Child Support Arrears Lawyer Near Me

If you are searching for a child support arrears lawyer near you, you are likely facing significant legal and financial pressure. Falling behind on child support obligations can lead to enforcement actions including income garnishment, license suspension, and even incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its family law practice on helping parents resolve child support arrears matters efficiently and effectively. With locations in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, the firm’s experienced attorneys appear in courts across five jurisdictions. Whether you need to modify an existing order, negotiate a repayment plan, or defend against a contempt proceeding, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can assess your situation and outline your legal options. To speak with a child support arrears lawyer, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Understanding Child Support Arrears

Child support arrears are past-due payments that have not been made under a court-ordered support obligation. States have robust enforcement mechanisms to collect unpaid support, and the consequences of arrearages can extend well beyond a simple balance owed. The legal framework for establishing and enforcing child support varies by jurisdiction, but courts generally treat the obligation as a continuing duty that does not lapse when a parent stops paying. Parents who fall behind may face interest accrual, interception of tax refunds, reporting to credit agencies, and suspension of driver’s or professional licenses.

In Virginia, child support is calculated under the statutory guidelines set forth in Va. Code § 20-108.1, with considerations for the noncustodial parent’s income and the number of children. Maryland and the District of Columbia have their own guidelines and enforcement procedures. New Jersey and New York also maintain specialized child support collection units. Because each state has its own administrative enforcement tools, addressing arrears frequently requires a lawyer who understands the specific jurisdiction’s rules and the procedures of the local court handling the matter.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Child Support Arrears Cases

When a parent consults Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about child support arrears, the first step is a thorough review of the court order, payment history, and any pending enforcement actions. Mr. Sris, who has practiced family law since 1997, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to identify whether the arrears calculation is accurate, whether there are defenses to the alleged non‑payment, and whether a modification of the underlying support order is appropriate. The firm’s attorneys can represent clients in contempt proceedings, negotiate payment plans with state child support agencies, and petition the court for a reduction in ongoing support if there has been a material change in circumstances.

In many jurisdictions, a parent who fails to pay child support may be held in civil contempt and ordered to pay a purge amount to avoid jail. The firm’s experienced family law practitioners understand the procedural requirements for contempt hearings and can present evidence of inability to pay, job loss, or other mitigating factors. Where modification is viable, they prepare the necessary financial affidavits and documentation to demonstrate the change in income or circumstances. For parents who owe substantial arrears, the firm’s attorneys can also explore alternative resolution paths such as compromise agreements with the custodial parent, where permitted by law.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has focused his practice on family law and related matters since founding the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor, which gives him firsthand insight into how enforcement proceedings are initiated and litigated. His background in accounting and information systems provides additional analytical depth in financial cases involving income determination and asset tracing. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience in family law, child support matters, and court proceedings. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in family courts across multiple states, representing parents in child support arrears disputes. Every attorney associated with the firm has well over a decade of practice experience. Results may vary.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I fall behind on child support payments?

If you fall behind on court-ordered child support, the state child support enforcement agency can take several collection actions, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and pursuing a contempt citation in court. The specific enforcement mechanisms depend on the state where the order was issued. Courts treat child support as a priority obligation, and non‑payment can lead to significant legal consequences. An experienced family law attorney can help you address arrears before enforcement escalates.

Can I go to jail for not paying child support?

A parent can be jailed for contempt of court if the judge finds that the parent willfully failed to pay child support and has the ability to pay but refuses to do so. This is a civil contempt proceeding, and the parent is generally entitled to a hearing at which evidence of ability to pay and any defenses can be presented. Jail is a serious possibility, and having legal representation at the contempt hearing can help protect the parent’s rights and argue alternative remedies.

How can a child support arrears lawyer help me?

A child support arrears lawyer can review the accuracy of the arrearage calculation, represent you in enforcement and contempt proceedings, negotiate a repayment plan, and petition the court to modify the underlying support order if your financial circumstances have changed. An attorney can also challenge improper interest charges, ensure that all payments are properly credited, and advise you on the trusted strategy to resolve arrears while protecting your ability to support yourself and other dependents.

Can my child support order be modified if I owe arrears?

Yes, you can file a petition to modify your child support order even if you have past-due amounts, but the arrears generally remain owed and the court will still address them separately. A modification changes the amount of future payments, not the obligation to pay arrears that accrued before the modification was filed. To succeed, you must show a material change in circumstances, such as job loss or change in custody. A family law attorney can help you present the required evidence to the court.

How long do child support arrears last?

Child support arrears do not expire; the balance remains legally enforceable until paid in full. In many states, arrears accrue interest and can be collected long after the child reaches adulthood. Enforcement actions may continue even after the child is emancipated, and the arrears may affect credit, tax refunds, and professional licenses indefinitely. Consulting an attorney can help you create a realistic plan to resolve the arrearage.

What is the difference between civil and criminal nonsupport?

Civil nonsupport involves contempt proceedings aimed at compelling payment, while criminal nonsupport charges are brought by the state as a criminal offense and can result in fines and incarceration. Most child support arrears cases are handled in civil court, but chronic failure to pay can lead to criminal prosecution in some jurisdictions. A family law attorney can defend against both types of proceedings and work to avoid criminal exposure.

How do I find a child support arrears lawyer near me?

You can find a child support arrears lawyer by contacting Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 and scheduling a consultation to discuss your case with an experienced family law attorney. The firm appears in courts across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. A knowledgeable lawyer can assess your situation, explain the applicable laws in your state, and help you move forward with a strategy tailored to your circumstances.

Can child support arrears be settled for less than the full amount?

In some cases, child support arrears may be settled through a compromise agreement with the custodial parent or the state child support agency, but such settlements are subject to court approval and depend on the specific facts of the case. Not all jurisdictions permit compromise of child support arrears, and the standard for approval is high. A family law attorney can evaluate whether a settlement offer is viable in your state and assist in negotiating and presenting the proposed agreement to the court.

What should I do if I’ve received a court summons for contempt for child support arrears?

Contact a family law attorney immediately and do not ignore the summons, as failing to appear can result in a bench warrant for your arrest. An attorney can prepare for the hearing, gather evidence of your financial situation, and present defenses such as inability to pay or inaccurate arrearage calculations. Prompt legal representation can help you avoid incarceration and work toward a resolution of the arrears.

Is there a difference between child support arrears enforcement in Virginia and Maryland?

While both Virginia and Maryland enforce child support through wage garnishment, license suspension, and contempt, the specific procedures and agency names differ; Virginia uses the Department of Social Services, while Maryland uses the Child Support Administration. Each state has its own guidelines and court procedures. The firm’s attorneys are experienced in the enforcement mechanisms of multiple jurisdictions and can represent clients in their specific state.

For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Additional resources:
Virginia Child Support Laws (Title 20) •
Virginia Courts •
Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement

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