A custody contempt lawyer James City County helps you enforce or defend against violations of custody orders under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented case results in James City County. The Williamsburg/James City County GDC handles contempt proceedings. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
In Virginia, custody contempt occurs when a parent willfully violates a court-ordered custody or visitation arrangement. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court can hold a party in contempt for failing to comply with custody orders. A custody contempt lawyer James City County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you file a motion for contempt or defend against false allegations. The court may impose fines, jail time, or modify the existing custody order.
For more information, review the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution and contempt authority) and the Williamsburg/James City County General District Court website.
- File a motion for contempt at the Williamsburg/James City County GDC, 5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4.
- Serve the other party with the motion and a summons to appear.
- Gather evidence of the violation, such as text messages, emails, or witness statements.
- Attend the hearing and present your case to the judge.
- The judge will determine if contempt occurred and what remedy is appropriate.
In James City County, contempt of a custody order can result in fines, jail time, or modification of the custody arrangement.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | Civil | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | May be purged by compliance |
| Criminal Contempt | Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs contempt proceedings in Virginia family law. Our custody contempt lawyer James City County team brings this depth of experience to every case.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and brings 27+ years of experience to complex custody disputes.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 total documented case results in James City County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. 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 Richmond location serves clients at the James City County courts (5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4, Williamsburg, VA 23188), accessible via I-64, Route 60, Route 5, and Route 199.
Looking for a custody order violation lawyer James City County or a contempt of custody order lawyer James City County near Colonial Williamsburg? We serve Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009. Meetings by appointment only.
How long does a contempt hearing take in James City County?
It depends. A contempt hearing is typically set within 30-60 days of filing the motion at the Williamsburg/James City County GDC. The hearing itself usually lasts 30-90 minutes.
Can I go to jail for violating a custody order in Virginia?
Yes. Criminal contempt can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Civil contempt may also lead to incarceration until you comply with the court order.
What evidence do I need for a custody contempt case?
You need proof of the existing custody order, evidence of the violation (texts, emails, witness statements), and documentation of any harm caused to the child or the other parent.
Is Virginia a community property state for custody matters?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Custody is decided based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, not a 50/50 split.
Can a custody contempt lawyer help modify the order?
Yes. A custody contempt lawyer James City County can file a motion to modify the custody order if circumstances have changed, also to addressing the contempt issue.
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.