Contempt Lawyer Greene County — What Happens If You Violate a Court Order?
A contempt of court finding in Greene County can lead to fines, jail time, and a permanent court record. Violating a family court order like child support, custody, or a protective order is a serious matter under Virginia law. As a contempt lawyer Greene County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Understanding Contempt of Court in Virginia
Contempt of court is a legal finding that you willfully disobeyed a valid court order. In Greene County family law, this most often involves violations of child support, custody/visitation schedules, or spousal support orders issued by the Greene County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The process typically begins when the other party files a contempt of court motion lawyer Greene County attorneys handle. The court will schedule a hearing where you must show why you should not be held in contempt.
The statutory authority for contempt in Virginia is broad, stemming from the court’s inherent power to enforce its orders. For family law matters, specific procedures are outlined in the Virginia Code, such as Va. Code § 20-115 (enforcement of support orders) and the rules governing each court.
- Receive the Motion: You will be formally served with a “Rule to Show Cause” or motion for contempt, stating the alleged violations.
- Consult an Attorney: Immediately contact a contempt lawyer Greene County to review the motion and your options.
- Prepare Your Defense: Gather all evidence (pay stubs, communications, medical records) to support your position for the hearing.
- Attend the Hearing: Present your case before the judge in Greene County Circuit or J&DR Court.
- Address the Finding: If found in contempt, work with the court and your attorney on a purge plan to avoid or minimize penalties.
Penalties for Contempt of Court in Greene County
In Greene County, contempt of court for violating a family court order can result in fines up to $2,500, jail sentences up to 10 days, and an order to pay the other party’s attorney’s fees.
| Violation Type | Common Order | Potential Penalty | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Support Order | Jail up to 10 days, fines, wage garnishment | J&DR Court |
| Violating Custody/Visitation | Custody Order | Fines, modified custody schedule, make-up time | Circuit or J&DR |
| Disobeying Protective Order | Protective Order | Jail time, additional fines, extended order | J&DR or Circuit |
| Failure to Pay Spousal Support | Spousal Support Order | Fines, contempt finding, wage garnishment | Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Greene County Contempt Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. In Greene County, we have a documented record of handling family law matters. Our approach is to first seek to resolve the alleged violation cooperatively to avoid a contempt hearing. If a hearing is necessary, we prepare a strong defense focused on your circumstances.
Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. For your court order violation lawyer Greene County needs, our team understands the local procedures.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Greene County
Our firm has a total of 4 documented case results across all practice areas in Greene County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While specific results depend on unique case facts, our team works to achieve outcomes such as dismissal of contempt motions, negotiation of modified payment plans to purge contempt, or agreements for make-up parenting time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Greene County Contempt Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Greene County. We are approximately an hour’s drive from the Greene County Courthouse in Stanardsville, accessible via Route 29. If you need a contempt lawyer Greene County near Stanardsville or Ruckersville, we are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Greene County Contempt of Court FAQs
What is the penalty for contempt of court in Virginia?
It depends. For civil contempt in family cases, penalties aim to compel compliance and can include fines and jail until you “purge” the contempt by obeying the order. Criminal contempt penalties are punitive and can include set fines or jail time.
Can you go to jail for not paying child support in Greene County?
Yes. If the court finds your failure to pay child support was willful, you can be held in contempt and sentenced to jail for up to 10 days per violation under Va. Code § 20-115.
How do I fight a contempt motion in Greene County?
First, do not ignore the motion. Hire a contempt lawyer Greene County immediately. Common defenses include proving the violation was not willful (e.g., inability to pay due to unemployment), that the underlying order was unclear, or that you have already complied.
What is a “Rule to Show Cause”?
It is the legal document that starts a contempt proceeding. It orders you to appear in Greene County court and “show cause” why you should not be held in contempt for allegedly violating a court order.
Can I be charged with contempt for violating a custody order?
Yes. Willfully denying court-ordered visitation or interfering with the other parent’s custody time can lead to a contempt motion in Greene County J&DR or Circuit Court, resulting in fines or other penalties.
For more information on Virginia contempt procedures, you can review the official Virginia Code or the Virginia Courts website.
Explore our Virginia Family Law hub. For help in nearby areas, see our pages for Fairfax County and Prince William County. For other legal needs in Greene County, consider our criminal defense or DUI defense services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.