Arlington County Alimony Enforcement Lawyer — How Do You Collect Unpaid Spousal Support?
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered alimony in Arlington County, you need an experienced alimony enforcement lawyer. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, spousal support orders are enforceable legal judgments. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing support orders in Arlington County Circuit Court. We pursue all legal remedies to secure the payments you are owed. Contact us for a consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Enforcing a Spousal Support Order in Virginia
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered financial obligation. When a payor fails to make payments, the recipient has the right to seek enforcement through the court that issued the original order—in Arlington County, this is the Circuit Court. Enforcement is governed by Virginia statutes, which provide specific tools to compel compliance and collect arrears.
Legal Tools for Alimony Enforcement
An alimony enforcement lawyer in Arlington County can file motions to use several enforcement mechanisms. These include motions for a Rule to Show Cause for contempt, income withholding orders, liens against property, and garnishment of wages or bank accounts. The court can also award you the costs and attorney’s fees incurred in the enforcement action.
- Gather all documentation of missed payments and the original court order.
- Your attorney files a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in Arlington County Circuit Court.
- The court schedules a hearing and serves the payor with the motion.
- At the hearing, your attorney presents evidence of the non-payment.
- The judge may find the payor in contempt and order immediate payment, wage garnishment, or other remedies.
- If payments remain unpaid, further enforcement actions like liens are pursued.
Consequences for Non-Payment of Alimony
In Arlington County, failing to pay court-ordered alimony can result in contempt of court findings, wage garnishment, liens, and even jail time until the arrears are paid.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Basis | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Rule to Show Cause / Contempt | Va. Code § 20-115 | Court orders payment; possible jail for willful non-compliance |
| Income Withholding Order | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Payments deducted directly from paycheck |
| Judgment Lien | Va. Code § 8.01-458 | Lien placed on real estate or personal property |
| Wage/Bank Garnishment | Va. Code § 8.01-511 et seq. | Funds seized from bank accounts or wages |
| License Suspension | Va. Code § 20-60.3 | Driver’s, professional, or recreational licenses suspended |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Alimony Enforcement
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping the laws we use to advocate for clients today.
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
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of advocating for clients in Arlington County. While every case is unique, our approach is consistent: we prepare thoroughly and use the full scope of Virginia law to protect our clients’ financial interests. For instance, our team, including founding attorney Mr. Sris, has successfully argued enforcement motions that resulted in the immediate payment of significant arrears and the establishment of reliable income withholding orders.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is ready to assist you with enforcing an unpaid spousal support order. We serve clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Alimony Enforcement FAQs for Arlington County
What is the first step to enforce unpaid alimony in Arlington County?
The first step is to hire an alimony enforcement lawyer to file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in Arlington County Circuit Court. This motion asks the court to hold the non-paying spouse in contempt for violating the support order.
Can my ex-spouse go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia?
Yes. If the court finds the non-payment was willful, the judge can hold the payor in contempt of court. Contempt penalties can include jail time until the overdue alimony (arrears) is paid.
How far behind in payments can alimony get before I take action?
It depends on your financial needs, but you should not wait long. The longer arrears accumulate, the harder they can be to collect. Consulting an unpaid spousal support lawyer in Arlington County after even one missed payment is advisable to understand your options.
What if my ex-spouse lives in another state?
Interstate enforcement is possible under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). Your Arlington County alimony enforcement lawyer can coordinate with authorities in the other state to enforce the Virginia order through wage withholding or other means.
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid by the other side in an enforcement case?
Yes. Virginia law allows the court to order the non-compliant party to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and costs you incur to enforce the support order.
For more information on Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific procedures, see the Arlington County Circuit Court website.
If you are dealing with an alimony issue in Alexandria, or need help with a related criminal matter in Arlington, our firm can assist. Learn more about our Virginia family law services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.