Contempt of visitation in Maryland is a serious matter where a parent willfully violates a court-ordered parenting time schedule. Under Md. Code, Fam. Law § 9-101, the Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions) can impose fines, jail time, or modify custody. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience across Maryland.
Contempt of Visitation Lawyer Maryland
Contempt of visitation in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Family Law Article § 9-101, which grants the Circuit Courts authority to enforce custody and visitation orders. When a parent willfully denies or interferes with court-ordered parenting time, the aggrieved parent may file a petition for contempt. The court may impose sanctions including fines, incarceration, or modification of the parenting time schedule. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. A contempt of visitation lawyer Maryland understands the procedural nuances of these cases.
Last verified: May 2026 | Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions) | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Maryland’s contempt and visitation laws, consult the following official government sources:
In our experience defending and prosecuting contempt of visitation cases in Maryland, we have observed that Circuit Court judges take willful violations of parenting time orders seriously. The court often views a pattern of denial as evidence of parental alienation.
Prosecutors and family court masters routinely recommend makeup visitation and attorney fees for the aggrieved parent. A contempt of visitation lawyer Maryland can help you present a compelling case.
- Document each violation with dates, times, and evidence (texts, emails, calendars).
- File a petition for contempt with the Circuit Court in the county where the order was issued.
- Attend the show cause hearing prepared with your documentation.
- Request the court to impose sanctions and order makeup visitation.
- Consider mediation to resolve underlying issues before escalating to contempt.
- Consult a contempt of visitation lawyer Maryland to evaluate your case.
In Maryland, contempt of visitation carries potential penalties including fines, incarceration, and modification of the parenting time schedule.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful denial of visitation | Civil contempt | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 per violation | None | Makeup visitation, attorney fees, order modification |
| Pattern of willful violations | Criminal contempt | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Possible custody modification, parenting classes |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Maryland. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 30 miles from the Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions) in Upper Marlboro, with access via I-495 and I-95. If you need a contempt of visitation lawyer Maryland, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contempt of Visitation in Maryland
What is contempt of visitation in Maryland?
Contempt of visitation in Maryland occurs when a parent willfully violates a court-ordered visitation or parenting time schedule. Under Md. Code, Fam. Law § 9-101, the court may enforce its orders through contempt proceedings, which can result in fines, makeup visitation, or incarceration. Cases are heard in the Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions).
Contempt of visitation in Maryland occurs when a parent willfully violates a court-ordered parenting time schedule.
How does a contempt of visitation case work in Maryland?
A contempt of visitation case begins when the aggrieved parent files a petition for contempt with the Circuit Court in the county where the order was issued. The court will issue a show cause order, requiring the alleged violator to appear. If the court finds willful violation, it may impose penalties including fines, jail time, or modification of the visitation schedule. The standard of proof is clear and convincing evidence.
What are the penalties for contempt of visitation in Maryland?
Penalties for contempt of visitation in Maryland can include fines up to $500 per violation, incarceration for up to 90 days, makeup visitation time, and modification of the custody or visitation order. The court may also order the violating parent to pay the other parent’s attorney fees. These penalties are imposed under the court’s inherent contempt power and Md. Code, Fam. Law § 9-101.
Can a parenting time schedule be modified after a contempt finding in Maryland?
Yes. After a contempt finding, the court may modify the parenting time schedule if there has been a material change in circumstances. The court considers the experienced interests of the child under Md. Code, Fam. Law § 9-101. A contempt finding itself can constitute a material change, especially if it demonstrates a pattern of willful noncompliance. The case remains in the Circuit Court’s Family Division.
Do I need a lawyer for a contempt of visitation case in Maryland?
Yes. Contempt of visitation cases involve complex procedural rules and potential criminal penalties. A contempt of visitation lawyer Maryland can help you handle the show cause process, present evidence of willful violation or defenses, and negotiate with the opposing party. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides representation in all Maryland Circuit Courts. Consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
- Divorce Lawyer Salisbury — State hub for family law in Maryland.
- Divorce Lawyer Howard County — Family law services in Howard County.
- Divorce Lawyer Montgomery County — Family law services in Montgomery County.
- Divorce Lawyer Calvert County — Family law services in Calvert County.
- Divorce Lawyer Charles County — Family law services in Charles County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was updated on 2026-05-01 to reflect current Maryland law.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.