A custody order violation in Virginia Beach carries serious consequences under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach can help you enforce your rights or defend against allegations.
Under Virginia law, contempt of a custody order occurs when a parent willfully disobeys a court-ordered custody or visitation arrangement. The court may hold the violating party in civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt aims to compel compliance, while criminal contempt punishes past violations. Virginia Code § 20-124.3 governs custody determinations, and violations are addressed under the court’s inherent contempt authority. A custody order violation lawyer Virginia Beach understands the distinction between these two types of contempt and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information, review the official statute at Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are available at the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
In Virginia Beach, the court expects strict compliance with custody orders. A single missed visitation can trigger a contempt motion. The court reviews the parent’s intent and the impact on the child.
- File a motion for show cause at the Virginia Beach General District Court.
- Serve the motion on the other parent through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show cause hearing with evidence of the violation.
- Present your case to the judge, including any pattern of non-compliance.
- Request specific remedies such as make-up visitation or attorney fees.
- If the violation is willful, ask the court to hold the parent in contempt.
In Virginia Beach, contempt of a custody order can result in fines, jail time, or modification of the custody arrangement.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | Civil | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | Up to $2,500 | None | Attorney fees, make-up visitation |
| Criminal Contempt | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, loss of custody rights |
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+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. A contempt of custody order lawyer Virginia Beach from our firm brings this experience to your case.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also leads on complex family law matters. His background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in financial aspects of custody cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Virginia Beach is available to meet with you.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, 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: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. 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). Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all property division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody in Virginia Beach 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. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody matters.
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). Filed at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer
Learn more about Bryan Block, former Virginia State Trooper.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.