In Chesapeake, a contempt of court motion can result in jail time or fines for violating a court order. A Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the local procedures at Chesapeake General District Court. With 6 documented case results in the area, we provide direct representation. Va. Code § 20-107.3 applies to family law matters.
Under Virginia law, contempt of court is defined as any act that disobeys, disrespects, or obstructs the authority or dignity of a court. For family law matters, this often involves violating a court order such as a child support directive, custody arrangement, or spousal support order. The relevant statute is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which governs equitable distribution and was personally amended by Mr. Sris. A court order violation lawyer Chesapeake can help you understand whether your actions constitute civil or criminal contempt.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For contempt specifically related to family law orders, the primary statute is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute governs equitable distribution and provides the framework for enforcing property division, spousal support, and related orders. A contempt of court motion lawyer Chesapeake must understand how this statute interacts with contempt proceedings to effectively challenge or defend against enforcement actions.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Chesapeake General District Court website.
In Chesapeake, contempt proceedings typically begin with a motion filed in the same court that issued the original order. The court will issue a show cause order requiring you to appear and explain why you should not be held in contempt. A Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake can help you prepare a defense based on inability to comply or substantial compliance.
- File a motion for contempt or respond to a show cause order at Chesapeake General District Court.
- Gather evidence of compliance or inability to comply, such as pay stubs, medical records, or financial statements.
- Attend the hearing prepared to present your defense before the judge.
- If found in contempt, negotiate a purge plan to avoid incarceration.
- Consider modifying the underlying order if circumstances have changed.
In Chesapeake, contempt of court for violating a family law order can result in jail time, fines, or both, depending on the severity and willfulness of the violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (Failure to Pay Support) | Civil | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | Up to $2,500 | License suspension possible | Wage garnishment, bank levy, tax intercept |
| Criminal Contempt (Willful Disobedience) | Criminal Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | 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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is directly relevant to contempt proceedings involving property division and spousal support orders. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ 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 Richmond Location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
If you need a Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake near you, we serve the neighborhoods of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
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How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes, costs vary. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; 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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody in Chesapeake is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse.
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).
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Last verified: 2026-04. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.