the Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road).
- Serve the motion on the nonpaying spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show cause hearing with your attorney and present evidence of nonpayment.
- Request wage garnishment, property lien, or other enforcement remedies.
- If the court finds contempt, seek attorney fees and costs as part of the order.
In Fairfax County, contempt for unpaid alimony carries potential incarceration and fines under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (Nonpayment) | Civil — Not Criminal | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | None (but may owe attorney fees) | None | Wage garnishment, property lien, credit damage |
| Willful Violation of Court Order | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | Up to $2,500 | None | Attorney fees awarded to prevailing 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 4,739+ total case results firm-wide (93%+ favorable outcome rate). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep experience in Virginia family law. The firm handles alimony contempt cases in Fairfax County with a case-specific approach.
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) also oversees all Fairfax County family law cases. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County (97% 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location is approximately 2 miles from the Fairfax County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 50.
Alimony contempt lawyer near Fairfax County — serving Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
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Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Fairfax County?
Yes. Civil contempt for unpaid alimony can result in incarceration for up to 12 months. However, the jail time is purgeable — you can be released by paying the arrears or reaching a payment plan with the court.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Fairfax County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. If the nonpaying spouse contests the contempt, the case may take 3-6 months for a full evidentiary hearing.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for alimony?
Civil contempt is used to compel compliance with a court order — you can avoid jail by paying. Criminal contempt punishes willful disobedience and carries a fixed sentence. Most alimony cases involve civil contempt.
Can I modify my alimony order instead of pursuing contempt?
Yes. If your financial circumstances have changed, you can file a motion to modify spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Fairfax County can advise whether modification or enforcement is the better strategy.
What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt hearing?
You need the original support order, bank statements showing missed payments, communication records (texts, emails) about the missed payments, and proof of the payor’s ability to pay (employment records, tax returns).
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.