Back Child Support Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia
If you are facing enforcement for past due child support in Dinwiddie County, you need a dedicated back child support lawyer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal representation for parents dealing with child support arrears collection and enforcement actions in Dinwiddie County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Child support obligations are court-ordered and enforceable under Virginia law. When payments fall behind, the owed amount becomes past due child support, also known as arrears. The Virginia Department of Social Services’ Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) has significant tools to collect these arrears, which can create substantial financial and legal pressure. A back child support lawyer from our firm can help you handle this process, whether you are the parent seeking to collect owed support or the parent facing enforcement for past due amounts.
Virginia Child Support Arrears Law
In Virginia, child support orders are enforceable until the child turns 18, or 19 if still in high school. Unpaid support accrues as a judgment by operation of law under Va. Code § 20-60.3. This means past due child support becomes a legal debt that can be collected through various enforcement mechanisms. The law prioritizes the child’s right to support, and the courts and DCSE have broad authority to ensure collection.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your specific child support arrears situation with our team to understand the total owed, the enforcement actions you face, and your legal options.
- Case Review & Strategy: We will obtain your court order and payment history, then develop a strategy. This may involve negotiating a payment plan, filing for a modification if your income changed, or preparing for a contempt hearing.
- Court Representation: We will represent you at all hearings in Dinwiddie County J&DR Court, whether for a Rule to Show Cause for contempt, a motion to enforce, or a modification hearing.
- Post-Hearing Actions: Ensure any new court orders are properly implemented, monitor payments, and address any subsequent issues that arise.
Enforcement Tools for Child Support Arrears
In Dinwiddie County, enforcement for past due child support can include income withholding, tax refund interception, license suspension, liens on property, and even contempt of court charges which may lead to jail time.
| Enforcement Action | Legal Authority | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Income Withholding | Va. Code § 20-79.2 | Direct deduction from wages, including for arrears. |
| License Suspension | Va. Code § 20-79.3 | Driver’s, professional, recreational, and business licenses. |
| Tax Refund Intercept | Va. Code § 63.2-1956 | State and federal tax refunds seized. |
| Property Liens | Va. Code § 20-60.3 | Arrears become a lien on real estate and personal property. |
| Contempt of Court | Va. Code § 20-61 | Fines, attorney’s fees, and possible jail time for willful non-payment. |
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. Our attorneys bring a practical understanding of Virginia family law and the procedures of Dinwiddie County courts. We focus on finding realistic solutions for child support issues, whether that involves defending against excessive enforcement actions or aggressively pursuing collection of past due support. For parents who owe arrears, we work to establish manageable payment plans and seek modifications where appropriate to prevent future accrual. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, has a deep background in Virginia statutory law.
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
Representing Dinwiddie County Parents
Our firm has represented clients in family law matters across Dinwiddie County. We understand the local court procedures and work to protect our clients’ interests when dealing with child support arrears collection. Whether you are in Dinwiddie, McKenney, or the surrounding areas, we are accessible to help. In one case handled by our team, we successfully negotiated a structured payment plan for a client facing significant arrears, avoiding license suspension and resolving a contempt allegation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Dinwiddie County and is accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We are your local back child support lawyer near Dinwiddie Courthouse, serving the communities of Dinwiddie and McKenney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I can’t pay my child support in Dinwiddie County?
It depends. If you lose your job or have a significant income drop, you must file a petition to modify the support order in Dinwiddie County J&DR Court. Simply stopping payments will lead to arrears and enforcement actions like license suspension. A lawyer can help you file for modification promptly.
Can I go to jail for back child support in Virginia?
Yes, but only for contempt of court if the judge finds you willfully refused to pay despite having the ability to do so. Jail is typically a last resort. The court usually prefers enforceable payment plans. A past due child support lawyer can present your financial situation to argue against a finding of willfulness.
How far back can child support arrears be collected in Virginia?
Virginia law does not have a statute of limitations for enforcing a child support order itself. Arrears that have accrued under an existing order can be collected at any time. However, there is a limit on how far back a new order can be set (retroactive support), which is generally up to three years from the date a petition is filed.
What can a child support arrears collection lawyer do for me if I am owed money?
A lawyer can file enforcement motions in court, compel the other parent to disclose assets, and advocate for the use of all available enforcement tools like liens and license suspensions. They handle the legal process to secure payment on the past due child support owed to you and your child.
Can back child support be forgiven in Virginia?
Generally, no. The owed support is a debt to the child, not the other parent, so the court cannot simply “forgive” it. However, the court may approve a compromise settlement in some rare circumstances, or the receiving parent may agree to waive a portion of the arrears. Legal advice is crucial before considering such options.
If you are dealing with back child support issues in Dinwiddie County, contact a back child support lawyer at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We also assist with related matters like child support in Chesterfield County and criminal defense in Dinwiddie County. For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Lawyer hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.