A custody order violation in Arlington County can lead to contempt proceedings under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can help you enforce your parenting time rights.
Virginia Custody Contempt Law and Statutory Framework
Virginia law defines civil contempt as the willful disobedience of a court order. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended, a parent who violates a custody or visitation order may be held in contempt. The court can impose sanctions including fines, makeup parenting time, or incarceration. Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court both handle contempt motions. The burden is on the moving party to show the violation occurred by clear and convincing evidence.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources for Arlington County Custody Contempt
Two authoritative government sources provide the legal framework for custody contempt in Arlington County:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution — Amended by Mr. Sris) — The primary statute governing custody and contempt in Virginia.
- Arlington County General District Court — Official court website for filing contempt motions and scheduling hearings.
Insider Procedural Edge: Handling Custody Contempt in Arlington County
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges expect a detailed affidavit showing each specific violation. General allegations rarely succeed. You must document dates, times, and the exact order provision violated.
Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody contempt cases. The court typically schedules a show cause hearing within 30 days of filing. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can prepare the motion and supporting evidence.
- Gather all evidence of the violation: text messages, emails, calendars, and witness statements.
- File a show cause motion at the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Attend the initial hearing where the judge sets a contempt hearing date.
- Present your evidence at the contempt hearing. The court will determine if the violation was willful.
- If contempt is found, the judge may order makeup parenting time, fines, or attorney fees.
- If the violation continues, the court may modify the custody order or impose incarceration.
In Arlington County, custody contempt carries potential penalties including fines, makeup parenting time, and incarceration for willful violations.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (Custody Order Violation) | Civil — not criminal | Up to 10 days per violation | Up to $2,500 | None | Makeup parenting time; attorney fees; modification of custody order |
| Criminal Contempt (Willful Disobedience) | Criminal — Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; potential jail time; loss of custody rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Custody Contempt in Arlington County
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs custody contempt in Virginia. The firm has 4,739+ total documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. In Arlington County alone, the firm has 115 documented case results with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Arlington County Custody Contempt Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Serving: Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington
Looking for a custody order violation lawyer Arlington County or contempt of custody order lawyer Arlington County? We handle these cases daily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custody Contempt in Arlington County
What is the first step to file a custody contempt motion in Arlington County?
Yes. The first step is to file a show cause motion at the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court. You must include a detailed affidavit describing each specific violation of the custody order.
Can I go to jail for violating a custody order in Arlington County?
Yes. Willful violations of a custody order can result in criminal contempt charges, which carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Civil contempt typically results in makeup parenting time or fines.
How long does a custody contempt case take in Arlington County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically scheduled within 30 days of filing. The full contempt hearing may take 2-4 months depending on court availability and the complexity of the evidence.
What evidence do I need for a custody contempt case in Arlington County?
Yes. You need clear and convincing evidence of the violation. This includes text messages, emails, calendars, witness statements, and any documentation showing the other parent refused or interfered with your parenting time.
Can a custody contempt case change my custody order in Arlington County?
Yes. If the court finds a pattern of willful violations, the judge may modify the custody order. This could include reducing the violating parent’s parenting time or granting sole custody to the other parent.
Do I need a lawyer for a custody contempt case in Arlington County?
It depends. While you can file a contempt motion without a lawyer, the procedural requirements are strict. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Arlington County can ensure your motion is properly prepared and evidence is presented effectively.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Hub page for all Virginia family law matters.
- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer — Sibling locality page for nearby Alexandria.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Related practice area in the same locality.
- Arlington Location — Our Arlington office serving Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.