In Virginia Beach, enforcing an alimony order requires filing a show cause motion under Va. Code § 20-107.3. An Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Virginia Beach can help you collect unpaid spousal support. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony enforcement in Virginia Beach involves legal action to collect court-ordered spousal support that a former spouse has failed to pay. Under Virginia law, alimony (also called spousal support) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. When a payor spouse falls behind on payments, the recipient can ask the court to enforce the order through contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, or other remedies. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all alimony enforcement matters for divorces filed in this jurisdiction. The court can hold the non-paying spouse in contempt, which may result in fines, jail time, or both.
For the official statute governing alimony enforcement in Virginia, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
- File a show cause motion at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B.
- Serve the motion on the non-paying spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show cause hearing where the judge decides if contempt occurred.
- If contempt is found, the court can order wage garnishment, bank levy, or jail time.
- Collect arrears through ongoing wage withholding until the balance is paid.
In Virginia Beach, failure to pay court-ordered alimony can result in contempt of court with penalties including fines and jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (Failure to Pay Alimony) | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, bank levy, property lien |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs alimony enforcement in Virginia. This amendment gives the firm unique authority in Virginia Beach family law matters. The firm’s 93%+ favorable outcome rate reflects a commitment to aggressive enforcement of court orders.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Alimony enforcement lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Town Center, and Sandbridge.
Serving: Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Q: How long does it take to enforce an alimony order in Virginia Beach?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. If the court finds contempt, wage garnishment can begin within 30 days. Complex cases with disputed arrears may take 3-6 months.
Q: Can I get back child support and alimony enforced together?
Yes. Virginia Beach Circuit Court can enforce both child support and spousal support arrears in the same proceeding. The court can issue separate wage withholding orders for each obligation.
Q: What happens if my ex-spouse refuses to pay alimony?
The court can hold them in civil contempt, which may result in jail time until they pay. The court can also garnish wages, levy bank accounts, or place a lien on property.
Q: Is Virginia a community property state for alimony purposes?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court divides marital property fairly but not necessarily 50/50. This affects how alimony is calculated.
Q: Can I modify an alimony order in Virginia Beach?
Yes. You can file a motion to modify alimony if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, disability, or remarriage. The court reviews these motions under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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.