Virginia Beach Contempt of Court Lawyer — What Are Your Options?
If you are facing a contempt of court motion in Virginia Beach for allegedly violating a family court order, you need a strong legal defense. A finding of contempt can result in fines, jail time, and a permanent court record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Understanding Contempt of Court in Virginia
Contempt of court is a legal finding that you willfully disobeyed a valid court order. In family law, this most commonly arises from violations of child support, spousal support, custody, or visitation orders. Virginia law classifies contempt as either civil or criminal. Civil contempt aims to compel compliance with the order (e.g., paying overdue support), while criminal contempt punishes past disobedience. The consequences are serious and can include fines, attorney’s fees, wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, and even incarceration until you comply.
Mr. Sris, the managing attorney, brings unique insight as a former prosecutor and the attorney who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This legislative experience provides a strategic advantage in interpreting and defending against court order enforcement actions.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s contempt statutes, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-456 (powers of courts). For family court-specific procedures, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
- Receive the Motion: You will be formally served with a “Rule to Show Cause” or motion for contempt, detailing the alleged violations.
- Consult an Attorney Immediately: Do not ignore the motion. Contact a support contempt lawyer Virginia Beach to analyze the claims and your defenses.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documents: payment records, communications, proof of job loss or disability, and the original court order.
- File a Response: Your attorney will file a formal written response to the motion, presenting your defense to the court.
- Attend the Hearing: A hearing will be scheduled at the Virginia Beach General District Court (for support) or Circuit Court. Your attorney will present your case and argue against a contempt finding.
- Post-Hearing Compliance: If the court orders a purge payment or specific action, strict compliance is essential to avoid further penalties.
Potential Penalties for Contempt
In Virginia Beach, a contempt of court finding for violating a family support order can lead to incarceration for up to 10 days per offense, fines, and payment of the other party’s attorney’s fees.
| Violation Type | Court Classification | Incarceration | Fines & Costs | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil/Criminal Contempt | Up to 10 days per offense | Fines, purge payment, attorney’s fees | License suspension, wage garnishment |
| Violation of Custody Order | Civil Contempt | Until compliance | Court costs, possible fees | Modification of custody order |
| Failure to Pay Spousal Support | Civil/Criminal Contempt | Up to 10 days per offense | Fines, purge payment, attorney’s fees | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Contempt Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a contempt motion is often about more than a missed payment—it’s about complex family dynamics and changing circumstances. Our approach combines rigorous legal defense with practical strategies to resolve the underlying issue and protect your rights.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Family Law
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable resolutions in family law cases. In Virginia Beach, we have secured 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include negotiating purge agreements to avoid jail time, successfully arguing for the dismissal of contempt motions where violations were not willful, and modifying underlying support orders based on changed circumstances. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His personal amendment of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrates a significant understanding of family law that benefits every client.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Contempt Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Virginia Beach and the surrounding communities of Sandbridge and Oceana. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Need a contempt of court motion lawyer Virginia Beach or a court order violation lawyer Virginia Beach? We are here to help.
Virginia Beach Contempt Lawyer FAQ
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in Virginia?
Civil contempt aims to force future compliance (like paying support), often with a “purge” condition to avoid jail. Criminal contempt punishes a past, willful violation of a court order and can result in a definite jail sentence and fine.
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Virginia Beach?
Yes. If the court finds you in willful contempt for non-payment of child support, you can be sentenced to up to 10 days in jail per violation. The court may offer a “purge” option—jail time is suspended if you pay a specified amount.
What are the best defenses against a contempt motion?
It depends. Common defenses include lack of willfulness (inability to pay due to job loss or illness), ambiguity in the original court order, or that you have already complied. A skilled support contempt lawyer Virginia Beach can evaluate your specific situation to build the strongest defense.
How long does a contempt hearing take in Virginia Beach?
Most contempt hearings are relatively short, often 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of evidence. However, preparation with your attorney is extensive and should begin as soon as you are served.
Can I be charged with contempt for violating a custody order?
Yes. Violating a custody or visitation order is grounds for a contempt motion. The court can impose penalties to compel future compliance, including modifying the custody arrangement, imposing makeup visitation, or in severe cases, imposing fines.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer and Virginia Beach DUI lawyer pages. For more family law information, visit our Virginia family law hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current legal guidance.