
In Chesterfield County, contempt of court for violating a family law order carries serious consequences under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A Contempt Lawyer Chesterfield County can help you enforce or defend against contempt allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Contempt of court in Virginia family law refers to the willful disobedience of a court order. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended, the court has authority to enforce its orders regarding equitable distribution, spousal support, child support, and custody. A Contempt Lawyer Chesterfield County understands that contempt can be civil (coercive) or criminal (punitive). The statute provides the legal framework for addressing violations of court orders in Chesterfield County. A contempt of court motion lawyer Chesterfield County can guide you through this process.
For more information, review the Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
In Chesterfield County Circuit Court, a contempt motion starts with filing a show cause petition. The court sets a hearing date. You must prove the violation by clear and convincing evidence. The judge decides sanctions based on the violation’s severity.
- File a show cause petition at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road).
- Serve the opposing party with the petition and notice of hearing.
- Gather evidence of the violation, such as bank statements or communication records.
- Attend the hearing and present your case to the judge.
- Receive the court’s ruling on contempt and any sanctions.
- If found in contempt, comply with the court’s order to avoid further penalties.
In Chesterfield County, contempt of court for family law order violations can result in jail time, fines, or both.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | Civil | Up to 12 months (coercive) | Up to $2,500 | None | May be purged by compliance |
| Criminal Contempt | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
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, which is a key statute in family law contempt cases. The firm’s favorable outcome rate is 93%+. A court order violation lawyer Chesterfield County from our team can provide strong representation.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience
Samantha Powers handles family law matters in Virginia, including contempt of court cases. She provides case-specific strategies for clients in Chesterfield County.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also oversees family law cases in Chesterfield County. His background as a former prosecutor and his work amending Va. Code § 20-107.3 provide unique insight into contempt proceedings.
In Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented 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 Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Looking for a Contempt Lawyer Chesterfield County near you? We serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
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 Chesterfield County, 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
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). Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all property division.
How is child custody decided in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Custody in Chesterfield County 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. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Internal Links:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer
- Colonial Heights Family Law Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer
- Bryan Block Attorney Profile
- Richmond Office Location
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.
