Child support in Chesterfield County, Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 20-108.1 (guidelines) and § 20-108.2 (calculation). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with favorable outcomes in all reported instances. A Child Support Lawyer Chesterfield County can help you handle these complex statutes.
Child Support Lawyer Chesterfield County, Virginia
Child support in Virginia is calculated using statutory guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1, which establishes a presumptive amount based on the combined gross income of both parents and the number of children. The court may deviate from the guidelines if application would be unjust or inappropriate. A child support calculation lawyer Chesterfield County can explain how these guidelines apply to your specific income and custody arrangement. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court and Chesterfield County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s child support guidelines, see Va. Code § 20-108.1 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For the child support calculation statute, see Va. Code § 20-108.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Chesterfield County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, judges routinely review financial affidavits for completeness before setting support amounts.
We have observed that incomplete income documentation often leads to continuances, delaying the support order by weeks.
- File a petition for child support at Chesterfield County J&DR Court, 9500 Courthouse Road.
- Complete and submit financial affidavits with supporting documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s).
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court to attempt agreement on support amount.
- Present evidence at the hearing, including income, expenses, and any special needs of the child.
- Receive the court’s child support order, which includes payment terms and enforcement provisions.
- File for modification if circumstances change (income loss, custody change, or medical needs).
In Chesterfield County, failure to pay child support as ordered by the court can result in contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, license suspension, and potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay child support (civil contempt) | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months (coercive) | N/A | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund interception, passport denial |
| Failure to pay child support (criminal non-support) | Class 6 felony (if arrears > 90 days) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Loss of professional license, credit damage |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. A child support obligation lawyer Chesterfield County from our firm understands the local court procedures and guidelines.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented results in Chesterfield County: 8 dismissed or not guilty, 7 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 20 miles from Chesterfield County Circuit Court, with access via I-95 and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Child support lawyer near Chesterfield County.
Serving the communities of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Chesterfield County
How long does a divorce take in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Chesterfield County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Chesterfield County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Va. Code § 20-91 governs divorce grounds; § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution (personally amended by Mr. Sris).
Uncontested divorces in Chesterfield County typically take 2-6 months; contested divorces take 9-18 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint is approximately $86; sheriff service of process is approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Cases are filed at Chesterfield County General District Court. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
Filing fees start at approximately $86, with additional costs for service, Guardian ad Litem, and mediation.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state.
How is child custody decided in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Custody in Chesterfield County is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
Custody is decided based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Virginia allows no-fault divorce after 6-month or 1-year separation, and fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against back child support charges?
Defense strategies for back child support in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-108.1 (guidelines) / § 20-108.2 (calculation) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing back child support charges in Virginia?
If facing back child support charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Colonial Heights Family Law Lawyer
Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026