A Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County handles violations of court-ordered child support, custody, and property division under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Divorce decree enforcement in Virginia involves legal action to compel compliance with court orders issued under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support), and § 20-124.2 (custody). When one party fails to pay support, refuses to transfer property, or violates custody terms, the other party can file a motion for contempt or a show cause order. Arlington County Circuit Court handles enforcement of divorce decrees, while Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles custody and child support enforcement. Virginia law allows for wage garnishment, property liens, and even jail time for willful non-compliance. A Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County can file the necessary motions and represent you at enforcement hearings.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges routinely issue show cause orders for missed child support payments within 30 days of a properly filed motion. The court expects clear documentation of the violation.
- Gather your divorce decree and any proof of non-compliance (bank statements, emails, court records).
- File a motion for contempt or show cause at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for a motion) and arrange service of process on the other party.
- Attend the enforcement hearing and present your evidence to the judge.
- If the judge finds willful non-compliance, they may order wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time.
In Arlington County, failure to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt of court, fines, and potential incarceration.
| Violation | Classification | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay child support | Civil contempt | Wage garnishment, property liens, up to 12 months in jail |
| Failure to transfer property | Civil contempt | Court-ordered sale, monetary sanctions |
| Violation of custody order | Civil contempt | Custody modification, fines, jail time |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces. This amendment gives the firm unique insight into divorce decree enforcement. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law cases involving equitable distribution and enforcement. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Looking for a Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County near you? We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
How long does divorce decree enforcement take in Arlington County?
Yes. An enforcement hearing is typically scheduled within 45 days of filing a motion for contempt at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Can I enforce a child support order from another state in Arlington County?
Yes. Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), you can register and enforce an out-of-state child support order in Arlington County J&DR Court.
What happens if my ex-spouse refuses to pay court-ordered spousal support?
It depends. The court can hold them in contempt, garnish wages, place liens on property, or order jail time for willful non-compliance under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Is mediation required before filing an enforcement action in Arlington County?
No. Mediation is not mandatory for enforcement actions in Arlington County. You can file a motion for contempt directly with the Circuit Court.
Can I enforce a property division order if my ex-spouse hides assets?
Yes. The court can issue orders for asset discovery, appoint a forensic accountant, and hold the non-compliant party in contempt under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.