Support Contempt Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Options?
A Support Contempt Lawyer Henrico County handles violations of court-ordered child or spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Henrico County. You face potential jail time, fines, and license suspension for non-payment. Immediate legal action is critical.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
In Virginia, support contempt arises when a party willfully disobeys a court order for child support or spousal support. The court may hold you in civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt is coercive — you can purge it by paying. Criminal contempt is punitive, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The burden is on the moving party to prove willful non-compliance by clear and convincing evidence. A Support Contempt Lawyer Henrico County can help you respond to a show cause motion or file one yourself.
Key statutes governing support contempt in Virginia:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris)
- Henrico County General District Court — Official Website
In Henrico County General District Court, support contempt motions are heard on the regular docket. The court typically sets a show cause hearing within 21-60 days of filing. You must serve the opposing party with the motion and a summons. The judge will ask about your ability to pay and any efforts you made to comply.
- File a motion for show cause at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road).
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $86) and serve the opposing party via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show cause hearing and present evidence of willful non-compliance or inability to pay.
- If found in contempt, the court may order a payment plan, jail time, or license suspension.
- Appeal any adverse ruling to Henrico County Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Henrico County, support contempt carries potential jail time, fines, and license suspension for willful non-payment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (Support) | Civil | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept, passport denial |
| Criminal Contempt (Support) | Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record, potential jail time |
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+ total case results across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of family law. Our Support Contempt Lawyer Henrico County team includes Mr. Sris and Samantha Rae Powers, who bring decades of courtroom experience to your case.
In Henrico County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is located near Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road), accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Looking for a Support Contempt Lawyer Henrico County near you? We are near Short Pump Town Center and Innsbrook Corporate Center.
Neighborhoods served: Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, Mechanicsville (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Henrico County?
Yes. Willful non-payment of child support can result in up to 12 months in jail for civil contempt. The court may also suspend your driver’s license and intercept your tax refund.
How do I file a contempt motion for unpaid support in Henrico County?
File a motion for show cause at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road). Pay the $86 filing fee and serve the opposing party. The court will set a hearing within 21-60 days.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for support?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying what you owe. Criminal contempt is punitive and carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, regardless of payment.
How long does a support contempt case take in Henrico County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing. If the case is contested, it may take 3-6 months for a final ruling. Appeals add 2-4 months.
Can a Support Contempt Lawyer Henrico County help me avoid jail?
Yes. A lawyer can present evidence of inability to pay, negotiate a payment plan, or argue that the non-compliance was not willful. Many clients avoid jail by showing good faith efforts.
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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.