If your former spouse has stopped paying spousal support in Lexington, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Lexington can file a show-cause motion under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Mr. Sris personally amended this equitable distribution statute. Call (888) 437-7747.
What Is Alimony Contempt Under Virginia Law?
Alimony contempt occurs when a spouse willfully fails to pay court-ordered spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court can hold the non-paying spouse in civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt is coercive — the court may impose fines or jail time until the arrearage is paid. Criminal contempt punishes the violation itself. A spousal support violation lawyer Lexington must prove the payor had the ability to pay but willfully refused. The Lexington Circuit Court at 2 South Main Street handles all contempt proceedings for spousal support violations. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving him unique insight into this statute.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the full text of Virginia’s spousal support and contempt laws, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing information, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: How Contempt Cases Work in Lexington
Lexington Circuit Court requires a verified petition for show cause. The court sets a hearing within 21-60 days. You must prove the payor knew of the order and had the ability to pay. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Lexington will gather bank records, pay stubs, and tax returns to demonstrate willful non-payment.
- File a show-cause motion at the Lexington Circuit Court clerk’s office (2 South Main Street).
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pre-hearing conference to discuss arrearages and possible resolution.
- If no resolution, present evidence of willful non-payment at the contempt hearing.
- Request the court’s remedy: payment plan, wage garnishment, lien on property, or incarceration.
- If the court finds contempt, ask for attorney’s fees and costs under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
In Lexington, alimony contempt carries potential jail time, fines, and mandatory payment of arrearages under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (Willful Non-Payment) | Civil — Coercive | Up to 12 months (purgeable by payment) | None (but may be ordered to pay arrearages) | None | Wage garnishment; bank levy; property lien; credit damage |
| Criminal Contempt (Willful Violation) | Criminal — Class 1 or 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; loss of professional license; deportation risk for non-citizens |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the very statute that governs spousal support and equitable distribution in Virginia. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Lexington can claim. Our firm has 4,739+ total case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to clients across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Lexington Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While specific alimony contempt results are not listed separately, our firm-wide record of 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate demonstrates our ability to achieve strong results for clients facing spousal support violations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location Serves Lexington Clients
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). The drive from Richmond to Lexington takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via I-64 West and I-81 North. We serve the entire Lexington community, including the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University areas.
If you need an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Lexington, we are here to help. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Contempt in Lexington
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. Virginia courts can hold you in civil contempt for willful non-payment of spousal support. Civil contempt carries up to 12 months in jail, but you can be released by paying the arrearage. Criminal contempt also carries up to 12 months and a $2,500 fine.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid alimony in Lexington?
File a show-cause motion at the Lexington Circuit Court clerk’s office at 2 South Main Street. The filing fee is approximately $86. You must serve the motion on the non-paying spouse. The court will set a hearing within 21-60 days.
What evidence do I need to prove alimony contempt in Lexington?
You need the court order requiring spousal support, proof of non-payment (bank statements, canceled checks), and evidence that the payor had the ability to pay. Pay stubs, tax returns, and employment records are essential. A spousal support violation lawyer Lexington can help gather this evidence.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Lexington?
A show-cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing. If the case is complex or requires discovery, it may take 3-6 months. The court may order a pre-hearing conference to attempt resolution before a full hearing.
Can I modify my alimony order instead of facing contempt?
It depends. If you have lost your job or experienced a significant change in circumstances, you can file a motion to modify spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3. However, you must continue paying the current order until the court modifies it. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Lexington can advise on the best strategy.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.