Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
When a former spouse violates a final divorce decree in Chesapeake, you need a divorce decree enforcement lawyer. The Chesapeake Circuit Court enforces orders for child support, spousal support, custody, and property division under Virginia law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation to secure compliance through contempt motions and other legal tools.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Enforcing Your Divorce Decree in Chesapeake
After a divorce is final, the court’s decree is a binding order. If your ex-spouse fails to pay support, refuses to transfer property, or violates custody terms, you can ask the court to enforce the order. Virginia law provides specific remedies for enforcement, primarily through the contempt powers of the Circuit Court. A divorce decree enforcement lawyer in Chesapeake VA can file the necessary motions to compel compliance, which may include wage garnishment, property liens, or even jail time for willful violations.
The key statute governing enforcement of support and property orders is Va. Code § 20-112 (enforcement of decrees for support and maintenance). For custody and visitation enforcement, the process is outlined in the Virginia Code sections pertaining to juvenile and domestic relations courts. You can review procedures on the Virginia Courts website.
- Document every violation of the decree with dates, amounts, and communications.
- Consult with a divorce attorney to review your decree and the specific breach.
- Your lawyer will draft and file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause (contempt) in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- The court will schedule a hearing where the non-compliant party must explain the violation.
- If the court finds a willful violation, it can order immediate compliance, payment of your attorney’s fees, and other penalties.
In Chesapeake, enforcing a divorce decree can involve contempt findings, wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, and liens on property to secure unpaid obligations.
| Violation Type | Legal Process | Potential Court Order |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid Child/Spousal Support | Motion for Rule to Show Cause | Wage garnishment, lien, contempt |
| Failure to Transfer Property | Petition for Enforcement | Court order directing transfer, contempt |
| Custody/Visitation Interference | Motion to Enforce (may be in J&DR Court) | Modified schedule, make-up time, contempt |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Legal Authority for Enforcement in Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, brings deep experience to family law enforcement cases. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us unique insight into the intent behind these laws. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, we understand the procedural nuances of Chesapeake courts. For marriage dissolution lawyer services that include post-decree enforcement, our team provides strategic guidance.
Our firm has documented case results in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides valuable oversight on complex enforcement cases involving financial assets.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients with Chesapeake divorce filing and enforcement matters. We are accessible via I-64 and other major highways. We are a divorce decree enforcement lawyer near Chesapeake, Deep Creek, and Great Bridge. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Divorce Decree Enforcement FAQs in Chesapeake
What happens if my ex-spouse doesn’t follow the divorce decree?
You can file an enforcement motion. If the court finds a willful violation, it can order compliance, pay your legal fees, garnish wages, or hold them in contempt, which may include jail time.
How long do I have to enforce a property division order in Virginia?
It depends. There is no specific statute of limitations for enforcing a property division order contained in a final divorce decree. However, delay can be used against you. You should act promptly upon discovering a violation to avoid claims of waiver or laches.
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid if I have to enforce the decree?
Yes. Virginia courts often order the non-compliant party to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the party seeking enforcement, especially if the violation is found to be without justification.
What is the difference between enforcement and modification?
Enforcement asks the court to make a party comply with the existing order. Modification asks the court to change the terms of the order (like support amounts) due to a substantial change in circumstances. They are separate legal actions.
Which court handles divorce decree enforcement in Chesapeake?
For support and property orders, file in Chesapeake Circuit Court. For standalone custody or visitation enforcement, you may file in the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. A divorce attorney can advise on the correct venue.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with divorce representation in Henrico County and Chesapeake criminal defense.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome. Last verified April 2026.