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How is child support enforced in Virginia?

On Behalf of | Jun 22, 2019 | Family Law

If you are ordered to pay child support in Virginia, you likely know how important fulfilling this obligation is to provide and care financially for your child. The loss of a job, a change in family circumstances, illness or any other number of factors, however, may cause you to fall behind on your payments. This may cause you to face adverse actions, which is why it is important for you to understand the options available to the state’s Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE).

There are several remedies available to the state for enforcing child support orders, including suspending your driver’s license, occupational license, or sporting and recreational permits. These suspensions may remain in effect until you are current on your support obligation or you have made alternative arrangements with the court.

Additionally, the state may attach liens to your personal property. This may prevent you from selling, transferring or making other transactions involving the associated property until you resolve your past due balance.

According to the Division of Child Support Enforcement’s Eastern Virginia district office, an automatic withholding order may be applied to your paychecks for nonpayment. Your employer must notify DCSE of all new hires, and the agency reviews the information provided to check for past due support payments, ordering withholdings for those who are in arrears.

The state may also intercept your income tax refunds. The monies collected are then applied to your outstanding obligation. In some cases, DCSE may also report child support arrears to credit reporting agencies. This could affect your ability to obtain financial lending, as well as your employment opportunities.

This post contains information that should be considered for general purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.