Virginia Beach Support Contempt Lawyer — What Are Your Options?
If you are facing a contempt of court motion for alleged non-payment of child or spousal support in Virginia Beach, you need a strong legal defense. A contempt finding can result in jail time, wage garnishment, and driver’s license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced defense for support contempt cases in Virginia Beach General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Contempt of court for failure to pay support is a serious matter governed by Virginia law. The court can enforce its orders through coercive measures, including incarceration. A support contempt lawyer Virginia Beach from our firm can analyze the petition against you, examine your payment history, and build a defense based on your ability to pay or evidence of compliance.
Virginia Law on Contempt for Non-Support
In Virginia, a court can hold an individual in contempt for willfully failing to obey a lawful court order for child or spousal support. The process typically begins when the receiving party files a contempt of court motion with the court that issued the original order. Under Va. Code § 20-115, the court has broad authority to enforce its decrees. The petitioner must prove you had the ability to pay and willfully refused. A court order violation lawyer Virginia Beach can challenge the evidence of willfulness, which is a key element the petitioner must establish.
- Receive the Motion: You will be served with a Rule to Show Cause or a Motion for Contempt, stating the allegations and your court date.
- Consult an Attorney: Immediately contact a support contempt lawyer Virginia Beach to review the motion and your financial records.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all proof of payments, bank statements, and documentation of any circumstances affecting your ability to pay (e.g., unemployment, illness).
- Court Hearing: Attend the hearing with your attorney. Your lawyer will present your defense, cross-examine the petitioner, and argue against a finding of contempt.
- Potential Outcomes: The case may be dismissed, continued for you to make a payment, or result in a finding of contempt with penalties like a purge payment plan.
- Post-Hearing Compliance: If a payment plan is ordered, strict adherence is necessary to avoid further legal action.
Penalties for Contempt of a Support Order
In Virginia Beach, a finding of civil contempt for non-payment of support can lead to incarceration until the arrears are paid (purged), driver’s license suspension, professional license suspension, wage garnishment, and significant fines.
| Violation | Classification | Incarceration | Fines & Penalties | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt for Non-Support | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months (coercive, not punitive) | Payment of arrears + court costs | Driver’s license suspension possible | Wage garnishment, lien on property, credit damage |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Virginia Beach Contempt Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law enforcement matters. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that life circumstances can change, affecting one’s ability to meet support obligations. Our approach is to find practical solutions that keep you compliant with the court and out of jail, while protecting your rights and livelihood.
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
Our lead Virginia family law attorney, Samantha Powers, is supported by firm founder Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). This deep legislative insight informs our strategic defense in enforcement proceedings. We have a documented record of resolving contempt motions favorably for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Support Contempt Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads area. We are familiar with the procedures at the Virginia Beach General District Court. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
We serve clients in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and throughout the Fourth Judicial District.
Frequently Asked Questions: Contempt for Support in Virginia Beach
What happens at a contempt hearing for non-payment of support?
The petitioner must prove you willfully failed to pay. Your attorney can present evidence of inability to pay, such as job loss or illness, to challenge the willfulness element.
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Virginia Beach?
Yes. If the court finds you in civil contempt and determines you have the ability to pay, it can order incarceration until you make a “purge” payment to satisfy the arrears.
What is a “purge” payment in a contempt case?
It is a specific sum of money the court orders you to pay to avoid or be released from jail. Paying the purge amount demonstrates compliance and is typically required for release if incarcerated.
How can a support contempt lawyer Virginia Beach help me?
A lawyer can negotiate a payment plan with the other party before the hearing, gather evidence to show your efforts to pay or inability to pay, and represent you in court to argue against a finding of willful contempt.
What if I lost my job and couldn’t pay support?
You should have filed a petition to modify the support order based on a material change in circumstances. At a contempt hearing, your attorney can use evidence of the job loss to argue the failure was not willful.
For more information on Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code. For court-specific information, see the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Explore our Virginia Family Law hub, or learn about related services like Virginia Beach criminal defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.