Back Child Support Lawyer New Kent County — Resolving Past Due Support
If you are facing enforcement for past due child support in New Kent County, you need a strategic legal defense. A back child support lawyer New Kent County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge wage garnishment, license suspension, and contempt actions. We have documented results in Virginia courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent 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 legally enforceable debts under Virginia law. Once a court order is established, each missed payment accrues as a judgment. The Virginia Department of Social Services’ Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) has powerful tools to collect these debts, including income withholding, tax refund interception, passport denial, and liens on real and personal property. In New Kent County, these cases are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
The controlling statute for child support enforcement is Virginia Code § 63.2-1900 et seq.. The court may also use its contempt powers under Virginia Code § 18.2-456 to compel payment, which can result in jail time.
- Initial Case Review: We obtain the complete payment history and court order to verify the arrears calculation.
- Defense Strategy Development: We analyze potential defenses, such as incorrect calculation, lack of ability to pay, or procedural errors in enforcement.
- Negotiation with DCSE/Creditor: We engage with the enforcing agency or the other party to negotiate a manageable payment plan or lump-sum settlement.
- Court Representation: We advocate for you in court, presenting evidence to seek a modification of the arrears or a reasonable payment schedule to avoid contempt.
- Post-Hearing Compliance: We help you implement the court’s order and monitor for any future enforcement actions.
Potential Consequences of Unpaid Child Support
In New Kent County, past due child support can lead to income withholding, driver’s license suspension, professional license revocation, liens, passport denial, and contempt of court with possible jail time.
| Enforcement Action | Governing Authority | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Income Withholding | Va. Code § 63.2-1924 | Direct wage garnishment up to 65% of disposable earnings. |
| License Suspension | Va. Code § 63.2-1936 | Suspension of driver’s, professional, occupational, and recreational licenses. |
| Tax Refund Interception | Va. Code § 63.2-1932 | Federal and state tax refunds seized to pay arrears. |
| Contempt of Court | Va. Code § 18.2-456 | Fines, attorney’s fees for the other party, and possible incarceration. |
| Property Liens & Levies | Va. Code § 63.2-1928 | Liens placed on real estate, bank accounts, and personal property. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex family law matters, including challenging child support arrears collection. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep involvement in Virginia family law. We approach each back child support case with a focus on finding a practical resolution that protects your rights and livelihood.
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 & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes across Virginia. In one case, we successfully argued for a substantial reduction in calculated arrears based on a client’s documented disability and change in income, preventing license suspension. In another, we negotiated a lump-sum settlement for a fraction of the claimed past due child support, allowing the client to achieve a clean slate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, founder and former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement cases, leveraging his multi-state bar admissions and experience amending Virginia law.
Contact Our New Kent County Back Child Support Lawyer
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients in New Kent County and is accessible via I-64. We are your local back child support lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Frequently Asked Questions: Back Child Support in New Kent County
Can I go to jail for back child support in Virginia?
Yes, but only for contempt of court. A judge can jail you for willfully refusing to pay child support you have the ability to pay. An experienced past due child support lawyer New Kent County can present evidence of your financial circumstances to argue against a finding of willfulness.
Can back child support be forgiven in Virginia?
It depends. The owed parent (creditor) can agree to forgive some or all of the arrears, often in exchange for a lump-sum payment. The court itself cannot simply wipe out a valid debt, but it can approve a settlement agreement between the parties. A child support arrears collection lawyer New Kent County can negotiate such settlements.
How far back can child support be collected in Virginia?
There is generally no statute of limitations on collecting unpaid child support judgments in Virginia. Arrears remain enforceable until paid in full. However, there are limits on how far back a support order can be modified (typically limited to three years prior to filing a petition for modification).
What should I do if I receive a show cause order for contempt?
Contact a lawyer immediately. Do not ignore the order. A back child support lawyer New Kent County will review the allegations, gather your financial documentation, and prepare a defense or a proposal for the court to avoid the most severe penalties like jail time.
Can my driver’s license be reinstated if I start paying child support?
Yes. Virginia law allows for license reinstatement once you have entered into a approved payment plan for the arrears and are making current payments. Your attorney can help you petition the court and DCSE for reinstatement.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our New Kent County criminal defense lawyer or New Kent County DUI lawyer pages. For a broader view, visit our Virginia Family Law hub.