
An Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County helps you collect unpaid spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. You can enforce a support order through contempt proceedings or wage garnishment in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Alimony enforcement in Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute gives the court authority to enforce spousal support orders through contempt, wage garnishment, or property liens. An Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County files a motion to show cause, asking the court to hold the non-paying spouse in contempt. The court can order payment plans, suspend driver’s licenses, or impose jail time for willful non-payment. Virginia law treats alimony enforcement as a priority, and the Arlington County Circuit Court has broad discretion to collect arrears.
For the official text of Virginia’s alimony enforcement statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
In Arlington County, the Circuit Court handles alimony enforcement. The court requires proof of the existing support order and evidence of missed payments. Judges in Arlington County typically set a show cause hearing within 30 days of filing. You must serve the non-paying spouse with the motion and a summons.
- Gather your divorce decree or separation agreement showing the alimony order.
- Calculate the exact amount of unpaid support with dates.
- File a Motion to Show Cause at Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Serve the non-paying spouse with the motion and summons.
- Attend the show cause hearing with your documentation.
- Request wage garnishment or other enforcement remedies.
In Arlington County, willful failure to pay court-ordered spousal support can result in contempt of court with serious consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful non-payment of alimony | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
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+ total documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving him unique authority in alimony enforcement matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel. VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017. 18+ years of legal experience. Samantha Powers handles family law matters including alimony enforcement in Arlington County.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also oversees alimony enforcement cases. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience in family law.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, 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 Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. An Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County near the Courthouse area can help you enforce your support order.
We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
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.
Q: Can I enforce an alimony order in Arlington County without a lawyer?
Yes, you can file a motion to show cause pro se. However, an Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County can handle the complex procedural requirements and present evidence effectively. The court expects proper documentation of arrears and service of process.
Q: How long does alimony enforcement take in Arlington County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing. If the non-paying spouse contests the motion, the process can take 3-6 months. Wage garnishment, if ordered, begins within 30 days of the court order.
Q: What happens if my ex-spouse refuses to pay alimony in Arlington County?
The court can hold them in civil contempt, which may result in jail time up to 12 months, fines up to $2,500, driver’s license suspension, wage garnishment, or property liens. The court can also order payment plans to catch up on arrears.
Q: Can I get back child support and alimony enforced together in Arlington County?
Yes. Arlington County Circuit Court can enforce both child support and spousal support in the same proceeding. You file a single motion to show cause listing all unpaid amounts. The court can order combined wage garnishment for both obligations.
Q: Is wage garnishment automatic for unpaid alimony in Arlington County?
No. You must file a motion and obtain a court order for wage garnishment. An Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County can help you prepare the garnishment summons and serve it on the employer. The employer must withhold up to 50% of disposable earnings.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. For nearby localities, visit our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page. For related practice areas in Arlington County, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Arlington County page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.