
Alimony Enforcement Lawyer Henrico County — How to Collect Unpaid Spousal Support
If your former spouse has stopped paying court-ordered spousal support in Henrico County, you need an experienced alimony enforcement lawyer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can file the necessary motions in Henrico County Circuit Court to enforce your alimony order, seek wage garnishment, and pursue contempt of court charges for unpaid spousal support.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County 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 the other. In Virginia, these orders are enforceable under Va. Code § 20-60.3. When payments stop, the recipient has legal remedies. An alimony enforcement lawyer in Henrico County can initiate enforcement actions in the same court that issued the original order—typically the Henrico County Circuit Court located at 4301 East Parham Road.
Legal Remedies for Unpaid Spousal Support
Virginia law provides several tools to collect overdue alimony. A lawyer can file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause, asking the court to hold the paying spouse in contempt for violating the order. The court can then order wage garnishment, seize tax refunds, place liens on property, or even impose jail time for willful non-payment. The specific steps depend on the details of your case and the payer’s financial situation.
- Gather all documentation of the original court order and every missed payment.
- File a Motion for Rule to Show Cause or a Petition for Enforcement in Henrico County Circuit Court.
- Attend the hearing where the court will review the evidence of non-payment.
- If the court finds a violation, it will issue an enforcement order, which may include wage garnishment, liens, or contempt sanctions.
Why You Need a Lawyer to Enforce Alimony
Enforcing an alimony order involves strict court deadlines and procedural rules. An unpaid spousal support lawyer in Henrico County knows how to handle the Henrico County Circuit Court system efficiently. They can ensure your motion is filed correctly, represent you at hearings, and advocate for the strongest possible enforcement remedies, including seeking payment of your attorney’s fees from the non-paying spouse.
Samantha Powers
Of Counsel, Family Law Attorney
Virginia Bar 2023 | Florida Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience
Samantha Powers focuses her practice on complex family law matters, including spousal support enforcement and modification. She provides strategic representation for clients in Henrico County and throughout Central 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 Experience with Henrico County Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in family law cases. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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. By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Henrico County. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. Looking for an alimony enforcement lawyer near Henrico County? Call for 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Alimony Enforcement in Henrico County
What can I do if my ex-spouse stops paying alimony in Virginia?
You can file an enforcement action in court. An alimony enforcement lawyer in Henrico County can file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in Henrico County Circuit Court to hold the payer in contempt and secure payment through wage garnishment or other means.
Can a lawyer help me enforce an old alimony order?
Yes. An unpaid spousal support lawyer in Henrico County can help enforce an existing order, even if payments stopped a while ago. There may be limits on collecting very old arrears, but a lawyer can assess your case and petition the court for enforcement and a judgment for the amount owed.
What happens at an alimony enforcement hearing?
The paying spouse must “show cause” why they should not be held in contempt for not paying. The judge reviews evidence of the order and missed payments. If the payer cannot show a valid reason (like job loss addressed properly with the court), the judge can order immediate payment, wage garnishment, or other penalties.
How long does it take to enforce an alimony order?
It depends on court scheduling. After filing a motion in Henrico County Circuit Court, a hearing is typically scheduled within a few weeks to a few months. If wage garnishment is ordered, it can take additional time for the employer to process the new payroll directive.
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid by the other side in an enforcement case?
Yes, often. Virginia courts frequently order the spouse who violated the support order to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the recipient in enforcing the order. Your lawyer can request this as part of the enforcement motion.
For more information on court procedures, visit the Virginia Courts website.
If you need to enforce a child support order, see our Henrico County child support enforcement page. For other family law matters in Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.