Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Hanover County — How to Collect Unpaid Spousal Support
If your former spouse is not paying court-ordered alimony in Hanover County, you need an experienced alimony enforcement lawyer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing spousal support orders under Va. Code § 20-107.1. We file motions for contempt and wage garnishment at Hanover County Circuit Court to secure your payments. Call us to discuss enforcing your alimony order.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered payment from one former spouse to the other after a divorce. In Virginia, these orders are issued under Va. Code § 20-107.1. When the paying spouse stops making payments, the receiving spouse has legal tools to enforce the order. An alimony enforcement lawyer Hanover County can guide you through the process at the Hanover County Circuit Court.
Enforcement actions are serious. The court can hold a non-paying spouse in contempt, which may result in fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time. The process starts with filing a motion with the court that issued the original order. Having a lawyer who understands the local procedures is critical.
Virginia Law on Spousal Support Enforcement
Virginia law provides several methods to enforce a spousal support order. The primary statute is Va. Code § 20-107.1, which outlines the factors for awarding support. Enforcement is governed by the court’s contempt powers. A judge can order income deduction (wage garnishment), seize assets, or impose penalties until the owed alimony is paid. The goal is to secure compliance with the existing court order.
For specific procedures, you can review the official Virginia code on spousal support (Va. Code § 20-107.1). Court forms and filing information are available through the Virginia court system website.
- Gather all records of the alimony order and every missed payment.
- Consult with an alimony enforcement lawyer to review your case and options.
- Your lawyer will file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause (contempt) in Hanover County Circuit Court.
- Attend the court hearing where the judge will review the evidence of non-payment.
- If the judge finds contempt, they will issue an enforcement order, which may include wage garnishment or other penalties.
Potential Outcomes in Enforcement Cases
In Hanover County, enforcing an alimony order can lead to court-ordered wage garnishment, asset liens, or contempt findings to compel payment.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Mechanism | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Motion for Contempt | Rule to Show Cause | Court order to pay arrears, possible fines |
| Income Deduction Order | Wage Garnishment | Direct payment from employer |
| Lien on Property | Judgment Lien | Security against real estate or assets |
| Intercept of Tax Refund | State/Federal Intercept | Redirects tax refund to pay arrears |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Family Law in Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep involvement in the evolution of state family law. This background informs our approach to all support 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
Representing Clients in Hanover County
Our firm has a record of handling family law cases in the area. In one instance, our team secured an amended charge in a Hanover General District Court case. While results vary, our focus is on assertive representation to protect our clients’ court-ordered financial support.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
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 only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County, including Mechanicsville and Ashland. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 301. If you need an alimony enforcement lawyer near Hanover County, contact us for a consultation.
Alimony Enforcement in Hanover County: Frequently Asked Questions
What can an alimony enforcement lawyer in Hanover County do for me?
Yes. An alimony enforcement lawyer Hanover County can file a motion for contempt in Hanover County Circuit Court to enforce your spousal support order. They can seek wage garnishment, asset liens, and other court orders to collect the unpaid support you are owed.
How long does it take to enforce an alimony order in Virginia?
It depends on the case’s complexity and court scheduling. A clear motion for contempt can be heard within a few weeks to months of filing. If the paying spouse contests the motion, the process will take longer. An unpaid spousal support lawyer Hanover County can give you a timeline based on your specific circumstances.
Can my ex-spouse go to jail for not paying alimony in Virginia?
Yes. If a judge finds your ex-spouse in willful contempt of the court order for spousal support, the court has the authority to impose a jail sentence. This is typically used as a last resort to compel payment when other enforcement methods have failed.
What is the first step to take if alimony payments stop?
The first step is to document every missed payment carefully. Then, contact an attorney who handles enforcement of alimony orders. They will review your divorce decree and payment history to advise on the strongest legal strategy, which usually begins with filing a formal motion with the court.
Can I get my ex-spouse to pay my attorney’s fees for enforcement?
Yes, it is possible. Virginia courts often order the non-compliant spouse to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the receiving spouse to enforce the support order. The judge will consider the circumstances of the non-payment when making this decision.
If you are facing issues with unpaid spousal support, do not wait. The longer payments are missed, the harder they can be to collect. For other legal needs in the area, you may also consider a Hanover County criminal defense lawyer or a Hanover County DUI lawyer. For more family law resources, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.