In Clarke County, Virginia, family law matters including divorce and support contempt are governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution, personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 29+ documented case results in Clarke County. You need a Support Contempt Lawyer Clarke County who knows the local courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Clarke County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Support contempt occurs when one party willfully fails to comply with a court order for spousal or child support. A Support Contempt Lawyer Clarke County can help you enforce or defend against such motions. The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who brings unique insight to family law cases.
Relevant statutes and court resources:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Clarke County General District Court — official court website
- File a motion for contempt at the Clarke County Circuit Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611).
- Serve the opposing party with the motion and a show-cause order.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing, typically set within 21-60 days of filing.
- Present evidence of willful non-compliance with the support order.
- The court may order wage garnishment, property liens, or jail time for contempt.
- If found in contempt, the court can modify the underlying support order.
In Clarke County, support contempt carries potential jail time of up to 12 months and fines up to $2,500 for each violation under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support Contempt (First Offense) | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
| Support Contempt (Subsequent) | Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Jail time, loss of professional license |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel. VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. She handles family law matters in Virginia and Florida.
In Clarke County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 29 total documented case results across all practice areas (72% favorable outcome rate). Examples include:
- Reckless driving by speed 91/55 — 60 days loss of license suspended (Clarke County General District Court).
- Reckless driving by speed 94/55 — 60 days loss of license suspended (Clarke County General District Court).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Clarke County courts (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611). Accessible via Route 7, Route 340, and Route 50. Serving Berryville and Boyce.
Family law lawyer near Clarke County — near the Shenandoah River and Blandy Experimental Farm.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Clarke County, Virginia?
Yes. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Clarke County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Clarke County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris).
How is child custody decided in Clarke County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody in Clarke County is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment).
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.