A Custody Contempt Lawyer New Kent County helps when a parent violates a court-ordered custody or visitation schedule. Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, the court can impose fines, modify custody, or order jail time for willful violations. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented results in New Kent County.
In Virginia, custody contempt occurs when a parent knowingly disobeys a court order regarding child custody, visitation, or parenting time. The legal standard requires proof that the violating parent had the ability to comply but willfully refused. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests factors courts use when deciding custody modifications after a contempt finding. The court may also consider the factors under Va. Code § 20-107.2 for enforcement. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, brings former prosecutor insight to these cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Review the official statute at Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the New Kent County General District Court website (.gov).
New Kent County Circuit Court handles custody contempt within divorce cases, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody contempt motions. The court typically sets a show cause hearing within 30-45 days of filing a motion for contempt.
- File a motion for show cause at the New Kent County J&DR Court or Circuit Court.
- Serve the motion on the other parent at least 21 days before the hearing.
- Gather evidence of the violation — text messages, emails, witness statements, or parenting app logs.
- Attend the show cause hearing where the judge determines if contempt occurred.
- Present evidence of willful violation and request specific remedies — makeup parenting time, fines, or custody modification.
- If contempt is found, the court may order a modified custody schedule or impose sanctions.
In New Kent County, custody contempt carries potential jail time up to 12 months, fines up to $2,500, and mandatory custody modification hearings.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First violation (willful) | Civil contempt | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | None | Court may order makeup parenting time |
| Second violation (willful) | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Custody modification likely; attorney fees may be awarded |
| Repeated violations | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months per violation | Up to $2,500 per violation | None | Potential loss of custody; supervised visitation ordered |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In New Kent County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 30 minutes from New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle, accessible via I-64 and Route 33. If you need a custody contempt lawyer near New Kent County, we serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
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.
How long does a custody contempt case take in New Kent County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. Contested contempt cases with evidence disputes can take 3-6 months for final resolution.
Can I go to jail for violating a custody order in New Kent County?
Yes. Willful violations of custody orders can result in jail time up to 12 months for criminal contempt. First violations often result in warnings or makeup parenting time, but repeated violations carry escalating penalties.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in Virginia?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by complying with the order. Criminal contempt is punitive — it punishes past violations with fixed jail time and fines. The court decides which applies based on the circumstances.
Can a custody order be modified after a contempt finding?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, the court can modify custody arrangements after finding contempt. The court considers the best interests of the child, including which parent is more likely to comply with future orders.
Do I need a lawyer for a custody contempt hearing in New Kent County?
Yes. Custody contempt hearings involve complex procedural rules and potential criminal penalties. A Custody Contempt Lawyer New Kent County can present evidence of willful violation, argue for appropriate remedies, and protect your parental rights.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.