In Augusta County, violating a custody order can lead to jail time and fines under Va. Code § 20-124.6. A Custody Contempt Lawyer Augusta County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in the area. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
What Is Custody Contempt in Augusta County?
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.6 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Custody contempt occurs when a parent willfully disobeys a court-ordered custody or visitation arrangement. Under Virginia law, the court can hold a parent in contempt for violating a custody order. This includes denying visitation, refusing to return a child, or interfering with the other parent’s court-ordered time. The court may impose penalties including jail time, fines, or modification of the custody order. A custody order violation lawyer Augusta County can help you understand your rights and obligations under the law.
For custody contempt specifically, Virginia Code § 20-124.6 governs the enforcement of custody and visitation orders. This statute allows the court to punish contempt by fine or confinement in jail for up to 12 months. The court may also order makeup visitation time or require the violating parent to pay the other parent’s attorney fees. A contempt of custody order lawyer Augusta County can explain how this statute applies to your specific situation.
Legal Resources for Augusta County Custody Contempt
Two essential government resources for custody contempt cases in Augusta County:
- Va. Code § 20-124.6 (Enforcement of custody and visitation orders) — The official Virginia statute governing contempt for custody order violations.
- Augusta County General District Court website — Court location, hours, and contact information for filing contempt motions.
Insider Procedural Edge for Augusta County Custody Contempt Cases
In Augusta County, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles custody contempt matters. The court typically schedules contempt hearings within 30-60 days of filing a motion. The judge will review the original custody order and evidence of the violation.
Augusta County judges take custody order violations seriously. The court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem for the child in contested contempt cases.
- File a motion for contempt at Augusta County J&DR Court (6 East Johnson Street, Staunton).
- Serve the other parent with the motion and a summons to appear.
- Gather evidence of the violation — text messages, emails, witness statements, call logs.
- Attend the hearing and present your case to the judge.
- The judge will determine if contempt occurred and what remedy is appropriate.
- If contempt is found, the court may order makeup visitation, fines, attorney fees, or jail time.
In Augusta County, custody contempt carries potential jail time up to 12 months and fines up to $2,500 per violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First violation (no harm to child) | Civil contempt | Up to 10 days | Up to $1,000 | Makeup visitation, attorney fees |
| Repeated violations | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Custody modification, supervised visitation |
| Willful denial of visitation | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Makeup time, therapy for child, attorney fees |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Augusta County Custody Contempt Case?
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a rare achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Augusta County, the firm has 13 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. The firm handles custody contempt cases with a case-specific approach, using experience from thousands of family law matters.
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., also provides strategic oversight on all Augusta County family law cases. He founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Augusta County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results in Augusta County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include traffic and family law matters in Augusta County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Augusta County Location
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves clients at Augusta County courts (6 East Johnson Street, Staunton). The location is accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340.
We serve clients in Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
If you need a custody order violation lawyer Augusta County or a contempt of custody order lawyer Augusta County, contact us.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custody Contempt in Augusta County
How long does a custody contempt case take in Augusta County?
It depends. A contempt hearing is typically scheduled within 30-60 days of filing the motion. If the case is complex or requires a Guardian ad Litem, it may take 3-6 months to resolve.
Can I go to jail for violating a custody order in Augusta County?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-124.6, the court can sentence you to up to 12 months in jail for criminal contempt. First-time violations without harm to the child often result in lesser penalties.
What evidence do I need for a custody contempt case?
You need clear evidence of the violation: text messages, emails, call logs, witness statements, or police reports. The court requires clear and convincing proof of a willful violation.
Can the other parent lose custody for contempt?
It depends. Repeated or serious contempt can lead to custody modification. The court considers the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 when deciding custody changes.
Do I need a lawyer for a custody contempt hearing?
Yes. Custody contempt carries serious consequences including jail time and custody modification. An experienced attorney can present evidence effectively and protect your parental rights.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?
Civil contempt is meant to coerce compliance — you can avoid jail by complying with the order. Criminal contempt punishes past violations and carries a definite jail sentence. Both can apply to custody order violations.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Hub page for all Virginia family law matters.
- Shenandoah County Family Law Lawyer — Family law services in nearby Shenandoah County.
- Rockingham County Family Law Lawyer — Family law services in nearby Rockingham County.
- Augusta County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense services in Augusta County.
- Augusta County DUI Lawyer — DUI defense in Augusta County.
- Shenandoah/Woodstock Office Location — Our office serving Augusta County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.