In Roanoke County, willful failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt of court under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 documented case results in Roanoke County. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Roanoke County can help enforce or defend these orders.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Roanoke County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines spousal support as a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another following separation or divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court considers 13 factors to determine the amount and duration of support. When a paying spouse willfully fails to make these payments, the receiving spouse may file a motion for contempt. A spousal support violation lawyer Roanoke County can guide you through this process. The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
For the official statute governing spousal support, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Roanoke County General District Court website.
- File a motion for contempt at the Roanoke County General District Court, 305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show-cause hearing where the judge determines if contempt occurred.
- Present evidence of missed payments, such as bank records or pay stubs.
- If contempt is found, the court may order payment of arrears, attorney fees, or jail time.
In Roanoke County, contempt for unpaid spousal support can lead to jail time, fines, and wage garnishment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt for unpaid alimony | Civil/Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, property liens, attorney fees |
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, the equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts spousal support determinations. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law cases. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 total documented case results across all practice areas in Roanoke County, with a 94% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Roanoke County courts, accessible via I-81, I-581, Route 11, Route 419, and Route 220. We serve Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Q: Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Roanoke County?
Yes. Willful failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in civil or criminal contempt, which carries up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $2,500. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Roanoke County can help you avoid these penalties.
Q: How do I enforce a spousal support order in Roanoke County?
File a motion for contempt at the Roanoke County General District Court. The court will set a show-cause hearing. If the judge finds willful non-payment, they can order wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time.
Q: What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for unpaid alimony?
Civil contempt is designed to coerce compliance, such as paying arrears to avoid jail. Criminal contempt punishes past willful disobedience and can result in a fixed jail sentence. Both require clear evidence of willful non-payment.
Q: How long does a contempt hearing take in Roanoke County?
It depends. A show-cause hearing is typically set within 30 days of filing the motion. The hearing itself may last 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the evidence presented.
Q: Can a spousal support order be modified in Roanoke County?
Yes. If there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, disability, or remarriage, either party can file a motion to modify spousal support. The court will reconsider the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.