Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Chesterfield County — Enforce Your Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, you need an experienced alimony enforcement lawyer in Chesterfield County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing support orders under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Enforcing a Spousal Support Order in Virginia
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered financial obligation. When payments stop, the receiving spouse has legal recourse. Virginia law provides several enforcement mechanisms, primarily governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1. An alimony enforcement lawyer in Chesterfield County can handle these procedures in the local court.
The process begins by filing a “Rule to Show Cause” in the Chesterfield County Circuit Court that issued the original order. This motion asks the judge to require the paying spouse (the obligor) to appear in court and explain why they have not complied. If the obligor cannot show a valid reason, the court can impose penalties.
- Gather all documentation of the original support order and records of missed payments.
- Your alimony enforcement lawyer files a Motion for Rule to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing with the Chesterfield County Circuit Court clerk.
- The court serves the motion on your former spouse, scheduling a hearing date.
- At the hearing, your attorney presents evidence of non-payment. The judge may order immediate payment, wage garnishment, or find the obligor in contempt.
Potential Enforcement Remedies
In Chesterfield County, a judge can use several tools to enforce an alimony order, including income withholding, liens, and contempt of court, which may result in fines or jail time.
- Income Withholding (Wage Garnishment): The court can order the obligor’s employer to deduct support payments directly from their paycheck.
- Contempt of Court: A finding of civil contempt can result in fines, attorney’s fees for the receiving spouse, or even jail time until the obligor complies.
- Liens: The court may place a lien on the obligor’s real estate or personal property.
- Intercepting Tax Refunds: State and federal tax refunds can be intercepted to satisfy past-due support.
- Suspension of Licenses: Driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses can be suspended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. For family law matters in Virginia, it is critical to know that Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the state’s family law framework. We understand the financial stress caused by unpaid support and act decisively to enforce your rights.
Samantha Powers
Of Counsel
Virginia Bar 2023 | Florida Bar 2005
J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017
With over 18 years of experience, Samantha Powers focuses on family law litigation and enforcement actions in Virginia courts.
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 Focus
Our commitment to clients in Chesterfield County is demonstrated through our focused approach. While we maintain a firm-wide record of over 4,739 case results, we concentrate on the specifics of your enforcement matter. We also work closely with Of Counsel attorney Mr. Sris, whose background as a former prosecutor and deep knowledge of Virginia statutes provides strategic insight for complex enforcement cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Chesterfield County and is accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 10. We provide representation for an alimony enforcement lawyer near Chesterfield County, Midlothian, Chester, and the Colonial Heights area. Meetings are by appointment, with 24/7 phone availability.
Alimony Enforcement FAQs for Chesterfield County
What is the first step to enforce unpaid spousal support in Chesterfield County?
File a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. This requires your former spouse to appear and explain the non-payment.
Can an alimony enforcement lawyer in Chesterfield County have my ex-spouse’s wages garnished?
Yes. If the court finds your ex-spouse in violation of the order, it can issue an income withholding order sent directly to their employer.
What happens if my ex-spouse ignores a court order for alimony?
They can be held in contempt of court. Penalties for contempt include fines, payment of your attorney’s fees, and potentially jail time until they comply with the support order.
How long does the enforcement process take?
It depends on court scheduling. After filing a motion, a hearing in Chesterfield County Circuit Court is typically set within a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the docket.
Can I get help if I need an unpaid spousal support lawyer in Chesterfield County but can’t afford one?
Our firm offers flexible payment plans. The court may also order the non-paying spouse to cover your attorney’s fees as part of the enforcement judgment.
If you need to enforce an alimony order, contact an alimony enforcement lawyer in Chesterfield County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We are ready to help you secure the financial support you are owed. For related legal matters, see our pages on Criminal Defense in Chesterfield County and Virginia Family Law.