Custody Contempt Lawyer New Kent County — What Are Your Rights?
Violating a custody order in New Kent County can lead to a contempt of custody order charge, a serious matter heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. A custody contempt lawyer New Kent County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can defend you against allegations of a custody order violation.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
What Is Custody Contempt in Virginia?
Contempt of court for violating a custody order is a legal finding that you willfully disobeyed a court’s directive. In Virginia, this is governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-124.2 and the court’s inherent power to enforce its orders. A contempt of custody order lawyer New Kent County can explain that the court must find a willful violation, not just a mistake or misunderstanding. Penalties can include fines, make-up parenting time for the other parent, changes to the custody order, and in severe cases, jail time.
- Receive a Rule to Show Cause or Motion for Contempt from the other parent.
- File a written response with the New Kent County J&DR Court by the deadline.
- Attend the initial hearing where the judge reviews the allegations.
- Participate in discovery and potentially a full evidentiary hearing.
- Present your defense, such as lack of willfulness or an emergency.
- Receive the court’s ruling on the contempt allegation and any penalties.
Penalties for Custody Order Violations
In New Kent County, contempt for a custody order violation can result in fines, altered custody terms, or jail, depending on the willfulness and severity of the breach.
| Violation Type | Legal Classification | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine | Custody Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful denial of visitation | Civil Contempt | Until compliance (purge) | Up to $250 | Make-up time ordered | Attorney’s fees awarded |
| Repeated, deliberate violations | Criminal Contempt | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | Custody modification | Jail sentence possible |
| Interference with court order | Contempt of Court | Court’s discretion | Court’s discretion | Supervised visitation | Community service |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our New Kent County Custody Contempt Lawyers
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping family law. Our approach is grounded in a thorough understanding of local court procedures and a commitment to protecting your parental rights.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our team, including secondary attorney Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor and firm founder—focuses on building strong defenses against contempt allegations by examining the intent and circumstances behind the alleged violation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our New Kent County Custody Contempt Attorneys
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are your local custody contempt lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Custody Contempt in New Kent County
What happens if I am found in contempt of a custody order in New Kent County?
You may face penalties including fines, an order to provide make-up parenting time, payment of the other party’s attorney’s fees, modification of the custody order, or, in willful and repeated cases, a jail sentence. The specific outcome depends on the judge’s findings.
Can I go to jail for missing a visitation in Virginia?
It depends. A single, unintentional missed visitation is unlikely to result in jail. However, a pattern of willful denial of court-ordered visitation can be deemed contempt, for which jail is a potential penalty under Virginia law if the court finds you in willful violation.
How do I fight a contempt motion for custody violation?
You must file a written response with the New Kent County J&DR Court by the deadline. Defenses can include proving the violation was not willful (e.g., due to illness, emergency, or misunderstanding), that the order was unclear, or that you acted in the child’s best interest.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in custody cases?
Civil contempt aims to compel future compliance with the order (e.g., imposing a fine that is waived if you comply). Criminal contempt punishes a past, willful violation of the court’s authority and can result in a definite fine or jail sentence without a purge option.
Can a custody contempt lawyer New Kent County help if I was the one wronged?
Yes. A lawyer can file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause or a Motion for Contempt on your behalf to enforce the court order. They will gather evidence of the violations and present your case to the New Kent County J&DR Court to seek relief.
Related Legal Information & Resources
For the official Virginia statutes on custody and visitation, see Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1. For information on the New Kent County court, visit the New Kent County Combined Courts website.
If you are dealing with a Virginia family law matter, our firm also assists with related issues in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in New Kent County, explore our services for criminal defense or DUI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.