Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Virginia Beach — How to Collect Unpaid Spousal Support
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, you need an alimony enforcement lawyer Virginia Beach. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, spousal support orders are legally binding. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing alimony orders in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We file motions for contempt, wage garnishments, and liens to secure your payments. Contact us for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Enforcing Alimony Orders
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered financial obligation. In Virginia, these orders are enforceable under Va. Code § 20-107.1 and related statutes. When a payor fails to comply, the court has several tools to compel payment and address the arrears. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles enforcement actions. The process begins with filing a motion to show cause for contempt, asking the court to hold the non-paying party accountable for violating its order.
- Gather all documentation of missed payments and the original court order.
- File a Motion for Rule to Show Cause (Contempt) with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk.
- Attend the hearing where the payor must explain the non-payment.
- Request specific remedies from the judge, such as income withholding or a lien.
- If the payor fails to appear or comply, the court can issue a bench warrant.
Legal Remedies for Unpaid Spousal Support
An unpaid spousal support lawyer Virginia Beach can pursue multiple legal avenues to collect what you are owed. The primary remedy is a contempt finding, which can result in fines, attorney’s fees, and even jail time until the payor complies. More directly, the court can order income withholding (wage garnishment) through the payor’s employer. For larger arrears, the court may place a lien on the payor’s real estate or personal property. In cases where the payor has hidden assets or income, discovery tools can be used to locate funds for collection.
In Virginia Beach, enforcing an alimony order involves court motions for contempt, wage garnishment, property liens, and potential penalties for the non-paying party.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Authority | Typical Timeline | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motion for Contempt | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | 30-60 days | Court order to pay, plus possible fines/fees |
| Income Withholding Order | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | 2-3 weeks | Direct payment from employer |
| Judgment Lien | Va. Code § 8.01-458 | Varies | Claim against property for arrears |
| License Suspension | Va. Code § 20-60.3 | 30-90 days | Suspension of driver’s/professional license |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Alimony Enforcement in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the evolution of state family law. We understand the financial strain caused by unpaid support and act decisively to enforce your rights in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
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 favorable outcomes in family law cases. In Virginia Beach, we have secured results for clients facing enforcement issues. We prepare thorough documentation and present clear evidence of non-compliance to the court. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement cases, ensuring every legal tool is utilized.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Alimony Enforcement Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients with cases in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 44. Serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Alimony Enforcement in Virginia Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step to enforce an alimony order in Virginia Beach?
File a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. This asks the judge to hold a hearing where the non-paying spouse must explain why they have not complied with the support order.
Can a Virginia Beach court put someone in jail for not paying alimony?
Yes. If the court finds the payor in contempt for willfully refusing to pay, it can impose a jail sentence. Often, the jail time is suspended on the condition that the payor makes the overdue payments.
How long does it take to get a wage garnishment for alimony?
Once the court grants an income withholding order, it is served on the payor’s employer. The employer typically must begin withholding funds from the next paycheck, usually within 2-3 weeks of the court order.
What if the person who owes alimony moves out of Virginia?
It depends. Virginia Beach orders can often be enforced in other states under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). We can work with authorities in the new state to register and enforce the Virginia order.
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid by the other side in an enforcement case?
Yes. Virginia courts frequently order the party found in contempt for non-payment to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs incurred by the recipient in enforcing the order.
For more information on Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website. To learn about Virginia Beach Circuit Court procedures, see the official court website.
If you need an Virginia family law attorney, explore our services. We also assist clients in Henrico County and with criminal defense in Virginia Beach.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.