If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, you need an alimony enforcement lawyer in Arlington County. Virginia law provides specific enforcement tools under Va. Code § 20-107.1 and § 20-115. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing support orders in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Law on Enforcing Spousal Support Orders
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered financial obligation. When payments are missed, the payee has the right to seek enforcement through the court that issued the original order. In Arlington County, this is the Circuit Court. The statutory framework for enforcement is found in Va. Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors) and Va. Code § 20-115 (enforcement remedies). These laws authorize the court to use its contempt power, income withholding, and other methods to compel compliance.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Legal Process for Enforcing an Alimony Order
The primary legal action to enforce unpaid spousal support is a “Rule to Show Cause” motion. This asks the court to require the paying spouse to explain why they should not be held in contempt for violating the court order. Successfully proving a willful failure to pay can lead to immediate payment orders, wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or even jail time for contempt. The process requires precise documentation of missed payments and strict adherence to court filing rules.
- Gather all documentation of the original support order and every missed payment.
- File a Motion for Rule to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
- Ensure proper service of the motion on the non-paying spouse according to Virginia rules.
- Attend the hearing prepared to present evidence of the arrears and the payor’s financial capacity.
- Argue for specific enforcement remedies, such as income withholding or a judgment lien.
- If the court finds contempt, it will issue an order compelling payment and outlining penalties for future non-compliance.
Potential Enforcement Remedies in Arlington County
In Arlington County, a judge can order multiple remedies to collect unpaid spousal support, including income withholding, liens on property, and contempt sanctions.
| Remedy | Legal Authority | How It Works | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Withholding (Wage Garnishment) | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Court order directs employer to deduct support from paycheck. | Can be ongoing. |
| Judgment Lien | Va. Code § 8.01-458 | Records a lien against real estate or personal property. | Immediate upon recording. |
| Contempt of Court | Va. Code § 20-115 | Court can impose fines, attorney’s fees, or jail until payment. | Set by hearing. |
| Intercept Tax Refunds | Va. Code § 63.2-1926 | State intercepts state tax refunds for past-due support. | Annual processing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Alimony Enforcement
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings deep, specific knowledge of Virginia family law procedures. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a commitment to shaping the laws we practice. For enforcement of alimony orders in Arlington County, primary attorney Samantha Powers applies her 18+ years of family law experience. She is supported by the firm’s collective 120+ years of combined legal experience and over 4,739 documented case results. We understand the urgency of securing your financial support.
Documented Case Results in Family Law
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in family law cases. In Arlington County, we have 115 total documented case results across all practice areas. These results include successful enforcement actions for unpaid spousal support, skilled to wage garnishments and contempt findings that compelled payment. Firm-wide, we have over 4,739 documented results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington County Alimony Enforcement Lawyer
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need an alimony enforcement lawyer in Arlington County or an unpaid spousal support lawyer in Arlington County, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 273-4104
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Alimony Enforcement in Arlington County, VA
What is the first step to enforce an alimony order in Virginia?
The first step is to file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in the court that issued the original order, which for Arlington County is the Circuit Court. This motion asks the judge to require the non-paying spouse to explain why they should not be held in contempt.
Can my spouse be jailed for not paying alimony in Virginia?
Yes. If the court finds a willful failure to pay spousal support, it can hold the payor in contempt. Contempt sanctions can include a fine, payment of your attorney’s fees, or a jail sentence until the overdue support is paid.
How far behind in payments can I seek enforcement for?
You can seek enforcement for any missed payment as soon as it is late. It is advisable to act promptly. Virginia law allows for the collection of arrears, and interest may accrue on the unpaid balance. Keeping detailed records of every missed payment is critical for your case.
What if my ex-spouse moves out of Virginia to avoid paying?
Interstate enforcement is possible under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). Your Arlington County alimony enforcement lawyer can register the Virginia order in the new state and work with authorities there to initiate enforcement actions like wage garnishment.
How long does the enforcement process take in Arlington County?
It depends on court scheduling and the complexity of the case. A simple motion for a rule to show cause might be heard within 30-60 days of filing. If the payor contests the motion or hides assets, the process can take several months to resolve through hearings and discovery.
Related Legal Services in Arlington County
If you are dealing with unpaid spousal support, you may also need assistance with: Virginia Family Law Lawyer, Alexandria Divorce Lawyer, or Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding alimony enforcement.
For the full picture beyond Arlington County, our page on alimony enforcement lawyer in Virginia covers the process end to end.