Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Henrico County — How to Collect Unpaid Spousal Support
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, you need an alimony enforcement lawyer in Henrico County. An alimony order from Henrico County Circuit Court is a legally binding judgment. When payments are missed, you have the right to enforce that order through legal action. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered payment from one former spouse to the other, established under Virginia law to provide financial assistance. The obligation to pay is not optional once a final order is entered. When payments are not made, the receiving spouse faces real financial hardship. An alimony enforcement lawyer in Henrico County understands the specific procedures of the Henrico County Circuit Court to compel compliance and collect arrears.
The primary statute governing spousal support in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-107.1, which outlines the factors for awarding support. Critically, Va. Code § 20-112 addresses the enforcement of support orders. This statute provides the court with its authority to use contempt powers and other enforcement mechanisms against a party who willfully fails to obey a support order. Mr. Sris, founder of our firm, personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep involvement in the evolution of Virginia family law.
- Gather all documentation of the original alimony order and every missed payment.
- File a Motion for Rule to Show Cause (Contempt) with the Henrico County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the motion on your former spouse, providing notice of the court hearing date.
- Attend the hearing where your attorney will present evidence of the violation.
- Argue for specific enforcement remedies, such as wage garnishment or a judgment lien.
- If the court finds contempt, it may order payment of arrears, attorney’s fees, and potential penalties.
You can review the official Virginia statutes on the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 20-107.1). For local court procedures, visit the Henrico County Circuit Court official website.
In Henrico County, failing to pay court-ordered alimony can result in a finding of contempt, which may include wage garnishment, seizure of assets, payment of your attorney’s fees, and even jail time for willful non-compliance.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Basis | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Motion for Contempt (Rule to Show Cause) | Va. Code § 20-112 | Court order to pay arrears, fees, possible jail |
| Wage Garnishment | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Direct payment from employer |
| Judgment Lien | Va. Code § 8.01-458 | Claim against real estate or personal property |
| Intercept of Tax Refund | State & Federal Programs | Application of tax refund to overdue support |
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. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters, including the enforcement of support orders. Mr. Sris’s background includes personally contributing to the amendment of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, reflecting a deep commitment to the practice of family law in the Commonwealth.
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
Our firm has documented case results across Virginia. In one instance, our team successfully enforced an unpaid spousal support order for a client in Henrico County, securing a judgment for all arrears and compelling future payments through wage garnishment. Mr. Sris, with his multi-state practice and background as a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement cases where interstate collection or asset discovery is necessary.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment. By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Henrico County and is positioned to handle cases at the Henrico County Circuit Court. We provide representation for individuals in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, and surrounding communities. If you need an alimony enforcement lawyer in Henrico County or an unpaid spousal support lawyer in Henrico County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Alimony Enforcement in Henrico County: Frequently Asked Questions
What can an alimony enforcement lawyer in Henrico County do if payments stop?
An alimony enforcement lawyer in Henrico County can file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause (contempt) in Henrico County Circuit Court. The court can then order payment of all missed support (arrears), implement wage garnishment, place liens on property, award your attorney’s fees, and, for willful violations, impose jail time.
How long does it take to enforce an alimony order in Virginia?
It depends on the complexity and the payor’s response. After filing a motion, a hearing in Henrico County Circuit Court is typically scheduled within 4 to 8 weeks. If the payor contests the motion, the process can take several months. Immediate remedies like wage garnishment can start soon after a court order is entered.
Can I get my ex-spouse to pay my legal fees for enforcement?
Yes. Virginia law (Va. Code § 20-79) allows the court to order the party found in contempt for not paying support to pay the other party’s reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in enforcing the order. This is a common outcome in successful enforcement actions.
What if my ex-spouse moves out of Virginia to avoid paying?
Interstate enforcement is possible under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). An unpaid spousal support lawyer in Henrico County can register the Virginia order in the new state and initiate enforcement proceedings there, often in cooperation with local counsel or that state’s child support enforcement agency.
Is there a time limit to collect past-due alimony in Virginia?
Yes. A judgment for past-due alimony (arrears) is subject to Virginia’s statute of limitations for enforcing judgments, which is generally 20 years from the date the judgment is entered by the court. However, it is best to act promptly to prevent the debt from growing.
For more information on related legal matters, see our pages on Virginia family law, or learn about family law in Chesterfield County. If you are facing other legal issues, consider our services for criminal defense in Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.