Back Child Support Lawyer Near Me
When a parent falls behind on child support, the unpaid balance—often called back child support or arrears—can lead to serious enforcement actions, including wage garnishment, license suspension, tax refund interception, and even jail time for contempt. The legal process for collecting past-due support is active, but the parent who owes arrears has rights that must be protected. Whether you owe back child support and need to negotiate a payment plan, or you are a custodial parent trying to collect what is owed, an attorney can help you pursue a resolution that works for your family. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in back child support matters in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to these cases, working to protect parental rights and financial stability. Results may vary. If you have questions about back child support, call our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.
What Back Child Support Means for Parents
Back child support—commonly referred to as arrears—is the amount of support that a parent was ordered to pay but did not pay on time. Under Virginia law, child support obligations are governed by Va. Code § 20‑108.1, and the calculation of past‑due support is controlled by Va. Code § 20‑108.2. Other jurisdictions the firm serves have similar statutory frameworks, but the core principle is the same: a parent cannot simply stop paying support when circumstances change. Arrears accumulate automatically under the existing order until a court modifies the obligation.
The enforcement tools available to state child support agencies are substantial. In Virginia, the Division of Child Support Enforcement can intercept tax refunds, report arrears to credit bureaus, place liens on property, suspend driver’s and professional licenses, and seek a court order for contempt. A finding of contempt can result in jail time until the parent pays a purge amount. Parents who believe their arrears are calculated incorrectly or who cannot pay because of a genuine inability to do so need legal representation to address the matter before enforcement actions escalate.
For the parent who is owed support, collecting back child support may feel like an uphill battle, but the law provides multiple avenues to recover what is due. An attorney can help you navigate the administrative and court processes, file the necessary motions, and represent your interests at enforcement hearings. Whether you need to collect arrears or negotiate a manageable payment plan, the firm has the knowledge to assist.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Back Child Support Cases
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who understands how family court enforcement actions are built from the agency’s perspective. He and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach each back child support matter by first examining the underlying support order, the arrears calculation, and the procedural history of the case. When errors in the calculation exist—for example, when payments were made but not properly credited—they bring those issues to the court’s attention.
For a parent facing contempt proceedings because of past‑due support, the firm focuses on demonstrating either the inaccuracy of the alleged arrears or the parent’s genuine inability to pay the full amount. The law does not punish a parent who truly cannot pay; it punishes a parent who has the ability to pay but refuses to do so. If a parent can show that they lost a job, became disabled, or otherwise had a material change in circumstances, the court may reduce the purge amount or fashion a payment plan. The firm also negotiates with the agency and the opposing party to reach an agreement that keeps the parent out of jail while moving the arrears toward resolution.
For custodial parents seeking to collect back child support, the firm files enforcement motions and presents evidence of the obligor’s income and assets. Attorneys from the firm have appeared in support-enforcement proceedings before courts across multiple jurisdictions and work to secure orders for wage garnishment, income withholding, and contempt findings when appropriate. Every case is handled with the understanding that the outcome affects the financial well‑being of the children involved. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who now concentrates his practice on family law, criminal defense, and related matters. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background in accounting and information systems gives him an advantage when examining complex financial records, including child support payment histories and income analyses.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced litigators who collectively handle a wide range of family law cases. Several are former prosecutors or former law enforcement officers who understand how enforcement investigations are conducted. When you call the firm, a staff member will listen to your situation and schedule a consultation with an appropriate attorney. Back child support matters are serious, but you do not have to face them alone. Call (888) 437‑7747 to speak with someone about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I owe back child support?
If you owe back child support, contact a family law attorney immediately to review your case before enforcement actions escalate. The state can garnish your wages, suspend your driver’s license, intercept tax refunds, and seek a contempt finding that may lead to jail time. An attorney can verify whether the arrears calculation is correct and, if it is not, file a motion to correct the record. If the arrears are accurate but you cannot pay the full amount because of job loss or disability, the attorney can negotiate a payment plan or ask the court to reduce the purge amount based on your actual ability to pay. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747.
How do I find a back child support lawyer near me?
You can find a back child support lawyer near you by contacting a multi‑state firm like Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and requesting a consultation. Because the firm practices in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, its attorneys appear in courts throughout those jurisdictions. When you call, a staff member will connect you with an attorney who handles child support matters and is familiar with the procedures in the court where your case is pending. Contact the firm at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a time to discuss your situation.
Can I go to jail for unpaid child support?
Yes, a court can incarcerate a parent who is found in contempt for willfully failing to pay child support. Imprisonment is not automatic; the court must find that you had the ability to pay and chose not to. The confinement is typically civil contempt, meaning you may be released by paying a purge amount—a sum the court sets that demonstrates your ability to comply. An attorney can argue that you lack the present ability to pay the full arrears or that the calculation is wrong, which may keep you out of jail. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How are child support arrears calculated in Virginia?
Virginia calculates child support arrears based on the amount that was ordered but not paid, including any interest the court has imposed. The Division of Child Support Enforcement maintains payment records and applies the support terms under Va. Code § 20‑108.1. Mistakes can happen, however, especially when payments were made directly to the other parent instead of through the central payment processing center. An attorney can audit the arrears statement and identify any discrepancies. For an individual case review, reach the firm at (888) 437‑7747.
What happens if I cannot pay my back child support because I lost my job?
If you lost your job and genuinely cannot pay your back child support, you can petition the court to modify your ongoing support order and address the arrears. A modification of the current support obligation may reduce the amount going forward, but it generally does not erase past‑due arrears. For the arrears, you can ask the court to establish a payment plan or to rule that your failure to pay was not willful, which may avoid incarceration. An experienced family law attorney can help you present evidence of your job loss and your efforts to find new employment. Call (888) 437‑7747 to speak with an attorney about your options.
How long can the state collect back child support?
In Virginia, there is no statute of limitations on the collection of past‑due child support once a support order is in place. Arrears can be collected indefinitely, and the state’s enforcement authority does not expire. The passage of time does not cancel the debt. If you owe substantial arrears, speaking with an attorney about your options is an important step. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can review your case and explain the enforcement methods that may apply.
Related matters: Child Support Lawyer | Child Support Arrears Lawyer | Child Support Enforcement Lawyer | Child Support Modification Lawyer | Contempt of Court Lawyer
Helpful resources: Virginia Code Title 20 – Domestic Relations | Virginia Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts | Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE)
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Engaging Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Requires a signed engagement agreement. The firm has locations in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.