Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Chesapeake — How to Collect Unpaid Spousal Support
If your former spouse is not paying court-ordered spousal support in Chesapeake, you need an alimony enforcement lawyer Chesapeake. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, spousal support orders are legally binding. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. We can file motions for contempt, seek wage garnishment, and secure judgments for unpaid amounts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Enforcing a Spousal Support Order in Virginia
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered financial payment from one former spouse to another. In Virginia, these orders are established under Va. Code § 20-107.1. When payments stop, the receiving spouse has the right to enforce the order. The Chesapeake Circuit Court, located at 307 Albemarle Drive, has the authority to hold a non-paying spouse in contempt, which can result in fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time. The process begins with filing a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in the court that issued the original order.
Legal Tools for Alimony Enforcement
An experienced unpaid spousal support lawyer Chesapeake can use several legal remedies to collect what you are owed:
- Motion for Rule to Show Cause: This asks the court to require your former spouse to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt for non-payment.
- Income Deduction Order (Wage Garnishment): The court can order their employer to deduct support payments directly from their paycheck.
- Judgment for Arrears: The court can enter a money judgment for the total past-due amount, which can then be collected through liens on property or bank account levies.
- Contempt of Court: If the non-payment is willful, the judge can impose penalties including fines or incarceration.
These actions are filed at the Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Gather all documents: your final divorce decree, the spousal support order, and a record of all payments received and missed.
- Consult with an alimony enforcement lawyer Chesapeake to review your case and the total arrears.
- Your lawyer will draft and file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Attend the hearing where your former spouse must explain the non-payment to the judge.
- If the judge finds a willful violation, they will issue an enforcement order, which may include garnishment, a judgment, or other penalties.
Why Choose Our Firm for Alimony Enforcement
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the development of Virginia family law. We understand the financial stress caused by unpaid support and provide determined representation to secure the payments you are owed.
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 and Client Advocacy
Our commitment to clients is reflected in our track record. In Chesapeake, we have 6 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
We approach each alimony enforcement case with a detailed strategy, meticulously preparing the documentation needed to prove a violation of the court order.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients with cases in Chesapeake Circuit Court. We represent individuals in Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. If you need an alimony enforcement lawyer near Chesapeake, contact us for a consultation.
Alimony Enforcement in Chesapeake: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step to enforce unpaid alimony in Chesapeake?
The first step is to document every missed payment and then consult with an alimony enforcement lawyer Chesapeake. Your lawyer will typically file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in Chesapeake Circuit Court to initiate formal enforcement proceedings.
Can my ex-spouse be jailed for not paying alimony in Virginia?
Yes. If the court finds the non-payment was willful and not due to an inability to pay, a judge can hold them in contempt, which may include a jail sentence. This is a last resort after other enforcement methods are considered.
How long does the alimony enforcement process take?
It depends on the court’s docket and the complexity of the case. After filing a motion, a hearing in Chesapeake Circuit Court is typically scheduled within a few weeks to a few months. An experienced unpaid spousal support lawyer Chesapeake can help expedite the process.
What can be done if my ex-spouse quits their job to avoid paying?
The court can still enforce the order. A judge may impute income (assign a potential earning capacity) based on their work history and qualifications, and enforcement actions can target other assets or future income.
Are there time limits to collect past-due alimony in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia has a statute of limitations for enforcing a judgment for arrears. It is crucial to act promptly with an alimony enforcement lawyer Chesapeake to preserve your right to collect the full amount owed.
Take Action on Unpaid Support
You do not have to manage unpaid spousal support alone. The legal team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is ready to help you enforce your court order. For more information on family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other legal issues in Chesapeake, explore our services for criminal defense or DUI defense.