Child Support Arrears Lawyer Chesterfield County — Resolve Your Back Child Support Owed
If you owe back child support in Chesterfield County, you face serious enforcement actions under Virginia law. A child support arrears lawyer Chesterfield County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can defend against contempt charges, seek modification of your order, and negotiate payment plans.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Understanding Child Support Arrears in Virginia
Child support arrears, or past-due child support, are governed by Virginia Code § 20-108.1 and § 20-108.2. When a parent falls behind on court-ordered payments, the unpaid amount accrues as a legal debt. The Virginia Department of Social Services’ Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) has broad authority to collect this debt through wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and contempt of court proceedings. The Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles enforcement actions for back child support owed.
For official Virginia statutes, visit the Virginia Code § 20-108.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, see the Chesterfield County J&DR Court website.
- Gather all financial documents, including pay stubs, tax returns, and evidence of any changed circumstances (job loss, medical issue).
- Consult with a child support arrears lawyer Chesterfield County to review your case and enforcement notices.
- File a petition with the Chesterfield J&DR Court to modify your support order if your income has changed, or to propose a payment plan for the arrears.
- Attend the scheduled court hearing with your attorney, prepared to present your financial situation and proposed resolution.
Consequences of Unpaid Child Support
In Chesterfield County, unpaid child support can lead to driver’s license suspension, professional license revocation, passport denial, tax refund interception, and even jail time for contempt of court.
| Enforcement Action | Governing Authority | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Income Withholding (Wage Garnishment) | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Up to 65% of disposable earnings withheld. |
| License Suspension (Driver’s, Professional) | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Loss of driving or professional licensure. |
| Contempt of Court | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Fines, attorney’s fees, and up to 12 months jail. |
| Tax Refund Interception | Federal & State Law | Federal and state tax refunds seized. |
| Property Liens | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Lien placed on real estate or personal property. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Child Support Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping family law. Our firm has a documented record of 15 case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas. We understand the procedural nuances of the Chesterfield County J&DR Court and work to resolve child support debt matters effectively.
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 in Chesterfield County
Our firm’s approach to family law has yielded positive outcomes for clients. In one instance, we successfully defended a client facing contempt charges for back child support owed by demonstrating a recent job loss and negotiating a court-approved payment plan that avoided jail time. In another, we petitioned for a modification of future support and a structured repayment schedule for existing arrears, which the court accepted.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesterfield County Child Support Arrears Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients in Chesterfield County, including Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
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.
Child Support Arrears Lawyer Chesterfield County FAQ
Can I go to jail for back child support in Virginia?
Yes. A judge can find you in civil contempt for willfully failing to pay court-ordered child support, which may result in a jail sentence of up to 12 months until you comply with the court’s order.
How can a child support debt lawyer Chesterfield County help me?
They can file a petition to modify your future support obligation if your income has changed, negotiate a payment plan for the arrears with the other parent or DCSE, defend you against contempt charges, and represent you in all hearings at the Chesterfield County J&DR Court.
Will my tax refund be taken for child support arrears?
Yes. Both federal and Virginia state tax refunds can be intercepted to pay past-due child support if the debt is reported to the Treasury Offset Program.
Can child support arrears be forgiven in Virginia?
It depends. The owed amount is a judgment debt that generally cannot be waived. However, the court may approve a settlement agreement where the receiving parent agrees to forgive a portion of the arrears in exchange for a lump-sum payment.
What is the first step if I receive a notice for back child support owed?
Contact a child support arrears lawyer Chesterfield County immediately. Do not ignore the notice. An attorney can review the notice, verify the arrears calculation, and advise you on the best course of action before your court date.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with related matters like criminal defense in Chesterfield County and DUI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.