In Augusta County, violating a custody order can lead to contempt proceedings under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. We have 13 documented case results in Augusta County courts. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines custody contempt as willful disobedience of a court order regarding child custody or visitation. Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, the court determines custody based on the child’s best interests. A custody order violation lawyer Augusta County must show that the other parent knowingly violated the order. The court can impose penalties including fines, makeup parenting time, or jail. You need a Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County who understands local court procedures.
This page addresses custody contempt specifically. The primary statute is Va. Code § 20-124.3 (custody best interests factors), not the general divorce statute. A contempt of custody order lawyer Augusta County focuses on enforcement of existing orders, not initial custody determinations.
Key legal resources for Augusta County custody contempt cases:
- Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) — Custody best interests factors
- Augusta County General District Court website — Court information and procedures
In Augusta County General District Court, custody contempt motions are heard in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The court typically schedules a show cause hearing within 30 days of filing. You must file a motion for rule to show cause with the clerk at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401.
- Document every violation with dates, times, and evidence.
- File a motion for rule to show cause at Augusta County J&DR Court.
- Attend the show cause hearing with your evidence.
- Present your case to the judge.
- Receive the court’s order on contempt and remedies.
In Augusta County, custody contempt can result in fines up to $2,500, jail time up to 12 months, or both under Va. Code § 18.2-10.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-time contempt | Civil contempt | None typically | Up to $500 | None | Makeup parenting time ordered |
| Repeated contempt | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible custody modification |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Our Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County team includes Samantha Rae Powers, who handles VA family law matters. We understand Augusta County court procedures and local judges.
In Augusta County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include traffic and reckless driving cases in Augusta County General District Court. Firm-wide, we have 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 Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves Augusta County clients. The location is accessible from Augusta County courts via I-81 and Route 11.
We serve clients near Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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How long does a custody contempt case take in Augusta County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically scheduled within 30 days of filing the motion. The entire case from filing to final order usually takes 2-4 months if uncontested, longer if contested.
Can I go to jail for custody contempt in Augusta County?
Yes. Virginia law allows jail time up to 12 months for criminal contempt. First-time offenses usually result in makeup parenting time rather than jail, but repeated violations increase jail risk.
What evidence do I need for a custody contempt case?
You need documented proof of the violation: text messages, emails, phone records, witness statements, or police reports. The court requires clear and convincing evidence of willful disobedience.
Is mediation required before filing contempt in Augusta County?
No. Mediation is not mandatory in Virginia for contempt cases. However, the court may order mediation before a contempt hearing if it believes the parties can resolve the issue.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?
Civil contempt aims to compel compliance with the court order, often through makeup parenting time. Criminal contempt punishes past violations with fines or jail time. The court determines which type applies.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.