When a co-parent stops paying court-ordered child support, the financial pressure can build quickly. Groceries, school supplies and medical bills do not pause. In Virginia, a child support order carries the full authority of a court order. Any missed payment becomes arrearage that can be enforced, and Virginia law gives you real options to address it.
Request an income withholding order
Income withholding is typically automatic in Virginia, but if not in place, you can request it. Under state law, a court can require your co-parent’s employer to deduct support payments directly from their paycheck.
This takes the decision to pay out of your co-parent’s hands, and Virginia’s State Disbursement Unit processes all payments and maintains a documented record of each one. If your co-parent changes employers, you can ask the court to update the order.
File a motion for rule to show cause
When a co-parent ignores a court order, they are not just ignoring you. They are defying a Virginia judge. A motion for rule to show cause brings your co-parent before the court to explain their non-compliance. A judge can order repayment of arrears, require your co-parent to cover your legal costs or impose additional consequences for continued non-compliance.
Contact the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE)
The Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement, or DCSE, gives you access to a broader set of enforcement tools. It operates under the Virginia Department of Social Services and can work on your behalf at little or no cost.
DCSE can intercept tax refunds, suspend your co-parent’s driver’s or professional licenses, place liens on property and report arrears to credit bureaus. If your co-parent has moved out of state, DCSE can still pursue enforcement through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.
You should not have to chase what a court already ordered
The right approach depends on your specific situation, including your co-parent’s employment status, their location and their history of missed payments. Virginia law gives you more than one path forward. Knowing which one fits your situation is where sound legal guidance can make a real difference since it can help you determine which option, or combination of options, fits your circumstances best.