Manassas Alimony Enforcement Lawyer — How Do You Collect Unpaid Spousal Support?
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered alimony, you need an experienced alimony enforcement lawyer in Manassas. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps clients enforce alimony orders in Manassas Circuit Court. Virginia law provides specific remedies to collect unpaid spousal support, including wage garnishment, liens, and contempt actions. Our firm has extensive experience with family law enforcement proceedings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Enforcing a Spousal Support Order in Virginia
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered financial obligation. When a payor fails to make payments, the recipient has legal rights under Virginia Code § 20-107.1 and related enforcement statutes. An alimony enforcement lawyer in Manassas can file the necessary motions in Manassas Circuit Court to initiate collection actions. The court can use its contempt power to compel payment, order wage garnishment, place liens on property, or intercept tax refunds.
- Gather all documentation of the original support order and payment history.
- File a Motion for Rule to Show Cause for Contempt in Manassas Circuit Court.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying former spouse.
- Attend the contempt hearing and present evidence of the arrears.
- Request specific enforcement remedies from the judge, such as income withholding.
- If the payor remains non-compliant, pursue additional sanctions.
Legal Remedies for Unpaid Spousal Support
In Manassas, enforcing an alimony order can involve wage garnishment, property liens, contempt findings, and even jail time for willful non-payment.
| Remedy | Process | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Income Withholding Order | Court order sent to employer | Direct payment from wages |
| Contempt of Court | Show cause hearing | Fines, attorney’s fees, possible jail |
| Property Lien | Record judgment with court | Secures debt against real estate |
| Intercept Tax Refund | Submit to VA Dept. of Taxation | State intercepts refund for arrears |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Alimony Enforcement
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Virginia family law procedures. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating our firm’s commitment to family law. We know the Manassas court system and how to effectively present enforcement cases.
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-wide experience includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. For an unpaid spousal support lawyer in Manassas, our team provides focused representation. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Manassas Alimony Enforcement Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Manassas. We are accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We serve neighborhoods throughout Manassas. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step to enforce alimony in Manassas?
The first step is to file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in Manassas Circuit Court. This motion asks the judge to require the non-paying spouse to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt for violating the court order.
Can my ex-spouse go to jail for not paying alimony?
Yes. If the court finds the non-payment was willful and the payor has the ability to pay, a judge can impose jail time for contempt. This is typically used as a last resort to compel compliance.
How far behind can alimony payments get before I take action?
You can take legal action as soon as a payment is missed. It is advisable not to let arrears accumulate, as collecting a large sum can be more difficult. Prompt action with an alimony enforcement lawyer in Manassas is recommended.
What if my ex-spouse moves out of Virginia?
Virginia can still enforce the order through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). We can register the Virginia order in the new state or work with authorities there to initiate income withholding.
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid by the other side?
Often, yes. Virginia courts frequently order the non-compliant party to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the recipient in enforcing the support order, as part of the contempt sanctions.
For more information on Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code. For Manassas court information, see the Manassas General District Court website.
See our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with family law in Fairfax and criminal defense in Manassas.
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.