In Roanoke County, willful failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt of court under Va. Code § 20-107.1, carrying potential jail time and fines. An Alimony Contempt Lawyer Roanoke County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 documented case results in the area. Last verified: 2026-04 | Roanoke County General District Court
Under Virginia law, spousal support (alimony) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, which provides 13 factors a court must consider when awarding support. When a paying spouse willfully disobeys a court order for spousal support, the receiving spouse may file a motion for contempt. Contempt of court for unpaid alimony is a serious matter that can result in the court ordering wage garnishment, property liens, or even incarceration. The statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., who has over 120 years of combined firm experience.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Roanoke County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors) and the Roanoke County General District Court website for local procedures.
Roanoke County Circuit Court handles all spousal support contempt motions. The court requires clear and convincing evidence that the paying spouse had the ability to pay but willfully refused. A spousal support violation lawyer Roanoke County can help gather financial records and present a strong case.
- File a motion for contempt at Roanoke County Circuit 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 court determines willfulness.
- Present evidence of missed payments, ability to pay, and any communication about non-payment.
- If contempt is found, the court may order wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time.
- Consult a contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Roanoke County to handle the process.
In Roanoke County, contempt for unpaid spousal support can lead to incarceration, fines, and enforcement actions under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful non-payment of spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
| Willful non-payment (criminal contempt) | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, potential jail time |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in financial cases involving spousal support calculations and enforcement.
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 achieved 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 Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Roanoke County courts (305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153), accessible via I-81, I-581, Route 11, Route 419, and Route 220.
Alimony contempt lawyer near Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
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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 contempt, which carries up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Roanoke County?
It depends. A show-cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. The full case may take 2-4 months if contested.
What evidence do I need for a spousal support violation case?
You need proof of the court order, bank statements showing missed payments, and evidence of the paying spouse’s ability to pay, such as employment records or tax returns.
Can alimony be modified in Roanoke County?
Yes. You can file for modification under Va. Code § 20-107.1 if there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, or a change in income.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for unpaid alimony?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying. Criminal contempt is punitive and carries a criminal record. Both can result in up to 12 months incarceration.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.