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. An alimony enforcement lawyer in Arlington County can file a motion for a show cause order at the Arlington County Circuit Court to hold the payor in contempt. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing family law orders.
Virginia Law on Spousal Support Enforcement
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered financial obligation. In Virginia, the enforcement of these orders is governed by statute. When a payor fails to comply, the court has several tools to compel payment and address the arrears.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
The primary mechanism for enforcement is a Motion for Rule to Show Cause, filed under the court’s contempt powers. This process is detailed in the Virginia Code. For official reference, you can review the Virginia spousal support statutes (Va. Code § 20-112). All enforcement actions are filed in the court that issued the original order, which for Arlington County residents is typically the Arlington County Circuit Court.
The Enforcement Process in Arlington County Court
Enforcing an alimony order requires specific, timely legal action. The Arlington County Circuit Court follows a strict procedural path to address unpaid spousal support.
- Document the Arrears: Create a detailed ledger showing the payment schedule, amounts due, amounts paid, and the exact total owed.
- File a Motion for Rule to Show Cause: Your attorney files this motion with the Circuit Court clerk, outlining the payor’s failure to comply with the order.
- Serve the Payor: The court issues a Rule to Show Cause, which must be formally served on the payor, requiring them to appear in court.
- Attend the Show Cause Hearing: At the hearing, you must prove the payor’s ability to pay and their willful failure to do so.
- Seek a Judgment and Remedies: If the court finds the payor in contempt, it can order payment, impose penalties, wage garnishment, or even jail time.
- Execute on the Judgment: If the payor still does not pay, your attorney can initiate garnishment, lien, or other collection actions.
Potential Consequences for Non-Payment
In Arlington County, a party found in contempt for unpaid alimony faces serious penalties, including wage garnishment, liens on property, and potential incarceration until they comply with the court’s order.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Basis | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Motion for Rule to Show Cause | Contempt of Court | Court orders payment; imposes fines or jail |
| Income Withholding Order | Va. Code § 20-60.3 | Direct garnishment of wages or other income |
| Judgment Lien | Recording a Judgment | Lien placed on real estate or personal property |
| Intercept of Tax Refunds | State Debt Collection | State and federal tax refunds seized for arrears |
| Suspension of Licenses | Va. Code § 20-60.5 | 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, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex 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. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results. We understand the procedural nuances of the Arlington County Circuit Court and are committed to assertive advocacy to secure the financial support you are owed.
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 in Arlington County
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in Arlington County courts across various practice areas. For example, we have secured dismissals or not-guilty findings in assault and domestic violence cases at the Arlington County General District and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Courts. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. In family law, our focus on precise legal procedure is critical for successful enforcement actions.
Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement cases. His multi-state practice and background in accounting offer a unique perspective on financial aspects of support orders.
Contact Our Arlington County Alimony Enforcement Lawyer
Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Arlington County and is accessible for meetings regarding court matters at the Arlington County Courthouse. We are an alimony enforcement lawyer near Arlington, Crystal City, and Rosslyn, serving neighborhoods like Clarendon, Ballston, and Pentagon City.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Alimony Enforcement FAQs for Arlington County
What is the first step to enforce unpaid alimony in Virginia?
The first step is to file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in the court that issued the original order, typically the Arlington County Circuit Court. This motion asks the court to require the payor to explain why they should not be held in contempt for non-payment.
Can an alimony enforcement lawyer in Arlington County garnish wages?
Yes. Once the court enters a judgment for arrears, your attorney can file an Income Withholding Order. This directs the payor’s employer to deduct support payments directly from their wages, which is a highly effective method for collecting unpaid spousal support.
What happens at a show cause hearing for alimony?
At the hearing, you must prove the payor had the ability to pay and willfully failed to do so. If the court finds them in contempt, it can order immediate payment, impose a purge payment to avoid jail, award your attorney’s fees, and set up ongoing garnishment.
How long do I have to enforce past-due alimony payments?
In Virginia, a judgment for spousal support arrears is enforceable for 20 years from the date it is entered by the court. It is crucial to act promptly to document the debt and obtain a court judgment to preserve your right to collect.
Can a payor’s licenses be suspended for not paying alimony?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-60.5, the court can order the suspension of the payor’s driver’s license, professional license, or hunting/fishing licenses if they are significantly delinquent on support payments and have not entered a payment plan.
Related Legal Services in Arlington County
If you are dealing with other family law issues, our firm can help. We also handle divorce and complex property division in Arlington County. For legal matters across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub page. Residents in nearby Alexandria may view our family law services for Alexandria City.
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.