Contempt Lawyer Near Me

When a family court order is not followed—whether it involves child support, custody, visitation, or spousal maintenance—the court can impose serious consequences for contempt. If you are searching for a “contempt lawyer near me” in the Roanoke, Virginia area, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced representation for individuals facing contempt allegations and for those asking the court to enforce an existing order. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in Virginia courts to address contempt matters involving family law obligations. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about a contempt issue. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Contempt Means in Virginia Family Law

In Virginia, contempt of court in a family law context arises when a person willfully fails to comply with a court order. Common contempt scenarios include failing to pay child support or spousal support as ordered, interfering with the other parent’s court-ordered custody or visitation rights, or not following the terms of a property division or separation agreement that has been incorporated into a court order. The Roanoke City Circuit Court and the Roanoke City Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court are among the courts that hear family-law contempt motions. Because a contempt finding can lead to fines, compensatory awards, and in some cases incarceration, representation by an experienced Virginia attorney is important.

Contempt in the family-law setting serves two purposes: to compel compliance with the court’s order and to uphold the authority of the court. The court has broad discretion to fashion a remedy appropriate to the circumstances. Whether you are the party asking the court to enforce an order or the party defending against a contempt allegation, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate the procedural history, the specific terms of the order, and the evidence of compliance or non-compliance to build the strongest possible presentation for the court.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contempt Cases

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach every contempt matter by first reviewing the underlying court order and the allegations. In Virginia, contempt proceedings can be initiated by a motion to show cause, and the court will set a hearing to determine whether the alleged violation occurred. The firm’s attorneys handle the procedural steps, gather documentation showing payments made, visitation exercised, or any other relevant conduct, and present evidence to the court. The timeline for a contempt proceeding depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter; some hearings can be scheduled relatively quickly, while others take more time.

When defending a client against a contempt allegation, the firm examines whether the order was clear and definite, whether the alleged violation was willful, and whether there are any defenses—such as impossibility of performance or a good-faith misunderstanding of the order. For enforcement, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel seek to demonstrate the violation to the court and request an appropriate remedy, which may include a judgment for unpaid support, make-up visitation time, or other relief. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute litigation experience and familiarity with Virginia court procedures. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys serve clients in Roanoke and across Virginia from the firm’s locations in Fairfax, Arlington, Richmond, Ashburn, and others. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is contempt of court in a family law case?

Contempt of court in a family law case means a willful violation of a court order involving matters such as child support, custody, visitation, or spousal support, and can result in fines or jail. In Virginia, the court may hold a party in civil contempt to enforce compliance or in criminal contempt to punish disobedience. The distinction matters because civil contempt can often be purged by complying with the order, while criminal contempt carries punitive sanctions.

What should I do if I am accused of contempt in Roanoke, Virginia?

If you are accused of contempt in Roanoke, you should review the order you are alleged to have violated, gather relevant records, and contact an attorney. Do not ignore the motion or notice. The Roanoke City J&DR Court or Circuit Court will schedule a hearing. An attorney can help you understand the allegations, prepare evidence, and present a defense focused on whether the order was wilfully violated and whether compliance was possible under the circumstances.

Can I be jailed for not paying child support in Virginia?

Yes, a Virginia court can jail a person for contempt if it finds the failure to pay child support was willful and the person had the ability to pay. Before ordering incarceration, the court typically examines the payer’s financial circumstances, job history, and any evidence of willful refusal or neglect. Jail is not automatic; courts often first permit a purge plan by making a payment toward arrears or by complying with a payment schedule.

How do I enforce a custody or visitation order in Virginia?

To enforce a custody or visitation order, you may file a motion to show cause and present evidence to the court that the other parent knowingly violated the order. The court can modify the order to provide makeup time, impose fines, or change the terms of custody if a pattern of non-compliance is shown. An attorney can help you prepare the motion, serve the other parent, and present the specific instances of violation to the court.

What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in Virginia family law?

Civil contempt focuses on compelling compliance with a court order, while criminal contempt punishes past disobedience and protects the court’s authority. A civil contemnor is often given the opportunity to purge the contempt—such as by paying the outstanding support. Criminal contempt can result in a jail sentence that is not contingent on future compliance. The same conduct may lead to both civil and criminal contempt charges, and having legal representation is important for both.

Do I need a lawyer for a contempt hearing in Virginia?

While you are not required to have a lawyer for a contempt hearing, an experienced family law attorney can help you present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue your legal position effectively. Contempt hearings follow specific procedural rules, and a finding of contempt can have serious consequences. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in Virginia courts for contempt matters. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations)  | 
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Last reviewed: July 2026

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