A support contempt lawyer Chesapeake helps enforce child or spousal support orders when the other party fails to pay. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court can hold non-paying parties in contempt. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended this equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
What Is Support Contempt in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Support contempt occurs when a parent or spouse willfully disobeys a court order to pay child support, spousal support, or medical support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court may find the non-paying party in contempt of court. This can result in jail time, fines, or wage garnishment. The court must find that the party had the ability to pay and chose not to. A Support Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake can file a motion to show cause and request enforcement. The burden is on the party seeking enforcement to prove the violation by clear and convincing evidence.
Governing Laws and Court Information
The primary statute for support contempt in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution and support enforcement). The Chesapeake General District Court handles support enforcement matters. The court is located at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322. The clerk is Glynis G. Townsend. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
How a Support Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake Handles Your Case
In Chesapeake General District Court, the process begins with filing a motion to show cause. The court will issue a summons requiring the non-paying party to appear. At the hearing, the judge will determine if the party willfully violated the order.
- Step 1: Gather all payment records, bank statements, and the original court order showing the support obligation.
- Step 2: File a motion to show cause with the Chesapeake General District Court clerk’s office.
- Step 3: Serve the non-paying party with the motion and summons through the sheriff or a private process server.
- Step 4: Prepare a financial affidavit detailing the amount owed and the non-paying party’s ability to pay.
- Step 5: Attend the contempt hearing and present evidence of the willful violation.
- Step 6: If the court finds contempt, request remedies such as wage garnishment, jail time, or a payment plan.
In Chesapeake, support contempt carries potential jail time of up to 12 months and fines up to $2,500 per violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful non-payment of support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund interception, lien on property |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Support Contempt Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs support enforcement in Virginia. This is a unique credential that no other firm in Chesapeake can claim. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Chesapeake specifically, the firm has 6 documented case results with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Chesapeake Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. We serve the communities of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Looking for a Support Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake near you? We are near the Greenbrier area and Chesapeake City Hall.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Support Contempt in Chesapeake
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Chesapeake?
Yes. The court can order up to 12 months in jail for willful non-payment of child support under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
How long does a support contempt case take in Chesapeake?
It depends. A motion to show cause typically gets a hearing within 21-60 days of filing. Contested cases may take longer.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in Virginia?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by paying. Criminal contempt is punitive and carries a fixed sentence. Support contempt is usually civil.
Do I need a lawyer for a support contempt hearing in Chesapeake?
Yes. A Support Contempt Lawyer Chesapeake can help you present evidence of the violation and argue for enforcement or defense.
Can a support contempt order be appealed in Virginia?
Yes. Either party can appeal a contempt finding to the Chesapeake Circuit Court within 10 days of the General District Court ruling.
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- Bryan Block — Former VA State Trooper
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.