Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach — What Are Your Options for Unpaid Support?
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support in Virginia Beach, an Alimony Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can file a show-cause motion at Virginia Beach Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Our firm has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Understanding Alimony Contempt Under Virginia Law
Alimony contempt occurs when a spouse willfully fails to pay court-ordered spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, Virginia courts can hold a non-paying spouse in civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt aims to coerce compliance through fines or jail time until payment is made. Criminal contempt punishes past willful violations. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all alimony contempt proceedings. A spousal support violation lawyer Virginia Beach can help you understand which type of contempt applies to your situation.
For alimony contempt specifically, the controlling statute is Va. Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors and enforcement), not the general family law statute. This section gives Virginia Beach Circuit Court judges authority to enforce support orders through contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, and liens on property. A contempt for unpaid alimony lawyer Virginia Beach must prove the paying spouse had the ability to pay but willfully refused.
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Filing a Contempt Motion in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach Circuit Court, judges require clear proof of willful non-payment. The court reviews the paying spouse’s income, assets, and employment history.
A common defense is that the paying spouse lost their job or had a medical emergency. The court examines whether they made reasonable efforts to pay.
Our firm has handled multiple contempt cases in Virginia Beach. We know which judges require detailed financial affidavits and which accept summary evidence.
- Step 1: Gather all court orders showing the alimony obligation and proof of missed payments.
- Step 2: File a show-cause motion at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
- Step 3: Serve the non-paying spouse with the motion and a summons to appear in court.
- Step 4: Attend the contempt hearing and present evidence of willful non-payment.
- Step 5: The judge may order payment, wage garnishment, or jail time for continued non-compliance.
In Virginia Beach, alimony contempt carries potential jail time of up to 12 months for criminal contempt and fines up to $2,500 per violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (Failure to Pay) | Civil | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, property liens |
| Criminal Contempt (Willful Violation) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, loss of professional licenses |
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. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. Our Virginia Beach family law team includes Samantha Rae Powers, who holds a J.D./M.A. from the University of Florida and has 18+ years of experience. We handle alimony contempt cases with the same strategic approach that has earned us a 100% favorable outcome rate in Virginia Beach.
Case Results in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The court is accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (Virginia Beach Expressway).
Looking for an alimony contempt lawyer near Virginia Beach? We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Contempt in Virginia Beach
Can I go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Virginia courts can hold you in criminal contempt for willfully failing to pay court-ordered spousal support. Criminal contempt carries up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $2,500. Civil contempt can also result in jail time, but you can be released by paying the owed amount.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid alimony in Virginia Beach?
You file a show-cause motion at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway. The motion must include proof of the existing support order, evidence of missed payments, and a sworn statement. The court will set a hearing date and order the non-paying spouse to appear.
What defenses can a non-paying spouse use in a Virginia Beach contempt case?
Common defenses include job loss, medical disability, or inability to pay. The court examines whether the paying spouse made reasonable efforts to pay despite changed circumstances. Willful refusal is required for a contempt finding — inability to pay is not contempt.
How long does an alimony contempt case take in Virginia Beach?
A show-cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. Contested cases with financial discovery can take 3-6 months. Simple cases where the non-paying spouse admits the violation may resolve in a single hearing.
Can alimony be modified if I lose my job in Virginia Beach?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1 if you have experienced a material change in circumstances, such as job loss or medical disability. Modification is separate from contempt proceedings and may reduce or suspend future payments.
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.