Child Support Arrears Lawyer Fairfax County — Resolve Back Child Support Owed
If you owe back child support in Fairfax County, you face serious enforcement actions under Virginia law. A child support arrears lawyer Fairfax County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you address this debt. We handle cases involving back child support owed in Fairfax County, seeking modifications, negotiating payment plans, and defending against contempt charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Child Support Arrears
Child support arrears, or past-due support, are governed by Virginia Code § 20-108.1 and § 20-108.2. The court calculates support using statewide guidelines based on the parents’ combined gross income and the number of children. When payments are missed, the owed amount accrues as a judgment debt. The Virginia Department of Social Services’ Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) has broad tools to collect this debt. In Fairfax County, all child support matters, including enforcement of arrears, are heard by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (J&DR).
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s child support statutes, visit the Virginia Code § 20-108.1 (official Virginia General Assembly site). The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court website provides local forms and procedural information.
- Receive a “Show Cause” summons for a contempt hearing from the Fairfax J&DR Court.
- Gather all financial documentation, including pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of any payments made.
- Consult with a child support debt lawyer Fairfax County to review your case and potential defenses, such as job loss or disability.
- Appear in Fairfax J&DR Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road) with your attorney to present your case or a negotiated resolution.
- If a payment plan is established, ensure all payments are made on time and documented.
- File a petition for modification of the support order if your financial circumstances have permanently changed.
Consequences of Unpaid Child Support in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, unpaid child support can lead to wage garnishment, lien placement, passport denial, license suspension, tax refund interception, and even jail time for contempt.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Authority | Typical Process in Fairfax J&DR Court |
|---|---|---|
| Income Withholding | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Automatic order sent to employer; up to 65% of disposable earnings. |
| License Suspension | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Driver’s, professional, hunting/fishing licenses suspended until arrears paid or plan approved. |
| Tax Refund Intercept | Va. Code § 63.2-1956 | State and federal refunds seized by DCSE. |
| Contempt of Court | Va. Code § 20-115 | Show-cause hearing; possible jail sentence up to 12 months per violation. |
| Property Liens | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Judgment lien placed on real estate or personal property. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Child Support Arrears Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. In Fairfax County, we have a documented record of resolving back child support owed cases. Our approach involves immediate engagement with the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) to halt aggressive collection actions while we work on a long-term solution. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping family law. Of Counsel attorney Samantha Powers, with over 18 years of family law experience, provides focused representation on support modification and enforcement matters in Virginia courts.
Case Results in Fairfax County
Our firm has 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. In child support matters, our results include successfully arguing for a downward modification of support based on a client’s involuntary job loss, negotiating a manageable payment plan for over $45,000 in arrears to avoid license suspension, and defending a client at a show-cause hearing, resulting in no finding of contempt.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent individuals from Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. If you need a child support lawyer near Fairfax County J&DR Court, contact us for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Child Support Arrears Lawyer Fairfax County FAQ
Can I go to jail for back child support in Virginia?
Yes. A judge can find you in civil contempt for willful non-payment and impose a jail sentence of up to 12 months per violation under Va. Code § 20-115. However, jail is typically a last resort if you demonstrate an inability to pay rather than an unwillingness.
How can a child support arrears lawyer Fairfax County help me?
It depends. A lawyer can negotiate a payment plan with DCSE, file a petition to modify the support order if your income changed, represent you at contempt hearings, and challenge incorrect arrears calculations. Early legal intervention is key to avoiding license suspension and other penalties.
Will my tax refund be taken for child support debt?
Yes. The Virginia DCSE can intercept both state and federal tax refunds to apply toward child support arrears under Va. Code § 63.2-1956. This is a common enforcement tool for back child support owed in Fairfax County.
Can child support arrears be forgiven in Virginia?
No. Virginia law does not allow courts to “forgive” or discharge accrued child support arrears. The debt remains enforceable. However, the other parent may agree to a compromise, or the court may approve a reasonable payment plan that considers your financial circumstances.
What is the first step if I receive a show-cause summons?
Contact a child support debt lawyer Fairfax County immediately. Do not ignore the summons. Gather your financial records. Your attorney will review the arrears calculation, assess potential defenses, and prepare your case for the Fairfax J&DR Court hearing.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with child support in Falls Church and criminal defense in Fairfax County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.