Henrico County Back Child Support Lawyer — How Can We Help Resolve Your Arrears?
Owed back child support in Henrico County is a serious legal matter governed by Va. Code § 20-108.2, with enforcement actions including wage garnishment, license suspension, and contempt of court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal help for past due child support issues.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Understanding Back Child Support and Arrears in Virginia
Back child support, also called arrears, is any unpaid child support that has accrued over time. In Virginia, child support orders are enforceable from the date they are entered by the court. Once a payment is missed, it becomes a judgment by operation of law under Va. Code § 20-108.2. This means the owed amount is treated as a legal debt that can be collected through various enforcement mechanisms. The Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles all child support enforcement matters for the locality.
Enforcement of Past Due Child Support in Henrico County
The Virginia Department of Social Services’ Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) and the Henrico County J&DR Court have powerful tools to collect past due child support. A past due child support lawyer Henrico County can help you handle these enforcement actions, which may include:
- Income Withholding (Wage Garnishment): The most common method, where payments are taken directly from your paycheck.
- Interception of Tax Refunds: State and federal tax refunds can be seized to satisfy arrears.
- Suspension of Licenses: Driver’s, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses can be suspended.
- Liens on Property: A lien can be placed on real estate, personal property, or bank accounts.
- Contempt of Court: You can be held in contempt for willful non-payment, which may result in fines or jail time.
- Credit Bureau Reporting: Arrears can be reported to credit agencies, damaging your credit score.
- Gather all financial documents, including pay stubs, tax returns, and your child support order.
- Consult with a back child support lawyer Henrico County to review your total arrears and the enforcement actions against you.
- Your attorney can contact the DCSE or the other party to negotiate a formal payment plan or settlement.
- If necessary, your lawyer will file a motion with the Henrico J&DR Court to modify support or establish a court-approved payment schedule.
- Attend all court hearings with your attorney to present your case and secure an enforceable order.
- Comply strictly with any new court order to avoid further contempt charges.
Legal Strategies for Child Support Arrears Collection Lawyer Henrico County
Whether you are the parent owed support or the one who owes, a child support arrears collection lawyer Henrico County can develop a strategic approach. For the owed parent (obligee), the focus is on effective collection through legal channels. For the paying parent (obligor), the goal is often to negotiate manageable payments and defend against excessive penalties. Strategies may include filing a motion to modify the underlying support order if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as job loss or disability. In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a lump-sum settlement for less than the total owed, though this requires court approval.
In Henrico County, unpaid child support accrues interest at a statutory rate and can lead to severe enforcement actions, including driver’s license suspension and contempt of court with possible jail time.
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
Case Results and Firm Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. In Henrico County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas. Mr. Sris’s unique background includes personally amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep involvement in the development of Virginia family law.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Henrico County Back Child Support Attorney
Our Richmond location serves clients in Henrico County, including Glen Allen, Short Pump, and Innsbrook. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and Route 250. If you need a back child support lawyer near Henrico County courts, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
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 only.
Back Child Support in Henrico County: Frequently Asked Questions
Can back child support be forgiven in Virginia?
No. Under Virginia law, accrued child support arrears are a judgment and cannot be waived or forgiven by the other parent. However, the court may approve a negotiated settlement for less than the full amount owed, or establish a payment plan. The owed parent must agree to any reduction, and the court must approve it.
What is the statute of limitations on collecting back child support in Virginia?
It depends. For enforcement actions by the state Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE), there is no statute of limitations. For private enforcement actions between parents, the limitation is generally 20 years from the date each payment became due under Va. Code § 8.01-251. A child support arrears collection lawyer Henrico County can advise on the specifics of your case.
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Henrico County?
Yes. If the Henrico J&DR Court finds you in willful contempt for non-payment, the judge can impose a jail sentence. This is typically used as a last resort to compel payment. The court must find you have the ability to pay but are refusing. Having legal representation is critical in contempt proceedings.
How can I get my driver’s license back after a child support suspension?
You must contact the Virginia DCSE and make satisfactory arrangements to pay your arrears, often by entering into a formal payment plan. Once DCSE verifies your compliance, they will issue a release to the DMV. You will then need to pay a DMV reinstatement fee. A past due child support lawyer Henrico County can help facilitate this process.
Where can I find the official Virginia child support laws?
The Virginia child support guidelines and enforcement statutes are codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. You can review Va. Code § 20-108.1 et seq. (official Virginia General Assembly). For local procedures, refer to the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court website.
For related legal help in Henrico County, see our pages on family law and criminal defense. For a broader view of our Virginia practice, visit our Virginia family law hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Chesterfield County.
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.