Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County, VA

You check your account on the first of the month, but the spousal support deposit that was supposed to arrive yesterday is still missing. The same has happened with the last two payments. Your mortgage is due, and you are worried about covering your children’s expenses. When your ex stopped following the Arlington County court order, you realized that a signed divorce decree is only the first step—someone has to make sure the order is actually enforced. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals throughout Arlington County who are seeking to enforce their court-ordered alimony. Whether your order was entered in Arlington County Circuit Court or involves a support obligation that went through the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, we are familiar with the local enforcement mechanisms available under Virginia law. If you are ready to take action, call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — practicing in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Founded in 1997. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor and the Owner and Founder of the firm.

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Alimony Enforcement in Arlington County Courts

In Virginia, a spousal support order is not a suggestion. Once a court determines that alimony is appropriate—after considering the factors outlined in Va. Code § 20‑107.1—the paying spouse has a legal duty to make those payments on time and in full. When they do not, the recipient spouse has the right to ask the court to enforce the order.

Most Arlington County enforcement actions start with a motion filed in the same court that originally issued the support order. If the alimony obligation is part of a divorce decree, you will typically return to the Arlington County Circuit Court. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court can also become involved, especially if the original support order was entered there without a concurrent divorce, or if there are related child support or custody issues. The Virginia Code provides several tools to compel compliance, including contempt proceedings, income withholding orders, and judgment liens (Va. Code § 20‑115). The process can feel overwhelming, but the goal is simple: get the unpaid support recovered and make sure future payments arrive as ordered.

Because enforcement litigation can move quickly—especially if a show cause is issued—it is important to assemble the right documentation. Bank records, payment histories, and any written communication about missed payments all help build the record. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can guide you through the evidence gathering and present the matter to the court with a clear, fact‑based approach.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Alimony Enforcement Cases

Enforcement proceedings are not identical to the original divorce or support determination—they are about holding a party accountable for an existing court order. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by reviewing the precise language of your order and confirming what the paying spouse was required to do. If payments have been missed, the next step is usually to demand compliance in writing. If that does not work, we prepare a motion to enforce and, when appropriate, a petition for a rule to show cause, which requires the non‑paying spouse to explain to the court why they should not be held in contempt.

Once the court is involved, the judge can order the paying spouse to pay the arrearages plus interest, and in some cases may impose additional sanctions. We also explore longer‑term enforcement mechanisms such as wage garnishment or liens so that future collections become more automatic. Throughout the process, we focus on practical solutions that get you the support the court already said you are owed, while working to minimize the need for repeated court appearances.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He has been practicing since 1997 and is a former prosecutor whose experience includes family law matters as well as criminal and civil litigation. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His legislative work includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional depth to family law enforcement cases. Each Of Counsel attorney is an independent practitioner who contracts with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and collectively they have experience in a variety of family law settings, including post‑divorce enforcement and modification proceedings. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys combine their knowledge to handle the procedural and evidentiary demands of enforcement litigation in Arlington County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is alimony enforcement in Virginia?

Alimony enforcement is the legal process used to compel a former spouse to comply with a court‑ordered spousal support obligation. When the paying spouse falls behind, the recipient can ask the court that issued the order to step in. The court may find the non‑paying party in contempt, enter a money judgment for the unpaid amount, or order income withholding. The applicable Virginia statutes—particularly Va. Code § 20‑115—give judges several tools to make the paying spouse fulfill the original order.

How do I enforce a spousal support order in Arlington County?

You typically begin by filing a motion for enforcement in the court that issued the support order—usually the Arlington County Circuit Court or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The motion must show that a signed support order exists and that the other party has not made the required payments. After filing, the court will issue a summons or a rule to show cause, and a hearing will be scheduled. At the hearing, you present evidence of the missing payments, and the court decides on the appropriate remedy. An attorney can help you prepare the motion and gather the right documentation.

What can I do if my ex stops paying alimony?

You have the right to return to court and ask for enforcement of the existing order. Keep detailed records of every missed payment—bank statements, payment‑app screenshots, and any acknowledgment from your former spouse that they owe the money. From those records, an attorney can calculate the total arrearage and present it to the judge. The court has the power to order the payment of the past‑due amount, and may also impose additional measures such as wage garnishment or contempt sanctions to prevent further non‑payment.

Can the court force my ex to pay back alimony that is already past due?

Yes. Virginia courts can enter a judgment for the unpaid spousal support arrearages, which becomes a legally enforceable debt. Once that judgment is recorded, you may be able to garnish wages, place a lien on property, or use other collection remedies that are available for any money judgment. The court can also hold the non‑paying spouse in contempt, which may result in fines or, in extreme cases, jail time, though the primary goal is compliance with the support order.

Do I need a lawyer for alimony enforcement in Arlington County?

While you are not required to have a lawyer, enforcement proceedings involve procedural rules, the presentation of evidence, and sometimes contempt laws that carry serious consequences. Having experienced counsel can help you avoid procedural mistakes and present your case in the clearest way possible. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the Arlington County courts and can handle the paperwork, court appearances, and negotiations so that you can focus on your family and finances.

What are the consequences for failing to pay spousal support in Virginia?

A spouse who willfully disobeys a spousal support order can be held in contempt of court. Depending on the circumstances, contempt can result in a fine, an order to pay the recipient’s attorney fees, or even a brief period of incarceration. Additionally, the court may authorize income withholding so that future support payments are deducted directly from the paying spouse’s paycheck, reducing the risk of further missed payments.

Related Alimony and Family Law Resources

Virginia Spousal Support Resources

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. each case is different. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.