If your former spouse is not paying court-ordered spousal support, an Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County can help. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We enforce unpaid support through contempt, wage garnishment, and liens. Consultation by appointment.
What Is Alimony Enforcement Under Virginia Law?
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony enforcement is the legal process of compelling a former spouse to comply with a court-ordered spousal support obligation. In Virginia, when a payor spouse fails to make required payments, the recipient spouse can ask the court to enforce the order. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution and spousal support in Virginia. The court has broad authority to enforce its own orders, including holding the non-paying spouse in contempt of court. An Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County understands that Virginia law treats unpaid spousal support as a serious matter. The court can order wage garnishment, intercept tax refunds, place liens on property, or even impose jail time for willful non-compliance. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled numerous enforcement actions in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving him unique insight into Virginia’s spousal support laws.
Legal Resources for Alimony Enforcement in Arlington County
Virginia law provides multiple enforcement mechanisms for unpaid spousal support. The primary statute is Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly), which governs spousal support awards and enforcement. For court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website. These resources provide official information on filing enforcement motions, court fees, and procedural requirements.
Insider Procedural Edge: Enforcing Alimony in Arlington County
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges routinely grant wage garnishment orders for unpaid spousal support within 30 days of a properly filed motion. The court requires proof of the existing support order and documentation of missed payments.
Arlington County courts process enforcement motions faster than many surrounding jurisdictions. The General District Court can hear enforcement for support orders up to $25,000.
- Document the Arrears: Gather all bank statements, payment records, and communication showing missed or partial payments.
- File a Show Cause Motion: File a motion for contempt or show cause at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Serve the Non-Paying Spouse: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the motion to the other party.
- Attend the Hearing: Present your evidence of non-payment at the scheduled court hearing before a judge.
- Request Enforcement Remedies: Ask the court for wage garnishment, bank levy, property lien, or other enforcement tools.
- Follow Up on Compliance: Monitor whether the payor spouse begins making payments after the court order.
In Arlington County, failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt of court, wage garnishment, and potential jail time.
| Violation | Classification | Potential Penalty | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay spousal support (first offense) | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months jail or until purged | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept |
| Willful non-payment (repeated) | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months jail + fine | Property liens, credit damage, loss of professional license |
| Failure to appear at enforcement hearing | Bench warrant | Arrest, additional contempt charges | Bond requirement, attorney fees |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Alimony Enforcement in Arlington County?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs spousal support in Virginia. This achievement gives the firm unique authority in alimony enforcement matters. The firm’s favorable outcome rate exceeds 93% across all practice areas. In Arlington County specifically, the firm has 115 documented case results with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined the firm in 2010, brings additional prosecutorial insight to enforcement cases. Her experience in Maryland District and Circuit Courts strengthens the firm’s ability to handle complex enforcement actions across multiple jurisdictions.
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include successful enforcement actions for unpaid spousal support, contempt proceedings, and wage garnishment orders. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location — Serving Arlington County
Our Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, near the Arlington County Courthouse. We are accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington County, including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
If you need an enforce alimony order lawyer Arlington County or an unpaid spousal support lawyer Arlington County, we are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony Enforcement in Arlington County
Can I enforce an out-of-state spousal support order in Arlington County?
Yes. Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), Virginia courts can enforce spousal support orders from other states. You must register the foreign order with Arlington County Circuit Court before seeking enforcement. The court can then use Virginia’s enforcement tools, including wage garnishment and contempt.
How long does alimony enforcement take in Arlington County?
It depends. A clear wage garnishment motion can be resolved in 30-60 days from filing. Contested contempt hearings may take 3-6 months. Emergency motions for immediate enforcement can be heard within 21 days. The timeline depends on court availability and the complexity of the case.
What evidence do I need for an alimony enforcement hearing?
You need the original spousal support order, bank statements showing missed payments, communication records (emails, texts) about non-payment, and proof of the payor’s income or assets. The court also requires a detailed accounting of all payments made and missed since the order was entered.
Can my ex-spouse go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia courts can hold a non-paying spouse in civil contempt, which carries potential jail time of up to 12 months. However, the court typically uses wage garnishment and property liens first. Jail is reserved for willful, repeated violations where the payor has the ability to pay but refuses.
Is there a statute of limitations for enforcing alimony in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia has a 10-year statute of limitations for enforcing a spousal support judgment. Each missed payment creates a separate judgment that can be enforced within 10 years. However, interest accrues on unpaid support at the statutory rate of 6% per year from the date each payment was due.
What if my ex-spouse claims they cannot afford to pay alimony?
It depends. The court will examine the payor’s financial situation, including income, assets, and expenses. If the payor genuinely cannot pay due to job loss or disability, the court may modify the support order rather than enforce it. However, if the payor voluntarily quit a job or hides assets, the court can still enforce the original order.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Statewide family law representation
- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer — Family law services in Alexandria
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense in Arlington County
- Arlington Law Office Location — Visit our Arlington location
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.