A post divorce enforcement lawyer Arlington County handles violations of divorce decrees, including unpaid spousal support or property division issues under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Post divorce enforcement in Virginia involves court actions to compel compliance with a final divorce decree. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court retains jurisdiction to enforce its orders regarding spousal support, property division, and other decree terms. A post divorce enforcement lawyer Arlington County can file a motion for contempt or a rule to show cause when your former spouse fails to follow the court’s order. The Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201, handles these enforcement matters. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended this equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into enforcement strategies.
Post divorce enforcement specifically targets violations of final decrees, distinct from initial divorce proceedings. The court’s authority to enforce its own orders is inherent and statutory. An enforce final decree lawyer Arlington County uses Va. Code § 20-107.3 as the primary tool to hold non-compliant parties accountable. This statute allows the court to modify, suspend, or terminate support orders upon a showing of material change in circumstances, but enforcement actions focus on compelling compliance with existing orders.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) for equitable distribution enforcement. The Arlington County General District Court website provides local court procedures and filing information.
- Gather your final divorce decree and any modification orders.
- Document each specific violation with dates, amounts, and communications.
- File a motion for contempt or rule to show cause at Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Attend the show cause hearing where the court determines if contempt occurred.
- If contempt is found, the court may order compliance, wage garnishment, or other remedies.
In Arlington County, post divorce enforcement carries potential contempt penalties including fines, wage garnishment, and in extreme cases, incarceration for willful non-compliance.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful non-payment of spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Failure to transfer property per decree | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Court may order sale or transfer |
| Violation of custody/visitation order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Make-up visitation, modification of custody |
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+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, providing the firm with unparalleled authority in post divorce enforcement matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, as secondary attorney, founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. His former prosecutor background and 120+ years of combined firm experience support every enforcement case.
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. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is located near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. A post divorce enforcement lawyer Arlington County near the Courthouse area can assist with your case. 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Can I enforce a divorce decree in Arlington County?
Yes. Arlington County Circuit Court retains jurisdiction to enforce its own orders. You can file a motion for contempt or a rule to show cause when your former spouse violates the decree. The court can order compliance, wage garnishment, or other remedies.
How long does post divorce enforcement take in Arlington County?
It depends. Simple enforcement motions may be heard within 30-60 days. Contested contempt hearings with evidence disputes can take 3-6 months. The court sets show cause hearings based on its docket and the urgency of the violation.
What happens if my ex-spouse refuses to pay spousal support?
The court can find your ex-spouse in civil contempt, which may result in fines, wage garnishment, or incarceration up to 12 months. The court must find that the non-paying party had the ability to pay but willfully refused.
Can I enforce a property division order in Arlington County?
Yes. The court can order the sale or transfer of property, impose liens, or find the non-compliant party in contempt. Va. Code § 20-107.3 gives the court broad authority to enforce its equitable distribution orders.
Do I need a lawyer for post divorce enforcement in Arlington County?
It depends. While you can file a motion pro se, enforcement actions involve complex procedural rules and evidentiary requirements. A post-judgment enforcement lawyer Arlington County can present your case effectively and maximize your chances of compliance.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. You may also want to review our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page for nearby localities. For related practice areas in Arlington County, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Arlington County page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.