What is the process for enforcing a child support order?

In Virginia, enforcing a child support order is the responsibility of the courts. The process begins when the court issues an order for a noncustodial parent to pay support for a child. After the court’s order is received, the custodial parent must take steps to ensure that payment is received. If payment is not received, the custodial parent may choose to contact the noncustodial parent or a noncustodial parent’s employer. The custodial parent may also take steps to collect the owed support amount by filing a motion with the court. If the court rules in favor of the custodial parent, the court will compel the noncustodial parent to pay the ordered support amount in full. If the motion is not successful, the court may take other steps such as suspending the noncustodial parent’s driver’s license or other assets. The court may also refer the case to the Virginia Department of Social Services Child Support Enforcement program, which is responsible for collecting payments. The department may also work with local agencies and employers to garnish wages or intercept federal tax refunds. If a noncustodial parent refuses to pay support, the court may impose civil and criminal penalties. In extreme cases, the noncustodial parent may be subject to jail time. It is important for both parents to understand their responsibility to pay child support and abide by the court’s order.

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What is the process for enforcing a child support order?

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