A post divorce enforcement lawyer Chesapeake helps you enforce final decree terms when your ex-spouse violates court orders. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended this equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake 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. When one party fails to follow court-ordered terms — such as property division, spousal support, child support, or custody arrangements — the other party can seek enforcement through the court. Virginia law provides several enforcement mechanisms including contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, and property liens. The court that issued the original decree retains jurisdiction to enforce its orders. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles enforcement of divorce decrees for cases originally filed there. A post divorce enforcement lawyer Chesapeake can file the necessary motions and represent you at enforcement hearings.
For more information on Virginia family law enforcement, review the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution enforcement) and the Chesapeake General District Court website for procedural information.
In Chesapeake Circuit Court, enforcement motions require specific documentation of the violation. The court expects you to show clear evidence that your ex-spouse received notice of the original order and knowingly violated it. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction typically seek contempt findings for willful violations.
- Document every violation with dates, times, and evidence (emails, bank statements, communication records).
- File a motion for contempt or motion to enforce at Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Serve the motion on your ex-spouse through sheriff service or private process server.
- Attend the show cause hearing where the court determines if a violation occurred.
- Present your evidence and request specific remedies: wage garnishment, property lien, or jail time for contempt.
- Obtain a court order for enforcement and follow up to ensure compliance.
In Chesapeake, post divorce enforcement carries potential penalties including contempt of court with fines up to $2,500 and jail time up to 12 months for willful violations.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, property lien |
| 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 | Custody modification possible |
| Violation of property division order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Property lien, forced sale of assets |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division enforcement in Virginia divorces. This amendment gives the firm unique authority in post divorce enforcement matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has practiced family law since 1997 across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented 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 Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. A post divorce enforcement lawyer Chesapeake near the Greenbrier area and Great Bridge can help you enforce your final decree. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does post divorce enforcement take in Chesapeake?
Yes. Contempt hearings in Chesapeake Circuit Court typically occur within 30-60 days of filing the motion. Emergency motions for custody violations may be heard within 7-14 days. The court sets a show cause hearing date when you file your motion.
Can I enforce a divorce decree from another state in Chesapeake?
Yes. Virginia courts can enforce foreign divorce decrees under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) for support orders. Property division orders from other states may require domestication in Virginia before enforcement. A post divorce enforcement lawyer Chesapeake can handle this process.
What happens if my ex-spouse cannot pay court-ordered support?
It depends. The court considers whether the inability to pay is willful or due to genuine hardship. If your ex-spouse lost their job through no fault of their own, the court may modify support rather than enforce. Willful refusal to pay can result in contempt with jail time.
Can I get attorney fees for enforcement?
Yes. Virginia law allows the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party in enforcement proceedings under Va. Code § 20-99. The court considers each party’s financial resources and the reasonableness of the positions taken. A post divorce enforcement lawyer Chesapeake can request fees in your motion.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?
Civil contempt is coercive — the court orders compliance with the decree, and you can avoid jail by complying. Criminal contempt is punitive — the court punishes past violations with fines or jail time regardless of future compliance. Most post divorce enforcement cases involve civil contempt.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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