Child Support Enforcement Lawyer Henrico County — How to Collect Unpaid Support
If you are not receiving court-ordered child support in Henrico County, a child support enforcement lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. Virginia law provides strong tools to enforce child support orders, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and contempt of court. Our firm has documented results in Henrico County family courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Child Support Enforcement Laws
Child support enforcement in Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 20-108.1 and related statutes. The Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE), has the authority to enforce orders, but you can also pursue enforcement privately through the courts with an attorney. The goal is to secure consistent payments for the child’s health, education, and welfare.
When a parent fails to pay, the law treats it as a debt to the child. The court can use several methods to collect, including income withholding (wage garnishment), intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver’s and professional licenses, placing liens on property, and reporting the delinquency to credit bureaus. In serious cases, the court can find the non-paying parent in contempt, which may result in fines or jail time.
- Gather all court orders and a detailed payment history showing missed amounts.
- File a Motion for Rule to Show Cause or a Petition for Enforcement with the Henrico County J&DR Court.
- Serve the motion on the other parent and attend the scheduled hearing.
- Present evidence of the unpaid child support and request specific enforcement remedies.
- If the court finds a violation, it will enter an order for payment and may impose penalties.
- Monitor compliance and return to court if payments stop again.
Enforcement Tools for Unpaid Child Support
In Henrico County, a parent who fails to pay court-ordered child support faces income withholding, license suspension, liens, and potential contempt charges with jail time.
| Enforcement Tool | Legal Authority | Process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Withholding Order | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Court order sent to employer to deduct support from wages. | Can be issued immediately upon delinquency. |
| License Suspension | Va. Code § 63.2-1956 | Driver’s, professional, recreational, and business licenses can be suspended. | After 90 days of delinquency and notice. |
| Contempt of Court | Va. Code § 20-115 | Court hearing where non-paying parent must show why they should not be held in contempt. | Hearing typically within 30-60 days of filing. |
| Tax Refund Intercept | Va. Code § 63.2-1952 | State and federal tax refunds are intercepted to pay arrears. | Applied annually if arrears exceed thresholds. |
| Property Liens | Va. Code § 63.2-1953 | Lien placed on real estate or personal property to secure the debt. | Can be filed once arrears are certified. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Henrico County Child Support Enforcement Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the financial strain caused by unpaid child support and act decisively to enforce your court order. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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
Our team, including secondary attorney Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY—has a documented record of advocating for parents in Henrico County courts. We know the local procedures and work to secure reliable support for your child.
Documented Case Results
In Henrico County, our firm has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Child Support Enforcement Help in Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients in Henrico County. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. If you need a child support enforcement lawyer near Henrico County courts, contact us. We serve Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Child Support Enforcement Lawyer Henrico County FAQ
What is the first step to enforce a child support order in Henrico County?
The first step is to document every missed payment with dates and amounts. Then, consult with a child support enforcement lawyer to file a motion with the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Can a parent go to jail for not paying child support in Virginia?
Yes. If a judge finds the parent in willful contempt of court for non-payment, the court can impose jail time. This is usually a last resort to compel payment after other methods fail.
How long does it take to get a wage garnishment for child support?
Once the court issues an income withholding order, it is sent to the employer, who must begin deductions from the next pay period. The process from filing to implementation can take several weeks, depending on court scheduling.
Can I enforce child support without an attorney?
You can file motions pro se, but the process is complex. An unpaid child support lawyer in Henrico County knows the local rules, can properly calculate arrears, and can effectively argue for the strongest enforcement remedies available.
What if the parent who owes support lives in another state?
Interstate enforcement is governed by the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). Your Henrico County order can be registered in the other state for enforcement. An attorney can coordinate with agencies and courts in both states.
If you need to enforce a child support order, contact a child support enforcement lawyer at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.