In Lexington, Virginia, alimony contempt proceedings under Va. Code § 20-107.3 can result in jail time or wage garnishment for unpaid support. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Lexington can help you enforce or defend against contempt motions.
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 a party in contempt for violating a support order. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended this equitable distribution statute in 2018, giving him unique insight into its application. A spousal support violation lawyer Lexington must prove the payor had the ability to pay but chose not to. The court may impose jail time, fines, or wage garnishment. Founded in 1997, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony Contempt: Specific Legal Standards
Alimony contempt is distinct from general family law matters. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court must find that the payor had the present ability to pay the spousal support obligation and willfully refused. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Lexington must present evidence of income, assets, and expenses. The burden shifts to the payor to show inability to pay. This sub-topic-specific standard differs from other family law contempt issues like child support or custody violations.
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, visit Lexington General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Lexington Alimony Contempt Cases
In Lexington General District Court, contempt motions are set for hearing within 21-60 days. The court requires specific financial affidavits. A spousal support violation lawyer Lexington must file a show cause motion first.
- File a show cause motion at Lexington General District Court, 2 South Main Street.
- Serve the opposing party with the motion and supporting affidavit.
- Attend the preliminary hearing where the court sets a contempt hearing date.
- Present evidence of the payor’s income, assets, and ability to pay.
- Request wage garnishment or other enforcement remedies if contempt is found.
- File for modification of support if the payor’s circumstances have changed.
In Lexington, alimony contempt carries potential jail time of up to 12 months and fines up to $2,500 for each violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First contempt violation | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Subsequent violations | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Jail time, loss of driver’s license |
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. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs alimony in Virginia. This gives him unique authority in alimony contempt cases. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Lexington Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals and reductions in traffic and family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location Serving Lexington, VA
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). The location is accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. We serve the Lexington community and surrounding areas.
Alimony contempt lawyer near Lexington — near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
Neighborhoods served: Lexington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
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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 contempt for willfully failing to pay court-ordered spousal support. Jail time of up to 12 months is possible for each violation.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Lexington?
It depends. A show cause motion is typically heard within 21-60 days. The full contempt hearing may take 2-4 months from filing to resolution.
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 and carries a fixed jail sentence. Both can apply in alimony cases.
Can I modify my alimony order instead of facing contempt?
Yes. If your financial circumstances have changed, you can file for modification under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Filing a modification motion may stop the contempt action.
What evidence do I need for an alimony contempt case in Lexington?
You need proof of the court order, evidence of non-payment, and evidence of the payor’s ability to pay. Financial affidavits, bank statements, and pay stubs are essential.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. For nearby localities, visit Henrico County Family Law Lawyer or Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer. For related practice areas in Lexington, see Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.