New Kent County family law cases require enforcing final decrees for property division, spousal support, or custody. A Post Divorce Enforcement Lawyer New Kent County handles contempt motions under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. Consultation by appointment.
What Is Post-Divorce Enforcement in New Kent County?
Post-divorce enforcement involves court action to compel compliance with a final divorce decree. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), the court retains jurisdiction to enforce property division, spousal support, and child support orders. An enforce final decree lawyer New Kent County files a motion for contempt or a rule to show cause when one party fails to comply. The New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle handles enforcement of divorce decrees. Virginia law requires the moving party to show that the other party willfully violated a clear and specific court order. The court may order wage garnishment, property liens, or incarceration for contempt. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has represented clients in New Kent County since 1997. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm and personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce and enforcement statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly. For court procedures and forms, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Enforcing Your Decree in New Kent County
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce decree enforcement. The court requires clear evidence of willful noncompliance. A post-judgment enforcement lawyer New Kent County must file a motion for contempt with the clerk’s office. The court sets a show-cause hearing typically within 30-60 days.
- Gather your final divorce decree and any written communications showing noncompliance.
- File a motion for contempt or rule to show cause at New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $86) and arrange service of process on the other party.
- Attend the show-cause hearing with all evidence of the violation.
- Present your case; the court may order compliance, wage garnishment, or other remedies.
- If the other party still refuses, request a bench warrant or additional sanctions.
In New Kent County, failure to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt findings, fines, and potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful violation of property division order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Court may order sale of assets, wage garnishment, or property liens |
| Willful failure to pay spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, income withholding, retroactive support |
| Willful failure to pay child support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept, passport denial |
| Willful violation of custody/visitation order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Court may modify custody, order makeup visitation, or impose sanctions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Post-Divorce Enforcement?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces. This unique achievement gives our firm unparalleled insight into Virginia family law. Our attorneys include Samantha Rae Powers, who handles Virginia family law matters and brings 18+ years of experience. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha handles Virginia family law matters including divorce, custody, support, and post-divorce enforcement.
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New Kent County Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). The courthouse is accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. A Post Divorce Enforcement Lawyer New Kent County is available near Colonial Downs Racetrack and the historic New Kent County Courthouse.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Divorce Enforcement
How long does it take to enforce a divorce decree in New Kent County?
It depends. A contempt motion typically takes 30-60 days for a show-cause hearing. Complex cases with multiple violations may take 3-6 months. The court prioritizes child support enforcement.
Can I go to jail for not paying spousal support in New Kent County?
Yes. Willful failure to pay spousal support can result in civil contempt with up to 12 months in jail. The court must find you had the ability to pay and willfully refused.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in Virginia?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by complying with the order. Criminal contempt is punitive and carries a fixed sentence. Most post-divorce enforcement is civil contempt.
Can I modify a divorce decree after it is final in New Kent County?
Yes, but only for certain provisions. Child support and custody can be modified upon showing a material change in circumstances. Property division is generally final and cannot be modified.
How much does it cost to file a contempt motion in New Kent 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.
What evidence do I need to prove contempt in New Kent County?
You need the final divorce decree, proof of the other party’s noncompliance (bank statements, emails, text messages), and evidence they had the ability to comply. Witness testimony may also be used.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.