Back Child Support Lawyer in Virginia
If you are facing enforcement for past due child support in Virginia, you need a skilled back child support lawyer. Virginia courts can enforce arrears through wage garnishment, license suspension, liens, and contempt of court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for parents dealing with child support arrears collection in Virginia. Our Virginia family law attorneys understand the procedures of your local court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | Virginia General Assembly
Child support arrears, often called back child support, refer to unpaid and past due child support payments. In Virginia, child support orders are enforceable judgments. The Virginia Department of Social Services’ Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) or the other parent can take action to collect the owed amount. A back child support lawyer Virginia can help you handle enforcement actions or seek a modification if your inability to pay is due to a substantial change in circumstances.
Virginia Child Support Arrears Laws
Virginia law provides multiple tools for child support arrears collection. Under Va. Code § 20-79.1, the court has continuing authority to enforce its orders. Enforcement mechanisms include income withholding, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s and professional licenses, placing liens on real and personal property, and reporting the debt to credit bureaus. In severe cases, a judge can find a parent in contempt of court, which may result in fines or jail time. The Virginia court system works with DCSE to facilitate collection.
- Contact a Virginia back child support lawyer to review your court order and arrears balance.
- Gather documentation of your income, expenses, and any payments made.
- Your attorney will assess potential defenses or grounds for a modification.
- We will represent you in negotiations with DCSE or in court for an enforcement or modification hearing.
- Work with your lawyer to establish a court-approved payment plan for the arrears if possible.
Potential Consequences of Unpaid Support
In Virginia, past due child support can lead to wage garnishment, license suspension, liens, contempt charges, and even incarceration.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Authority | Typical Process |
|---|---|---|
| Income Withholding | Va. Code § 20-79.2 | Automatic wage garnishment order sent to employer. |
| License Suspension | Va. Code § 63.2-1956 | Driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses can be suspended. |
| Property Liens | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Arrears become a lien on real estate and personal property. |
| Contempt of Court | Va. Code § 20-79.1 | Court hearing where non-paying parent must show cause why they should not be held in contempt. |
| Tax Refund Interception | Federal & State Law | State and federal tax refunds can be seized to pay arrears. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, personally played a role in amending Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This deep legislative experience informs our approach to all family law matters, including complex child support arrears collection cases. We understand the procedural nuances across Virginia’s circuit and juvenile and domestic relations courts.
Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our secondary attorney on complex family matters, Mr. Sris, leverages his experience as a former prosecutor and his unique background in amending Virginia family law statutes to benefit client strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Back Child Support Lawyers
Our Fairfax location is centrally positioned to serve clients across Northern Virginia and beyond. We represent parents in child support arrears cases statewide.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve communities across Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to jail for back child support in Virginia?
Yes. A judge can find a parent in contempt of court for willfully failing to pay child support, which may result in a jail sentence. However, incarceration is typically a last resort. A past due child support lawyer Virginia can present evidence of your circumstances to seek alternatives like a payment plan.
Is there a statute of limitations on collecting child support arrears in Virginia?
It depends. For ongoing support, arrears do not expire. For a lump-sum judgment for arrears entered by the court, the judgment is valid for 20 years and can be renewed. Consulting a child support arrears collection lawyer Virginia is crucial to understand the status of your specific debt.
Can back child support be forgiven in Virginia?
No. Courts cannot simply “forgive” or waive accrued child support arrears. The owed amount is a judgment debt. However, the other parent may agree to a compromise, or the court may approve a payment plan. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf.
What is the first step if I receive a notice about child support arrears?
Contact a back child support lawyer Virginia immediately. Do not ignore the notice. Your attorney will review the notice, verify the arrears amount, and advise you on your legal options, which may include requesting a hearing to contest the amount or propose a payment plan.
Can I get my driver’s license back if I have past due child support?
Yes, but you must take action. You must contact the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) to establish a payment plan for the arrears. Once you are compliant with the plan, DCSE will issue a release to have your license reinstated. A lawyer can facilitate this process.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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