Post Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County — Enforcing Your Final Decree
If your former spouse is not complying with a final divorce decree from Arlington County Circuit Court, you need a post divorce enforcement lawyer Arlington County. A post-judgment enforcement lawyer Arlington County can file motions for contempt, wage garnishment, or liens to enforce child support, alimony, or property division orders under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Enforcing a Final Divorce Decree in Arlington County
When an Arlington County Circuit Court judge signs a final decree of divorce, the orders for child support, spousal support (alimony), custody, visitation, and property division become legally binding. If the other party fails to comply, you have the right to seek enforcement. Virginia law provides specific remedies, and an experienced post divorce enforcement lawyer Arlington County can guide you through the process at the courthouse located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
The primary statute governing the enforcement of support and property orders is Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). For child support enforcement, the Virginia Department of Social Services also plays a role, and you can find resources through the Virginia Court System website.
- Review your final decree and document every instance of non-payment or non-compliance with dates and amounts.
- Consult with a post-judgment enforcement lawyer Arlington County to assess the best legal remedy (contempt, garnishment, lien).
- Your attorney will draft and file the appropriate motion (e.g., Rule to Show Cause) with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk.
- Attend the hearing where you must prove the violation. The court may order payment, jail time (for contempt), or other relief.
- If the order involves monetary judgment, your lawyer may help execute it through wage garnishment or property liens.
Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance
In Arlington County, failing to obey a final divorce decree can result in contempt of court charges, wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, liens on property, and even jail time.
| Violation | Legal Action | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid Child Support | Rule to Show Cause / Income Withholding | Wage garnishment, license suspension, contempt |
| Unpaid Spousal Support | Contempt Motion | Judgment lien, wage garnishment, contempt |
| Failure to Transfer Property | Motion to Enforce / Contempt | Court-ordered transfer, fines, attorney’s fees |
| Violation of Custody/Visitation | Petition for Rule to Show Cause | Modified schedule, make-up time, contempt |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Post-Decree Enforcement
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving the firm deep insight into the laws governing property division and enforcement. For enforcement matters in Arlington County, primary attorney Samantha Powers applies her 18+ years of family law experience. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney with a multi-state practice and background in accounting, provides strategic support on cases involving complex financial enforcement.
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 and Client Focus
Our firm has a documented record in Arlington County family law matters. While results are always case-specific, our approach is thorough and strategic. We focus on efficient enforcement to secure what the court has already ordered for you and your children.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Post Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is accessible for clients dealing with enforcement issues at the Arlington County Circuit Court. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County FAQ
What can a post divorce enforcement lawyer Arlington County do if my ex doesn’t pay child support?
Yes. A lawyer can file a Rule to Show Cause for contempt in Arlington County Circuit Court. The court can order wage garnishment, intercept tax refunds, suspend driver’s licenses, place liens on property, or impose jail time for willful non-payment to enforce the final decree.
How long do I have to enforce a property division order from my divorce?
It depends. For monetary awards from equitable distribution, you have 20 years from the date the decree becomes final to enforce it as a judgment. For orders to transfer specific property (like a house or car), you should act promptly. An enforce final decree lawyer Arlington County can file a motion for contempt if the party refuses to comply with the transfer order.
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid if I have to go back to court for enforcement?
Yes. Virginia law (Va. Code § 20-79(b)) allows the court to award attorney’s fees and costs to the party who substantially prevails on the merits of an enforcement action. This is common when one party has willfully violated the court’s order.
What is the difference between enforcement and modification?
Enforcement asks the court to make a party comply with an existing order. Modification asks the court to change the terms of an existing order (e.g., lower child support due to job loss). A post-judgment enforcement lawyer Arlington County handles enforcement actions. You need a separate motion to modify.
What happens at an enforcement hearing in Arlington County?
The party seeking enforcement must prove the violation by clear and convincing evidence. The non-complying party can present defenses. If the judge finds a willful violation, they can impose remedies like payment plans, garnishment, or contempt sanctions, including jail.
For help enforcing your Arlington County divorce decree, contact a post divorce enforcement lawyer Arlington County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today.
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