Henrico County Back Child Support Lawyer — How Do You Resolve Past Due Support?
If you are facing enforcement for past due child support in Henrico County, you need a strategic legal defense. A back child support lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Child support arrears, often called back child support, are past-due payments that have accrued under a court order. In Virginia, the obligation to pay child support is a continuing one, and unpaid amounts become a judgment by operation of law. The Virginia Department of Social Services’ Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) aggressively pursues collection through various means. A back child support lawyer Henrico County is essential to protect your rights and financial stability when dealing with these enforcement actions.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
The statutory framework for child support enforcement in Virginia is found in Title 20, Chapter 6.1 of the Virginia Code. Specifically, Va. Code § 20-108.1 establishes the guidelines for calculating support, while § 20-108.2 governs the enforcement and collection of arrears. The law provides the court and DCSE with powerful tools to collect past due support, including income withholding, lien placement, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s and professional licenses, and reporting to credit bureaus. Understanding these statutes is the first step in building a defense.
- Gather all financial documents, including pay stubs, tax returns, and evidence of any payments made.
- Consult with a back child support lawyer to review the arrears calculation for errors and assess grounds for modification.
- File the appropriate legal motions in Henrico County J&DR Court, such as a Petition for Modification or a Motion to Contest Arrears.
- Prepare for negotiation with the other party or DCSE to establish a manageable payment plan for the past due child support.
- Attend all court hearings with your attorney to present evidence of changed circumstances or payment history.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. For Virginia family law matters, it is critical to note that Mr. Sris personally played a key role in amending Va. Code § 20-107.3, the state’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep, hands-on understanding of Virginia family law at the legislative level.
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 firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients across Virginia. In Henrico County and surrounding areas, we have successfully negotiated payment plans for child support arrears, secured modifications to reduce ongoing obligations, and defended clients against contempt actions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
For complex enforcement cases, the strategic insight of our secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution law, provides an additional layer of experience.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment. By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout Henrico County. We are accessible from I-64, I-95, and I-295, making it convenient for residents of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, and Highland Springs to meet with a child support arrears collection lawyer Henrico County. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Back Child Support in Henrico County
Can child support arrears be forgiven in Virginia?
No. Under Virginia law, past due child support becomes a judgment and cannot be waived or forgiven by the court. However, a back child support lawyer can help you petition to modify future payments and negotiate a manageable payment plan for the arrears with the other parent or the Division of Child Support Enforcement.
What happens if I can’t pay my back child support?
If you cannot pay, the court or DCSE can take severe enforcement actions. These include wage garnishment, seizure of bank accounts, suspension of your driver’s and professional licenses, interception of tax refunds, placing liens on property, and holding you in contempt of court, which can result in jail time. It is crucial to seek legal help immediately.
How far back can child support arrears be collected in Virginia?
Virginia does not have a statute of limitations for the collection of child support arrears. The Division of Child Support Enforcement can pursue collection indefinitely until the judgment is satisfied. Interest also accrues on the unpaid balance, increasing the total amount owed over time.
Can I go to jail for past due child support in Henrico County?
Yes. If the court finds you in willful contempt for failing to pay ordered child support, it can impose a jail sentence. This is typically used as a last resort to compel payment. Having a lawyer present evidence of your inability to pay (rather than unwillingness) is key to avoiding incarceration.
How can a lawyer help with child support arrears collection?
A child support arrears collection lawyer Henrico County assists the receiving parent by handling the enforcement process through DCSE and the courts. They can file motions for income withholding, contempt, and liens to ensure timely collection. For the paying parent, a lawyer can challenge incorrect arrears calculations and seek fair payment terms.
If you need assistance with back child support, whether you are seeking to enforce an order or defend against enforcement, contact our Henrico County office. For other legal needs in the area, consider our Henrico County criminal defense lawyer or Henrico County DUI lawyer. For a broader view of our family law services, visit our Virginia family law hub page. Neighboring clients can consult our Chesterfield County family lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.