Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

When a court order in a Virginia Beach family law matter—whether for child support, spousal support, custody, visitation, or property division—is disregarded, the party who fails to comply may face contempt proceedings. Contempt is the court’s tool to enforce its own orders. A finding of contempt can result in monetary sanctions, jail time, or other remedial measures. Because the stakes include liberty and financial penalties, having experienced counsel is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals throughout Virginia Beach, including those defending against contempt allegations and those seeking to compel an opposing party’s compliance. A contempt matter typically proceeds in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court when the underlying order involves custody, child support, or protective orders, or in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court when the enforcement stems from a divorce decree or equitable distribution. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

Contempt of Court in Virginia Beach Family Law Matters

Family-law contempt in Virginia arises when a party violates a clear and specific court directive. Common scenarios include non-payment of child support or alimony, refusal to comply with a custody or visitation schedule, failure to transfer property as ordered in an equitable distribution decree, or disobeying a protective order. Virginia Code § 18.2‑456 and § 20‑115 provide the statutory framework. The court may treat contempt as civil—aimed at compelling future compliance through fines that purge with performance—or criminal—punishing a past violation with jail time and a punitive fine. The distinction turns on the purpose of the sanction and the procedures followed. Because both can carry serious consequences, a person facing a show-cause order needs to understand the nature of the proceeding and the options available.

Virginia Beach law enforcement and the local courts handle a large volume of family-law matters. The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, is where many initial support and custody orders originate. When a party fails to obey those orders, the contempt enforcement proceeding often returns to the same court. For violations of final divorce decrees—particularly those involving equitable distribution of marital property—the Virginia Beach Circuit Court at the same address exercises authority. The procedural rules in each court, while similar, may differ in the notice requirements, the standard of proof, and the available remedies. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team regularly appear in both courts and can help clients navigate the unique procedural landscape of Virginia Beach.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contempt Cases

Defending a contempt allegation begins with a careful review of the underlying order and the alleged violations. The defense may challenge the sufficiency of the evidence, question whether the order was clear and specific enough to support a contempt finding, or argue that the violation was not willful—for example, that a parent genuinely lacked the ability to pay the ordered amount despite good-faith efforts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also examine whether proper notice was given and whether the procedural due-process safeguards were met. In many instances, the goal is to resolve the matter without a contested hearing, perhaps by negotiating a payment plan, a consent order curing the default, or a modification of the original obligation.

For a client who needs to enforce a court order against a non-compliant party, the process is equally deliberate. The team prepares a detailed petition supported by documentary evidence—payment records, communication logs, custody-exchange calendars, and any other material that demonstrates the violation. The court may issue a rule to show cause, requiring the other party to appear and explain why they should not be held in contempt. At the hearing, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel present the evidence and argue for the remedy that best serves the client’s interests, whether it is a financial judgment, a purge provision, a modified custody arrangement, or incarceration in the most egregious cases. Throughout, the firm works to achieve a favorable outcome while keeping the client informed of each step.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His experience includes a thorough understanding of courtroom dynamics and evidence evaluation, skills that serve his clients well in contempt proceedings where the facts are often disputed. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris is joined by a team of experienced Of Counsel attorneys who together bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm’s Virginia Beach clients are served from its Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225. All consultations are by appointment. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is contempt of court in a Virginia Beach family law case?

Contempt of court occurs when a party willfully violates a clear and specific court order. In Virginia Beach, family-law orders can address child support, spousal support, custody, visitation, or property division. A contempt finding may lead to monetary sanctions, jail time, or both. The proceeding is typically initiated by a rule to show cause filed by the aggrieved party or by the court itself.

What happens if I am found in contempt for not paying child support in Virginia Beach?

The court can impose a range of sanctions. It may order a monetary judgment for the arrearages plus interest and attorney’s fees, and if the nonpayment was willful, it may impose a jail sentence as a coercive measure. The court may also suspend the sentence on condition the obligor makes regular payments. Every situation is unique, so speaking with an experienced attorney is important.

Can I go to jail for contempt of a family court order?

Yes. In Virginia, a court has the authority to incarcerate a person for civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt is used to compel compliance—the individual can “purge” the contempt by complying. Criminal contempt punishes a past violation and can result in a definite jail term. Because of the liberty interest at stake, it is critical to have counsel present at any contempt hearing.

How does a Virginia Beach lawyer defend against contempt allegations?

Defense strategies may include challenging the clarity or specificity of the underlying order, demonstrating that the violation was not willful, proving an inability to comply through no fault of the alleged violator, or pointing out procedural defects in the show-cause process. An experienced attorney also negotiates with the opposing party to resolve the matter without a hearing, often through a consent order or a modified support plan.

What should I do if I believe my ex-spouse is violating a court order?

Document every violation carefully—keep precise records of missed payments, denied visitation, or other breaches. Then consult a family-law attorney who can evaluate whether the violation is sufficient to support a contempt petition. The attorney can prepare and file the necessary pleadings and represent you at the show-cause hearing in the appropriate Virginia Beach court.

Do I need a lawyer for a contempt proceeding in Virginia Beach?

While you are not legally required to have an attorney, contempt proceedings can affect your liberty, finances, and parental rights. The procedural rules are complex, and the standard of proof may be higher for criminal contempt. Having counsel ensures that your rights are protected and that you can present the strong case. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Virginia Legal Resources:
Va. Code § 18.2‑456 — Contempt for violations of court orders
Virginia Beach General District Court
Virginia Judicial System

Last reviewed: June 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.