Contempt Lawyer Near Me

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

If you are looking for a contempt lawyer near you, the violation of a family court order can be a serious matter. Whether a parent is failing to pay child support, a former spouse is refusing to turn over property as ordered in a divorce decree, or a custodial parent is denying court-ordered visitation, the mechanism for enforcement is contempt of court. A contempt proceeding can also arise when a party is accused of willfully disobeying a court order. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., concentrates its practice on family law contempt matters, representing clients in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience handling both sides—seeking enforcement of court orders on behalf of the party who is not receiving compliance, and defending individuals facing contempt allegations. Contempt is not merely a procedural step; it can lead to remedial sanctions like fines, attorney fees, and make-up visitation, or even incarceration. Because the stakes are high, it is important to have knowledgeable legal guidance. Reach our Fairfax location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.

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What Contempt Means in Family Law Cases

Contempt of court in family law involves a violation of a binding court order. It generally falls into two categories—civil contempt and criminal contempt—though the line can be blurry. Civil contempt is typically designed to compel compliance; the court seeks to coerce the violator into doing what the order requires. For example, if a parent fails to pay child support as ordered, the court may hold them in civil contempt and impose a sanction, such as a fine or even jail time, that is lifted once the support is paid. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, is punitive; it punishes past willful disobedience to vindicate the court’s authority. In Virginia, contempt is governed by Va. Code § 18.2-456 for criminal contempt, and enforcement of family court orders is pursued under Va. Code § 20-115. Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York have analogous statutory and common-law frameworks.

A contempt finding does not automatically follow a failure to obey. The party seeking enforcement must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the accused party had knowledge of the order, had the ability to comply, and willfully violated the order. The accused party, in turn, can present defenses such as inability to pay or lack of willfulness. Because family law contempt matters often coincide with child custody, support, or divorce proceedings, the same court that issued the original order typically hears the contempt action. India is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in circuit courts, juvenile and domestic relations district courts, and general district courts across Virginia, as well as comparable courts in other firm states. They work to ensure that their clients’ rights are protected—whether they are the moving party seeking enforcement or the party facing allegations.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contempt Cases

When a client seeks to enforce a court order, the firm starts by reviewing the original order and the facts of the alleged violation. In Virginia, a motion to show cause is filed in the court that entered the order. The attorney works to demonstrate that the violation was willful and that the client is entitled to sanctions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle pleadings, presentation of evidence, and negotiation of consent orders. They also advise clients on the most effective relief: civil contempt to compel compliance, or criminal contempt when punitive measures are appropriate.

For those accused of contempt, the defense may involve showing inability to pay or lack of willfulness. In child support cases, a material change in income and a good-faith effort to modify support can be a defense. The firm’s attorneys review financial records, prepare legal arguments, and oppose disproportionate sanctions. Whether enforcing or defending, the goal is a fair outcome that upholds court authority while protecting client rights. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to contempt litigation across multiple states. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He collaborates with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who are experienced lawyers handling family law and contempt matters across the firm’s jurisdictions.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to every contempt case. Results may vary. Whether you need to enforce an order or defend against a contempt motion, the firm can evaluate your case and advise on the trusted strategy. For a consultation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be held in contempt of court in a family law case?

Being held in contempt means the court has found that you willfully disobeyed a valid court order. Contempt can be civil, to compel compliance, or criminal, to punish. In Virginia, a show-cause hearing determines whether the violation was willful and what sanctions apply. Because the potential consequences include fines, attorney fees, and jail, legal representation is advisable. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer if I’m accused of contempt?

Yes—having a lawyer experienced in family law contempt is important because the potential sanctions can be severe. A contempt finding may result in jail time, fines, or attorney fees. An attorney can present a valid defense, such as inability to comply or lack of willfulness, and can negotiate a resolution without a hearing. Without counsel, you risk facing the opposing party’s lawyer alone. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How can I enforce a child support order if the other parent is not paying?

You can file a petition for a rule to show cause in the court that issued the child support order. In Virginia, the petition is filed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court or Circuit Court if the order is part of a divorce decree. The court will hold a hearing where you present evidence of the arrearage. If the court finds a willful failure to pay, it can order a payment schedule, award attorney fees, and even impose jail time. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

What are the potential consequences of being found in contempt?

The consequences of a contempt finding can include fines, attorney fees, make-up visitation, and incarceration. In Virginia, a court may impose a jail sentence for criminal contempt. Civil contempt sanctions, such as jail, can be purged by complying with the order. A contempt finding can also affect credibility in future custody proceedings. Because outcomes depend on facts, it is critical to present a well-prepared defense. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How do I find the right contempt lawyer near me?

Look for a lawyer who concentrates in family law and has experience handling contempt in your local court. Contempt cases are often decided in the same court that issued the underlying order, so familiarity with local procedures is an advantage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in contempt actions in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. To discuss your case, reach our location at (888) 437-7747.

Can contempt charges be resolved without going to court?

Yes, many contempt matters are resolved through negotiation or consent orders without a full hearing. If the parties can agree on a resolution—such as a payment plan or makeup visitation schedule—the court will usually approve a consent order. An experienced attorney can facilitate these negotiations and avoid litigation. However, if there is a factual dispute, a hearing may be necessary. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.