Back Child Support Lawyer Hanover County — Resolve Past-Due Support
If you are owed past due child support in Hanover County, you need a dedicated back child support lawyer Hanover County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong representation for enforcing child support orders and collecting arrears. We handle cases at the Hanover County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, where enforcement actions are filed.
Understanding Child Support Arrears in Virginia
Child support arrears, or past due child support, are unpaid court-ordered support payments. In Virginia, child support is a legal obligation that continues until the child turns 18, graduates high school (but not beyond 19), or is otherwise emancipated. When payments are missed, the owed amount accumulates as a judgment against the paying parent. The Hanover County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles enforcement of these orders.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Legal Process for Collecting Back Child Support
Virginia law provides several tools for a past due child support lawyer Hanover County to use for collection. The primary statute governing child support is Va. Code § 20-108.1, which establishes the guidelines. Enforcement actions are filed at the Hanover County J&DR Court.
- File a Motion for a Rule to Show Cause: This is the primary enforcement tool. The court orders the non-paying parent to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt.
- Request an Income Withholding Order: The court can order the parent’s employer to deduct support payments directly from wages, including amounts for arrears.
- Petition for a Judgment Lien: The court can enter a judgment for the total arrears, which becomes a lien on the parent’s real estate and personal property in Virginia.
- Utilize License Suspension: The court can recommend the suspension of driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses for non-payment.
- Intercept Tax Refunds & Lottery Winnings: State and federal tax refunds and Virginia lottery winnings over $600 can be intercepted to pay past-due support.
Potential Consequences for Unpaid Child Support
In Hanover County, failing to pay court-ordered child support can lead to contempt of court findings, license suspension, liens on property, and even jail time.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Authority | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court | Va. Code § 20-115 | Fines, purge payment orders, or incarceration up to 10 days per violation. |
| Income Withholding | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Direct wage deduction for current support and arrears. |
| Judgment Lien | Va. Code § 20-78.2 | Lien placed on real estate, vehicles, and other assets. |
| License Suspension | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Suspension of driver’s, professional, and hunting/fishing licenses. |
| Tax Refund Intercept | Va. Code § 63.2-1956 | State and federal tax refunds seized to pay arrears. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Hanover County Child Support Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide. In Hanover County, we have 19 total documented case results across all practice areas. Our managing attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who has personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. We understand the procedures at the Hanover County J&DR Court and work to secure enforceable orders for our clients.
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 & Client Advocacy
Our approach to child support arrears collection is thorough and client-focused. We review the entire payment history, calculate the exact arrears, and prepare the necessary motions for enforcement. We also have experience defending against improper enforcement actions when a parent’s inability to pay can be demonstrated. Mr. Sris, our firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement cases, leveraging his extensive background in Virginia family law statutes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Hanover County Child Support Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County, including Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 301. If you need a child support arrears collection lawyer Hanover County, contact us for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Back Child Support in Hanover County
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Virginia?
Yes. A judge can find a non-paying parent in contempt of court, which can result in a jail sentence of up to 10 days per violation. The court typically uses incarceration as a last resort after other enforcement methods fail.
How far back can child support arrears be collected in Virginia?
It depends. Generally, unpaid child support accrues from the date it was due. There is no specific statute of limitations for enforcing a child support order itself, but there are practical limits on collecting very old debt if no enforcement action was taken.
Can back child support be forgiven or modified?
No, accrued arrears cannot be forgiven or reduced by a court. They are a judgment debt. However, a past due child support lawyer Hanover County can help you file a motion to modify future payments if there has been a material change in circumstances.
What is the first step to collect back child support?
The first step is usually filing a “Rule to Show Cause” motion in the Hanover County J&DR Court. This requires the other parent to appear in court and explain the non-payment. An experienced back child support lawyer Hanover County can prepare and file this motion for you.
Can my tax refund be taken for child support arrears?
Yes. Both Virginia state and federal tax refunds can be intercepted to pay past-due child support. This is a common enforcement tool used by the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE).
Related Legal Services in Hanover County
If you are dealing with child support issues, you may also need assistance with: Child Support Lawyer Henrico County, Child Support Lawyer Chesterfield County, or Criminal Defense Lawyer Hanover County. For all Virginia family law matters, visit our Virginia Family Law hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.