A Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County helps you enforce court orders for child support, custody, and property division under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Divorce decree enforcement in Arlington County involves compelling compliance with court orders issued under Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. When a former spouse fails to pay child support, refuses to transfer property, or violates custody arrangements, you need a Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County to file a motion for contempt or seek other remedies. The court can impose wage garnishment, property liens, or even jail time for willful noncompliance. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling post-divorce enforcement matters.
For the official statute governing divorce decree enforcement, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges routinely issue show-cause orders within 14 days of a properly filed motion for contempt. The court expects you to document every missed payment or denied visitation before filing.
- Gather all court orders, payment records, and communication logs showing noncompliance.
- File a motion for contempt or motion to enforce at the Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
- Serve the opposing party with the motion and a show-cause hearing date.
- Attend the hearing prepared with a detailed accounting of arrears or violations.
- Request specific remedies: wage garnishment, property lien, or attorney’s fees.
- Follow up to ensure the court’s enforcement order is implemented.
In Arlington County, failure to comply with a divorce decree can result in contempt findings, wage garnishment, and potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful failure to pay child support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept |
| Violation of custody order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Make-up parenting time, attorney’s fees |
| Failure to transfer property | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Property lien, forced sale |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ total case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique authority in divorce decree enforcement matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement cases. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Looking for a Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County near the Courthouse area? We serve clients throughout Arlington County.
We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
How long does it take to enforce a divorce decree in Arlington County?
Yes, enforcement timelines vary. A motion for contempt typically results in a hearing within 21-60 days in Arlington County Circuit Court. Complex cases involving business assets may take 3-6 months.
Can I enforce a child support order from another state in Arlington County?
Yes, under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), you can register and enforce an out-of-state child support order in Arlington County Circuit Court. The court has jurisdiction to enforce the order.
What happens if my ex-spouse refuses to transfer property as ordered?
It depends. The court can hold your ex-spouse in contempt, impose a property lien, or order the sheriff to seize and transfer the property. Attorney’s fees may also be awarded.
Is mediation required before filing a contempt motion in Arlington County?
No, mediation is not mandatory for enforcement actions in Arlington County. You can file a motion for contempt directly with the Circuit Court without first attempting mediation.
Can I get attorney’s fees paid by my ex-spouse for enforcement?
Yes, Virginia law allows the court to award reasonable attorney’s fees to the prevailing party in a contempt or enforcement proceeding. The court considers the parties’ financial resources and the reasonableness of the positions taken.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. For nearby localities, visit our Alexandria Divorce Lawyer page. For related services in Arlington County, see our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.