Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyer Virginia Beach — How to Enforce Your Court Order
If your ex-spouse is not following a Virginia Beach divorce decree, you need a divorce decree enforcement lawyer Virginia Beach. A court order for child support, alimony, or property division is legally binding. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can file the necessary motions for contempt, wage garnishment, or liens to enforce your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
When a divorce is finalized, the court issues a decree containing orders for child support, spousal support (alimony), custody, visitation, and property division. This decree is a court order, and violating it has legal consequences. If the other party fails to comply, you have the right to seek enforcement through the court that issued the order, typically the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for support and property matters.
The primary legal mechanism for enforcing a divorce judgment in Virginia is a Rule to Show Cause for contempt, filed under Virginia Code § 20-112. This motion asks the court to hold the non-compliant party in contempt for willfully disobeying the court order. The court can impose penalties including fines, attorney’s fees, and even jail time to compel compliance.
- Gather all evidence of the violation, including payment records, emails, texts, and a copy of your final divorce decree.
- Consult with a divorce decree enforcement lawyer Virginia Beach to review your case and draft the necessary legal motions.
- Your attorney will file a Rule to Show Cause or other enforcement petition with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court clerk.
- Attend the court hearing where the judge will hear evidence and decide on enforcement remedies.
- If the judge finds contempt, they will issue an order for compliance, which may include wage garnishment or other penalties.
Common Enforcement Actions in Virginia Beach
An enforce divorce judgment lawyer Virginia Beach can pursue several remedies depending on the type of violation:
- Child Support & Alimony Arrears: File for income withholding (wage garnishment), intercept tax refunds, suspend driver’s or professional licenses, or place a lien on real property.
- Property Division Non-Compliance: File a motion for contempt and seek a court order to transfer title, sell property, or award a monetary judgment for the value of the asset not transferred.
- Custody/Visitation Interference: File an emergency motion or a petition for contempt. The court may modify the custody order or impose make-up visitation time.
For official Virginia statutes on support enforcement, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1. For court forms and procedures, see the Virginia Courts website.
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
Why Choose Our Firm for Post-Divorce Enforcement
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm deep, firsthand knowledge of the family law framework we use to enforce your rights. Our collaborative approach means your case benefits from the insight of multiple experienced attorneys, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher.
In Virginia Beach, enforcing a divorce decree requires filing specific motions in Circuit Court, with potential penalties for the non-compliant party including wage garnishment, liens, and contempt findings.
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in family law matters. In Virginia Beach and across our service areas, we have secured dismissals, reductions, and enforcement orders for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Divorce Decree Enforcement Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients with family law matters in Virginia Beach. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and surrounding communities. Our office is accessible via I-64 and offers free parking.
Virginia Beach Divorce Decree Enforcement FAQ
What can a post-divorce enforcement lawyer Virginia Beach do if my ex stops paying child support?
Yes. A lawyer can file a Rule to Show Cause for contempt in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. The court can then order wage garnishment, intercept tax refunds, suspend driver’s licenses, or place liens on property to collect overdue support and ensure future payments.
How long do I have to enforce a property division order from my divorce?
It depends. There is no specific statute of limitations for enforcing a property division order itself, as it is a court judgment. However, delay can prejudice your case. For a monetary judgment based on non-compliance, Virginia’s general limitation is 20 years. Consult a lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
Can I get my ex-spouse to pay my attorney’s fees for enforcement?
Yes, often. Virginia law (Va. Code § 20-79(b)) allows the court to order one party to pay the other’s attorney’s fees in contempt actions for failing to obey a court order. The judge considers factors like the non-compliant party’s conduct and ability to pay.
What is the difference between modifying and enforcing a divorce decree?
Enforcing a decree means making the other party comply with the existing order. Modifying a decree means legally changing the terms (like support amounts) due to a substantial change in circumstances. An enforce divorce judgment lawyer Virginia Beach handles the former; both may be needed.
What happens at a contempt hearing for divorce decree enforcement?
The person accused of violating the order must “show cause” why they should not be held in contempt. You present evidence of the violation. If the judge finds a willful violation, they can impose penalties like fines, jail time (often suspended upon compliance), and payment of your fees to force compliance.
Related Legal Services in Virginia Beach
If you are dealing with post-divorce issues, you may also need assistance with: Criminal Defense Lawyer Virginia Beach or DUI Lawyer Virginia Beach. For all Virginia family law matters, visit our Virginia Family Law Hub. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.