A Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Prince George County helps you enforce court orders for child support, custody, and property division. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 7 documented case results in Prince George County. We handle contempt motions and garnishment actions.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
What Is Divorce Decree Enforcement in Prince George County?
Divorce decree enforcement is the legal process of compelling a former spouse to comply with the terms of a final divorce decree. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court retains jurisdiction to enforce orders for spousal support, child support, property division, and custody. A Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Prince George County files a motion for contempt or a motion to show cause when one party refuses to comply. The Prince George County Circuit Court at 6601 Courts Drive handles all enforcement matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving the firm unique insight into equitable distribution enforcement.
An enforce divorce judgment lawyer Prince George County can pursue wage garnishment, bank account levies, or property liens. The court may also order the non-compliant party to pay the other party’s attorney fees. Virginia law allows the court to impose jail time for willful contempt of a support order. The Prince George County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone child support enforcement cases.
A post-divorce enforcement lawyer Prince George County handles modifications and enforcement of existing orders. If your ex-spouse has stopped paying support or refuses to transfer property, you need immediate legal action. The court can order the sale of assets to satisfy a property division award. Our firm has handled enforcement cases across Central Virginia, including Prince George County.
External Citation Links
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly’s legislative information system. For Prince George County court information, see the Virginia Courts official website for Prince George County.
- File a Motion for Contempt: Your attorney files a motion with the Prince George County Circuit Court, detailing the specific violations of the divorce decree.
- Serve the Motion: The sheriff’s office serves the motion on the non-compliant party. Service costs approximately $12.
- Attend the Show Cause Hearing: The court sets a hearing date. Both parties present evidence of compliance or non-compliance.
- Court Orders Enforcement: The judge may order wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time for willful contempt.
- Post-Judgment Collection: Your attorney pursues collection through bank levies, property liens, or intercepting tax refunds.
In Prince George County, divorce decree enforcement carries potential contempt penalties including jail time, wage garnishment, and property liens under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful non-payment of support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept |
| Violation of custody order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Make-up parenting time, attorney fees |
| Failure to transfer property | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Court-ordered sale of assets |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive). We are accessible via I-295, Route 10, Route 36, and Route 156. We serve Prince George and the Hopewell area.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to enforce a divorce decree in Prince George County?
It depends. A simple wage garnishment motion may be resolved in 30-60 days. A contested contempt hearing with evidence and witnesses can take 3-6 months from filing to final order. The Prince George County Circuit Court typically schedules show cause hearings within 21-45 days of filing.
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Prince George County?
Yes. Virginia law allows the court to impose up to 12 months in jail for willful non-payment of child support. The court must find that you had the ability to pay and chose not to. A Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Prince George County can help you avoid incarceration by showing inability to pay.
What is the first step to enforce a divorce decree?
File a motion for contempt or a motion to show cause with the Prince George County Circuit Court. Your motion must detail the specific provisions of the decree that have been violated. The court will then issue a rule to show cause, requiring the non-compliant party to appear and explain their failure to comply.
How much does it cost to file a contempt motion in Prince George County?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a contempt motion is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12. Private process server fees range from $50-$100. Attorney fees vary but the court may order the non-compliant party to pay your attorney fees if they are found in contempt.
Can a divorce decree be enforced after many years?
Yes. Virginia has a 20-year statute of limitations for enforcing money judgments from divorce decrees. Child support arrears can be enforced indefinitely until paid. Property division orders are enforceable as long as the property exists. An enforce divorce judgment lawyer Prince George County can help you pursue old judgments.
What happens at a contempt hearing in Prince George County?
The judge hears evidence from both parties. The moving party must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the other party willfully violated the court order. The responding party may present defenses such as inability to pay. The judge may order immediate payment, a payment plan, wage garnishment, or jail time.
Can I modify a divorce decree instead of enforcing it?
It depends. Child support and custody orders can be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances. Property division and spousal support orders are generally not modifiable after the final decree. A post-divorce enforcement lawyer Prince George County can advise whether modification or enforcement is the better option.
What defenses are available in a contempt proceeding?
Common defenses include inability to pay, substantial compliance with the order, mutual agreement to deviate from the order, or that the order is ambiguous. The court will not find contempt if the party made a good faith effort to comply. An experienced attorney can present these defenses effectively.
Yes. A Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Prince George County can file a contempt motion to enforce court orders for support, custody, or property division.