Custody Contempt Lawyer Lexington — What Are Your Legal Options?
A Custody Contempt Lawyer Lexington helps you enforce court-ordered custody rights under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
In Virginia, a custody order violation occurs when a parent or guardian willfully disobeys a court-issued custody or visitation order. Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, the court determines custody based on the best interests of the child. When one party violates that order, the other party can file a motion for contempt. A custody order violation lawyer Lexington can guide you through this process. The court may impose penalties including fines, makeup parenting time, or in severe cases, jail time. The statute requires clear and convincing evidence of a willful violation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled these matters in Lexington since 1997.
Custody contempt specifically involves the willful failure to follow a court order regarding physical custody, legal custody, or visitation. This differs from general custody modification, which requires a material change in circumstances. The contempt process focuses on enforcing the existing order rather than changing it. A contempt of custody order lawyer Lexington understands this distinction and builds the case around proving willful violation.
Review the official Virginia custody statute at Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
In Lexington General District Court, custody contempt cases proceed differently than in Circuit Court. The court requires you to file a show cause motion, which asks the judge to order the violating party to explain their actions. You must serve the motion on the other party at least 21 days before the hearing. The court typically schedules these hearings within 30-45 days of filing.
- Document every violation with dates, times, and communication records.
- File a show cause motion at Lexington General District Court, 2 South Main Street.
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for Circuit Court, less for J&DR).
- Serve the motion on the other party via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the hearing prepared with evidence of willful violation.
- Present your case for contempt and requested remedy.
In Lexington, custody contempt carries potential penalties including fines up to $2,500, jail time up to 12 months, and mandatory makeup parenting time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Violation | Civil Contempt | None typically | Up to $500 | None | Makeup parenting time ordered |
| Second Violation | Civil/Criminal Contempt | Up to 30 days | Up to $1,000 | None | Attorney fees may be awarded |
| Subsequent Violations | Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible custody modification |
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 demonstrates his deep understanding of Virginia family law. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Lexington, the firm has 14 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
In Lexington, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable resolutions in custody and family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). The Richmond office is approximately 90 minutes from Lexington via I-81 and I-64. We serve the Lexington area including Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University communities.
If you need a Custody Contempt Lawyer Lexington near you, we are ready to help. We serve Lexington and surrounding areas.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Can I go to jail for violating a custody order in Lexington?
Yes. Criminal contempt for willful custody order violations can result in jail time up to 12 months in Virginia. The court must find clear and convincing evidence of willful violation.
How do I file a custody contempt motion in Lexington?
File a show cause motion at Lexington General District Court, 2 South Main Street. The filing fee is approximately $86. You must serve the motion on the other party at least 21 days before the hearing.
What evidence do I need for a custody contempt case?
Document every violation with dates, times, text messages, emails, and witness statements. Keep a log of denied visitation or custody exchanges. The court requires clear and convincing evidence of willful violation.
How long does a custody contempt case take in Lexington?
It depends. Show cause hearings are typically scheduled within 30-45 days of filing. Contested cases with multiple violations may take 2-4 months. Emergency motions can be heard sooner.
Can a custody order be modified after a contempt finding?
Yes. A contempt finding can trigger a custody modification if the court determines the violation demonstrates a material change in circumstances affecting the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Henrico County family law page and Chesterfield County family law page. For related services in Lexington, see our criminal defense lawyer Lexington page and DUI lawyer Lexington page.
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.