Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Colonial Heights — Enforce Your Spousal Support Order
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support, you need an alimony enforcement lawyer in Colonial Heights. Colonial Heights Circuit Court enforces support orders under Va. Code § 20-107.1 and § 20-115. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results enforcing support orders.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Spousal support, or alimony, is a court-ordered financial payment from one former spouse to the other after a divorce. In Virginia, these orders are issued under Va. Code § 20-107.1. When a payer fails to make these required payments, it creates unpaid spousal support, also known as arrears. The recipient has the right to seek enforcement through the court that issued the original order—in Colonial Heights, this is the Colonial Heights Circuit Court. An experienced alimony enforcement lawyer in Colonial Heights is essential to handle this process effectively and secure the payments you are owed.
The primary legal tool for enforcement is a Motion for Rule to Show Cause. This motion asks the court to order the non-paying spouse to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt of court for violating the support order. Successfully proving willful non-payment can lead to penalties for the payer, including wage garnishment, seizure of assets (like tax refunds or bank accounts), suspension of driver’s or professional licenses, and even jail time. The court can also order the payer to pay your attorney’s fees related to the enforcement action.
- Gather all evidence of non-payment, including bank statements, the divorce decree, and any payment records.
- Your alimony enforcement lawyer in Colonial Heights will draft and file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause with the Circuit Court clerk.
- The court will schedule a hearing, and the sheriff will serve the motion on your former spouse.
- At the hearing, your lawyer will present evidence of the unpaid spousal support and argue for enforcement remedies.
- The judge will issue an order, which may include a judgment for arrears, wage garnishment, or other penalties to compel payment.
In Colonial Heights, enforcing an alimony order involves filing a contempt motion in Circuit Court, which can lead to wage garnishment, asset seizure, or jail time for the non-paying spouse.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The 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 evolution of Virginia family law. This foundational experience directly informs our strategic approach to enforcing alimony orders and other family law matters in Colonial Heights and across Virginia.
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
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients in Colonial Heights. In family law and other practice areas, we have secured dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founding attorney Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
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 with matters at Colonial Heights courts. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 1. If you need an alimony enforcement lawyer near Colonial Heights, contact us for a consultation. We serve Colonial Heights and surrounding communities.
Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Colonial Heights FAQ
What can an alimony enforcement lawyer in Colonial Heights do if payments stop?
Yes. An enforce alimony order lawyer Colonial Heights can file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in Colonial Heights Circuit Court. This asks the judge to hold the non-paying spouse in contempt, which can lead to wage garnishment, asset seizure, license suspension, or jail time to compel payment of the unpaid spousal support.
How long does it take to enforce an alimony order in Virginia?
It depends on the court’s docket and the complexity of the case. After filing a motion for contempt, a hearing in Colonial Heights Circuit Court is typically scheduled within 30 to 90 days. If the payer continues to resist, the process to secure wage garnishment or other remedies may take additional weeks.
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid by my ex-spouse for enforcement?
Yes. Virginia law (Va. Code § 20-79) allows the court to order the non-compliant spouse to pay the other spouse’s reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in enforcing the alimony order. This is a common outcome in successful contempt actions for unpaid spousal support.
What evidence do I need to enforce an alimony order?
You need the final divorce decree or court order stating the alimony obligation, your bank statements showing the lack of deposits, and any records of communication about the missed payments. An unpaid spousal support lawyer Colonial Heights will help you compile this evidence to file a strong contempt motion.
What happens at a contempt hearing for unpaid alimony?
The recipient (or their lawyer) presents evidence of the court order and the missed payments. The payer must explain the non-payment. If the judge finds a willful violation, they can issue an enforcement order immediately, which may include a judgment for arrears and an ongoing garnishment order.
For more information on Virginia spousal support laws, visit the official Virginia Code § 20-107.1. To learn about Colonial Heights court procedures, see the Colonial Heights Circuit Court website.
If you are dealing with unpaid spousal support, do not wait. Contact an alimony enforcement lawyer in Colonial Heights at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We offer 24/7 consultations to discuss your case and enforcement options. Call us at (888) 437-7747.
See our Virginia Family Law hub page for more resources. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County and Henrico County. For other legal needs in Colonial Heights, consider our criminal defense or DUI defense services.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.