Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Henrico County — Enforcing Your Court Order
If your former spouse is not complying with a Henrico County divorce judgment, you need a divorce decree enforcement lawyer. A Henrico County divorce decree enforcement lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can file the necessary motions for contempt, wage garnishment, or liens to enforce child support, alimony, or property division orders.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
When a Henrico County Circuit Court judge signs a final divorce decree, the orders for child support, spousal support (alimony), property division, and debt allocation become legally binding. If the other party fails to comply, you have the right to seek enforcement. Virginia law provides specific tools for a post-divorce enforcement lawyer to use, including contempt of court actions under Va. Code § 20-112.1. The process begins by filing a motion or petition in the same court that issued the original order, detailing the violations.
Enforcing a divorce judgment in Henrico County often requires swift legal action to prevent further financial harm or violation of custody rights. A delay can make collecting past-due support more difficult. Our firm understands the procedures at the Henrico County Courthouse on East Parham Road and can act quickly to protect your rights.
Legal Tools for Enforcing a Virginia Divorce Decree
The primary statute governing enforcement is Va. Code § 20-112.1, which allows a court to use its contempt powers to enforce support and property settlement orders. For child support, the Virginia Department of Social Services also provides enforcement services, but private legal action is often faster and more full. A post-divorce enforcement lawyer can seek:
- Contempt of Court: Asking the judge to find the non-compliant party in contempt, which can result in fines, attorney’s fees, or even jail time until compliance is achieved.
- Income Deduction (Wage Garnishment): A court order directing an employer to withhold support payments directly from the payer’s wages.
- Liens: Placing a lien on real estate or personal property to secure payment for unpaid support or property division awards.
- Interception of Tax Refunds: For past-due child support, state and federal tax refunds can be intercepted.
- Driver’s License Suspension: The court can suspend the driver’s, professional, or recreational licenses of someone who is significantly behind on child support.
For property division orders (equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3), enforcement may involve petitioning the court to transfer title to a house or car, or to order the sale of an asset and distribution of proceeds.
- Gather all documents: your final divorce decree, all payment records, and any communication about the violation.
- Consult with a divorce decree enforcement lawyer to review the decree and assess the violations.
- Your lawyer drafts and files a Motion for Rule to Show Cause (for contempt) or other enforcement petition with the Henrico County Circuit Court clerk.
- The court schedules a hearing, and the other party is served with the motion.
- At the hearing, your lawyer presents evidence of the violation. The judge rules on enforcement and may award you attorney’s fees.
Why Choose Our Firm for Post-Divorce Enforcement in Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys with deep knowledge of Virginia family law procedures. Managing attorney Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm unique insight into the intent behind these laws. For Henrico County family law matters, primary attorney Samantha Powers brings focused experience. Mr. Sris, with his multi-state practice and background as a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement cases.
We have a record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients. In one case, our attorneys enforced a property division order for a client in Henrico County, securing the transfer of a retirement account that had been withheld for over a year.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones answered 24/7/365. In-person meetings by appointment only.
Serving Henrico County communities: Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, Mechanicsville (partial).
Frequently Asked Questions: Divorce Decree Enforcement
What is the first step to enforce a divorce decree in Virginia?
The first step is to document every violation and consult with a divorce decree enforcement lawyer. Your lawyer will review your final order and evidence, then typically file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in the court that issued the decree, such as Henrico County Circuit Court.
Can I get my attorney’s fees paid if I win an enforcement case?
Yes, Virginia law (Va. Code § 20-79(b)) often allows the court to order the non-compliant party to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of the party seeking enforcement. This is a common outcome in successful contempt actions.
How long do I have to enforce a property division order?
It depends. There is no specific statute of limitations for filing a contempt action to enforce a court order. However, delays can prejudice your case and make collection harder. You should act promptly upon discovering a violation to avoid claims of waiver or laches.
What if my ex-spouse lives in another state?
Interstate enforcement is common. Your enforce divorce judgment lawyer Henrico County can use the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) to register the Virginia order in the other state for enforcement. The Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution requires states to enforce valid orders from other states.
What’s the difference between enforcement and modification?
Enforcement seeks to compel compliance with the existing order. Modification seeks to legally change the terms of the order (e.g., lowering support due to job loss). You cannot modify an order through an enforcement action; you must file a separate petition to modify.
If you need a post-divorce enforcement lawyer to uphold your rights under a Henrico County divorce judgment, contact us. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your situation.
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Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.