In Fauquier County, an alimony enforcement lawyer Fauquier County can help you collect unpaid spousal support through contempt proceedings under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 documented case results in Fauquier County with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Consultation by appointment.
Spousal support (alimony) enforcement in Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, which authorizes the court to enforce payment through contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, and liens on property. When a spouse fails to pay court-ordered spousal support, the receiving spouse can file a motion for contempt in Fauquier County Circuit Court. The court may impose sanctions including jail time, fines, or payment plans. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and has extensive experience handling support enforcement matters across Virginia.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official statute governing spousal support enforcement, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Fauquier County court procedures, visit the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all spousal support enforcement matters. The court at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186 processes contempt motions on a regular docket. Judges in Fauquier County typically set show cause hearings within 30-45 days of filing.
- File a motion for show cause in Fauquier County Circuit Court.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show cause hearing to present evidence of non-payment.
- Request wage garnishment or income withholding if the court finds contempt.
- File a lien on real property if the spouse owns assets in Fauquier County.
- Seek attorney fees and court costs as part of the enforcement order.
In Fauquier County, failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt of court with penalties including jail time, fines, and wage garnishment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful failure to pay spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, property liens, attorney fees |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles complex family law cases and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fauquier County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 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 Fairfax location is approximately 25 miles from Fauquier County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 29. If you need an alimony enforcement lawyer Fauquier County or an enforce alimony order lawyer Fauquier County, we serve clients near Historic Warrenton town center and throughout Fauquier County.
We serve Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
How do I enforce an unpaid spousal support order in Fauquier County?
Yes. You file a motion for show cause in Fauquier County Circuit Court. The court will set a hearing where the non-paying spouse must explain why they should not be held in contempt. If the court finds willful non-payment, it can order jail time, wage garnishment, or a payment plan.
How long does alimony enforcement take in Fauquier County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 30-45 days of filing. If the court finds contempt, wage garnishment can begin within 2-4 weeks. Complex cases with property liens may take 3-6 months to fully resolve.
Can I get attorney fees for enforcing alimony in Fauquier County?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court may award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party in a spousal support enforcement action. Fauquier County judges routinely grant fee awards when the non-paying spouse acted in bad faith.
What happens if my ex-spouse still refuses to pay after a contempt order?
The court can impose escalating sanctions including jail time up to 12 months, increased fines, and wage garnishment. Repeat violations may result in criminal contempt charges with additional penalties. The court can also place a lien on real property.
Is Virginia a community property state for alimony purposes?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Spousal support is determined based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, not a 50/50 split. The court considers each spouse’s needs, earning capacity, and the marriage duration.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer and Fauquier County Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.