Adams v. Adams

By JUDGE WILLIAM H. LEDBETTER, JR.

The question presented is whether the court had authority to award a judgment for support arrearages in the final decree of divorce entered on August 1, 1991.

Mrs. Adams instituted this suit for divorce on September 28, 1988. Mr. Adams accepted service and waived further notice of proceedings, as permitted by Virginia Code Section 20-99.1:1. He filed no responsive pleadings and did not participate in the litigation. Depositions were taken on behalf of Mrs. Adams on July 24, 1991, and a sketch final decree was tendered on August 1, 1991. The court entered the…