A Custody Contempt Lawyer Prince William County helps you enforce court-ordered parenting time when the other parent violates the order. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris), the court can impose fines, jail time, or modify custody. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
In Virginia, contempt of a custody or visitation order occurs when a parent willfully disobeys a court order regarding child custody, visitation, or parenting time. The court may find a parent in civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt is designed to coerce compliance (e.g., make-up visitation), while criminal contempt punishes past violations with fines or jail time. The standard of proof for civil contempt is clear and convincing evidence. For criminal contempt, the standard is beyond a reasonable doubt. Prince William County Circuit Court handles contempt motions arising from divorce or custody orders. Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles contempt for standalone custody and visitation orders. The court may also award attorney’s fees to the prevailing party under Va. Code § 20-99.5.
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris) and the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. For contempt motions, the court typically sets a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of filing. The court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem for the child if custody modification is sought.
- File a motion for contempt with the Prince William County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, including a sworn affidavit detailing each violation.
- Request a pendente lite hearing for temporary relief, typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Serve the other parent with the motion and summons via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the hearing prepared with evidence: text messages, emails, witness testimony, and a proposed make-up visitation schedule.
- The court may order make-up visitation, fines, attorney’s fees, or modification of the custody order.
- If the violation is egregious or repeated, the court may find the parent in criminal contempt with potential jail time.
In Prince William County, contempt of a custody order can result in fines up to $2,500, jail time up to 12 months, or modification of the custody arrangement.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | Civil | None (coercive only) | Up to $2,500 | None | Make-up visitation, attorney’s fees, modification of custody |
| Criminal Contempt | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Jail time, criminal record, loss of custody rights |
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 across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, a rare achievement that demonstrates deep legislative knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) — Former prosecutor, founded firm 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Bar: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY. Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on all family law cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented 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 Fairfax location is approximately 15 miles from the Prince William County Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We serve as a custody contempt lawyer near Prince William County and the communities of Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
How long does a contempt of custody case take in Prince William County?
It depends. A pendente lite hearing for temporary relief is typically set within 21-60 days of filing. A full evidentiary hearing on contempt may take 3-6 months, depending on court docket congestion and the complexity of the case.
Can I go to jail for violating a custody order in Virginia?
Yes. Criminal contempt of a custody order is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Civil contempt does not carry jail time but can result in make-up visitation and attorney’s fees.
What evidence do I need for a custody contempt case?
You need a detailed affidavit listing each specific violation with dates, times, and supporting evidence such as text messages, emails, call logs, witness statements, and any documentation of missed visitation or parenting time.
Can a custody order be modified after a contempt finding?
Yes. If the court finds a parent in contempt, it may modify the custody or visitation order to prevent future violations. The court considers the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 when deciding whether to modify.
How much does a custody contempt lawyer cost in Prince William County?
It depends. Attorney fees vary based on case complexity. The court may award attorney’s fees to the prevailing party under Va. Code § 20-99.5. Our firm offers consultation by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 for fee information.
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.
Learn more about our Virginia family law services. For nearby localities, see our Fairfax County family law lawyer or Manassas family law lawyer. For other practice areas in Prince William County, see our criminal defense lawyer or DUI lawyer.
View attorney profile: Bryan Block | Visit our Fairfax office location.