Arlington County Alimony Enforcement Lawyer — How Do You Collect Unpaid Spousal Support?
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, you need an alimony enforcement lawyer Arlington County. Virginia law provides specific remedies to enforce alimony orders, including wage garnishment, contempt of court, and liens. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing support orders in Arlington County Circuit Court. We help you secure the financial support you are owed.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit 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 comply, the recipient has legal recourse under Virginia law. The primary statute governing spousal support enforcement is Va. Code § 20-112, which outlines the court’s power to enforce its decrees. An alimony enforcement lawyer Arlington County can file the necessary motions to initiate enforcement proceedings in the court that issued the original order, typically the Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Gather all documentation of missed payments, including bank statements and the original court order.
- Your attorney will file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause for Contempt with the Arlington County Circuit Court.
- The court will schedule a hearing where the payor must explain the non-payment.
- If found in contempt, the judge can order immediate payment, wage garnishment, or even jail time.
Legal Remedies for Unpaid Spousal Support
In Arlington County, enforcing an alimony order can involve wage garnishment, contempt findings, liens on property, and interception of tax refunds to collect unpaid spousal support.
| Enforcement Tool | Legal Authority | Process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wage Garnishment | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Court order directs employer to withhold support from paycheck. | Can be effective within weeks. |
| Contempt of Court | Va. Code § 20-112 | Payor must explain non-payment; judge can impose penalties. | Hearing typically set within 30-60 days. |
| Judgment Lien | Va. Code § 8.01-458 | Court enters a judgment for arrears, creating a lien on real property. | Lien attaches upon docketing. |
| Intercept Tax Refund | Va. Code § 63.2-1952 | State can intercept Virginia tax refunds for past-due support. | Annual processing. |
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 legal experience to family law matters. Our deep understanding of Virginia’s enforcement statutes, including the equitable distribution law Mr. Sris personally helped amend, allows us to pursue every available legal avenue. We focus on practical, assertive strategies to collect unpaid spousal support for our clients in Arlington.
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 achieving favorable outcomes for clients. In Arlington County, we have secured results including motions for contempt granted for non-payment of support and successful wage garnishment orders. One recent case involved securing a judgment lien against a property to satisfy significant spousal support arrears.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County Circuit Court. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Alimony Enforcement FAQs for Arlington County
What is the first step to enforce an alimony order in Arlington County?
Yes. The first step is to document every missed payment and contact an unpaid spousal support lawyer Arlington County. Your attorney will typically file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in Arlington County Circuit Court, asking the judge to hold the payor in contempt for violating the court order.
Can my ex-spouse go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia?
Yes. If found in willful contempt of court for non-payment, a judge can impose jail time. This is usually a last resort to compel payment, and the payor may purge the contempt by paying the arrears. An alimony enforcement lawyer Arlington County can guide you through this process.
How long does it take to get a wage garnishment for spousal support?
Once the court grants an order for wage garnishment, it can be served on the payor’s employer. The employer must typically begin withholding funds from the next paycheck. The entire process, from filing to first withheld payment, can often be completed within a few weeks with efficient legal action.
What if my ex-spouse moves out of Virginia to avoid paying?
Virginia can enforce its orders against out-of-state residents through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). Your attorney can register the Virginia order in the new state, where local authorities can enforce it through wage garnishment and other means, ensuring your alimony enforcement lawyer Arlington County can still take effective action.
Are there resources to help find a payor’s income for garnishment?
Yes. Through the court process, your attorney can use discovery tools to subpoena employment records, tax returns, and bank statements. The Virginia Department of Social Services also has tools to locate employers and assets for child and spousal support enforcement purposes.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.