Custody Contempt Lawyer in Augusta County — What Are Your Options?
A custody order violation in Augusta County can lead to contempt proceedings under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County helps you respond to violations or defend against contempt allegations at the Augusta County J&DR Court.
What Is Custody Contempt in Augusta County?
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Custody contempt occurs when a parent willfully violates a court-ordered custody or visitation arrangement. Under Virginia law, contempt can be civil (coercive, to compel compliance) or criminal (punitive, to punish past violations). A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County can explain the difference and build a strategy case-specific to your situation. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in divorce, demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law.
Specific Statute for Custody Contempt
For custody contempt specifically, Virginia Code § 20-124.6 governs the enforcement of custody and visitation orders. This statute authorizes the court to find a parent in contempt for willful violation of a custody order. The court may impose remedies including makeup visitation, attorney’s fees, or jail time for repeated violations. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County uses this statute to protect your parental rights or defend against unfounded allegations.
Legal Resources for Augusta County Custody Contempt
Two official government resources provide the legal framework for custody contempt in Augusta County:
- Va. Code § 20-124.6 (Enforcement of custody and visitation orders) — Official Virginia General Assembly statute
- Augusta County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court — Official court website
Insider Procedural Edge for Augusta County Custody Contempt
In Augusta County, the J&DR Court handles custody contempt matters. The court typically schedules a show cause hearing within 30-45 days of filing a motion. You must file a motion for contempt with the clerk’s office at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401.
- File a motion for contempt at the Augusta County J&DR Court clerk’s office.
- Serve the other parent with the motion and a show cause order.
- Attend the initial hearing where the court sets a schedule.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation if required.
- Present evidence at the contempt hearing.
- Receive the court’s ruling on contempt and remedies.
In Augusta County, custody contempt carries potential penalties including fines, jail time, and modification of custody orders.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (First Violation) | Civil | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | None | Makeup visitation, attorney’s fees |
| Criminal Contempt (Willful Violation) | Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Jail time, modification of custody |
| Repeated Violations | Criminal | Up to 12 months per violation | Up to $2,500 per violation | None | Potential loss of custody rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Custody Contempt in Augusta County?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating unparalleled knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County team includes Samantha Rae Powers, who handles VA family law matters with 18+ years of experience.
Augusta County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas in Augusta County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include traffic and reckless driving cases handled at Augusta County General District Court. For family law matters, the firm’s firm-wide record of 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate demonstrates consistent advocacy.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location is accessible via I-81 and I-64, serving clients at Augusta County courts (6 East Johnson Street, Staunton, VA 24401). We serve Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Looking for a custody order violation lawyer Augusta County or contempt of custody order lawyer Augusta County? We handle these matters at our Shenandoah/Woodstock location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custody Contempt in Augusta County
How long does a custody contempt case take in Augusta County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 30-45 days of filing. If the case goes to trial, it can take 3-6 months. Contested cases with Guardian ad Litem appointments may take longer. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County can give you a timeline based on your specific situation.
Can I go to jail for violating a custody order in Augusta County?
Yes. Criminal contempt for willful violation of a custody order can result in up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $2,500. Civil contempt typically results in shorter jail terms. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County can help you avoid jail by showing compliance or good faith.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in Virginia?
Civil contempt is coercive — the court uses it to force compliance with a custody order. Criminal contempt is punitive — the court uses it to punish past violations. Civil contempt can be purged by complying; criminal contempt results in a fixed sentence. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County can explain which applies to your case.
How do I file a contempt motion in Augusta County?
File a motion for contempt at the Augusta County J&DR Court clerk’s office at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401. You must serve the other parent with the motion and a show cause order. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County can prepare and file these documents for you.
Can a custody order be modified after a contempt finding?
Yes. The court can modify custody or visitation after finding contempt. The court considers the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Repeated violations may lead to a change in custody. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County can advocate for your parental rights during modification proceedings.
What evidence do I need for a custody contempt case?
You need proof of the existing custody order, evidence of the violation (text messages, emails, witness statements, call logs), and documentation of any harm to the child. The court requires clear and convincing evidence for civil contempt. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County can help you gather and present this evidence effectively.
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.