
In Prince George County, support contempt carries potential jail time under Va. Code § 20-107.3; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 7 documented results in this locality. A Support Contempt Lawyer Prince George County can help you respond to a motion.
Statutory Definition of Support Contempt in Prince George County
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Support contempt in Prince George County arises when a party willfully fails to comply with a court order for child support or spousal support. Under Virginia law, contempt of court for support violations can result in incarceration, fines, or modification of the underlying order. A Support Contempt Lawyer Prince George County understands that the court must find a willful violation before imposing sanctions. The Prince George County Circuit Court handles contempt matters related to divorce decrees and equitable distribution orders, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses child support contempt. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into support enforcement and modification proceedings.
External Citation Links
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). Visit the court website: Prince George County General District Court.
Insider Procedural Edge for Support Contempt in Prince George County
In Prince George County Circuit Court, judges require clear evidence of willful nonpayment before holding a party in contempt. The court typically reviews income records, employment status, and payment history.
- File a show cause motion at the Prince George County Circuit Court.
- Serve the opposing party with the motion and summons.
- Attend the hearing with financial documentation.
- Present evidence of willful nonpayment or inability to pay.
- Request a purge amount or modification of the support order.
- Comply with the court’s order to avoid further sanctions.
Penalty Table for Support Contempt in Prince George County
In Prince George County, support contempt carries potential incarceration up to 12 months and fines up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful nonpayment of support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative and courtroom experience in family law matters including support contempt.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law. VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Ms. Powers focuses exclusively on Virginia family law matters including support contempt, equitable distribution, and custody disputes.
Case Results in Prince George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 7 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince George County, with a 43% 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Pack Trigger Block
Our Richmond location serves clients at Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive), accessible via I-295, Route 10, Route 36, and Route 156. A Support Contempt Lawyer Prince George County is available near the Prince George County Courthouse and Fort Gregg-Adams area. We serve Prince George, Hopewell area, and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Support Contempt in Prince George County
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Prince George County?
Yes. Willful failure to pay child support can result in incarceration up to 12 months under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court must find willful nonpayment.
How do I file a contempt of court motion for support in Prince George County?
File a show cause motion at the Prince George County Circuit Court or J&DR Court. The filing fee is approximately $86, plus service costs.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt for support in Virginia?
Civil contempt seeks to compel compliance through conditional punishment; criminal contempt punishes past willful violations. Both can result in jail time.
Can a support contempt order be modified in Prince George County?
Yes. If your financial circumstances have changed, you can file a motion to modify the underlying support order, which may resolve the contempt.
How long does a support contempt hearing take in Prince George County?
A pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody is typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Contested contempt hearings may take longer.
