Child Support Arrears Lawyer Chesterfield County — How to Resolve Back Child Support
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 payment plan modifications, and negotiate settlements. Our firm has documented results in Chesterfield County courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Virginia Law on Child Support Arrears
In Virginia, child support is a court-ordered legal obligation. When payments are missed, the unpaid amount becomes an arrearage, or back child support owed. The Virginia Department of Social Services’ Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) has broad powers to collect this debt. The primary statute governing child support, including enforcement of arrears, is Va. Code § 20-108.1. This law establishes the guidelines for calculating support and the mechanisms for enforcement when payments are not made.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s child support statutes, visit the official Virginia Code § 20-108.1. The Chesterfield County J&DR Court website provides local forms and procedural information for child support cases.
Enforcement Actions for Back Child Support Owed
If you have back child support owed, the DCSE and the Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court can take multiple enforcement actions. These are not sequential; multiple actions can occur simultaneously to collect the debt.
- Income Withholding: An order is sent to your employer to deduct support payments directly from your wages.
- Intercept Tax Refunds: State and federal tax refunds can be seized to pay down arrears.
- Suspend Licenses: Your driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses can be suspended.
- Report to Credit Bureaus: Significant arrears can be reported, damaging your credit score.
- Contempt of Court: You can be summoned to court for a show-cause hearing, facing potential jail time for willful non-payment.
- Liens and Levies: Liens can be placed on real property or personal assets, and bank accounts can be levied.
Potential Consequences of Child Support Debt
In Chesterfield County, unresolved child support debt can lead to license suspension, wage garnishment, damaged credit, liens on property, and even jail time for contempt of court.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Authority | Immediate Impact | Long-Term Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Withholding | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Wage garnishment begins | Continuous deduction until arrears paid |
| License Suspension | Va. Code § 63.2-1926 | Cannot drive legally | Loss of employment, fines for driving |
| Contempt of Court | Va. Code § 20-115 | Arrest or summons to court | Jail time, additional fines, court costs |
| Tax Refund Intercept | 42 U.S.C. § 664 | Loss of expected refund | Applied to arrears, but no cash relief |
| Credit Reporting | Va. Code § 63.2-1953 | Credit score drop | Difficulty obtaining loans, housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Child Support Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. 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 understand the severe stress that child support debt creates and work to find practical legal solutions.
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 has a documented record of favorable outcomes across practice areas in Chesterfield County. For instance, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) in a Chesterfield General District Court drug possession case. In family law, we use this litigation experience to advocate for clients facing enforcement actions for back child support owed.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesterfield County Child Support Arrears Lawyer
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Chesterfield County, including Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. If you need a child support debt lawyer Chesterfield County, contact us for a consultation.
Child Support Arrears FAQs
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Virginia?
Yes, but only if the court finds you in willful contempt for not paying. Jail is typically a last resort after other enforcement methods fail. The court must find you had the ability to pay but deliberately refused. A child support arrears lawyer Chesterfield County can argue against a finding of willfulness.
How can I get my child support arrears lowered in Chesterfield County?
It depends. You can file a petition with the Chesterfield County J&DR Court to modify the future support amount, but this does not automatically reduce past-due arrears. To address the existing child support debt, you may negotiate a lump-sum settlement or a court-approved payment plan with the other parent or the DCSE.
What happens if I lose my job and can’t pay child support?
You must immediately file a petition to modify your child support order based on the material change in circumstances (job loss). Do not simply stop paying. The court can retroactively modify support only from the date you file the petition. Unpaid amounts before filing still accrue as arrears.
Can back child support be forgiven in Virginia?
Generally, no. Child support arrears are considered a debt to the state and/or the other parent. They are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. However, the custodial parent can agree to forgive a portion of the debt in a written settlement, which must be approved by the court to be enforceable.
How long can child support arrears be collected in Virginia?
There is no statute of limitations on collecting child support arrears in Virginia. The debt continues until it is paid in full, and enforcement actions like wage garnishment or tax intercepts can continue indefinitely. Interest may also accrue on the unpaid balance.
Related Legal Help: If you are dealing with child support issues, you may also need a Chesterfield County family law attorney for related matters like custody or divorce. For other legal concerns in the area, see our pages on Chesterfield County criminal defense and Chesterfield County DUI defense.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your child support arrears case in Chesterfield County.