Support Contempt Lawyer Poquoson, VA

You opened your mail and found a notice from the Poquoson Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court accusing you of being in contempt for unpaid child support. Your stomach tightens. You remember the missed payments—the job loss, the medical bills—but now the court is demanding an explanation, and the possibility of jail time or wage garnishment looms. Whether you fell behind on spousal support or child support, a contempt proceeding is a serious matter. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. help people in Poquoson facing support contempt allegations. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.

Strategy Options for a Support Contempt Proceeding in Poquoson

When you are served with a show-cause order from the Poquoson Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court—located at 500 City Hall Avenue, Poquoson, VA 23662—you have a narrow window to respond. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel concentrate on family law matters and work to identify the most practical strategy for your circumstances. Common defense approaches include demonstrating that the failure to pay was not willful, proving a material change in financial circumstances, or showing that you have already substantially complied with the support order. In some cases, negotiating a purge plan with the court—where you pay a specific amount to avoid jail—may resolve the matter without a contested hearing.

If the contempt allegation involves spousal support, Virginia Code § 20-107.1 provides the legal framework. For child support, the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1 and § 20-108.2 control. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, understands how Virginia courts evaluate contempt allegations and can help you present evidence of changed circumstances or lack of willfulness.

What to Expect at the Poquoson Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court

The Poquoson Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court hears support contempt cases on a regular docket. At your initial appearance, the judge—Chief Judge Hon. Selena Stellute Glenn presides—will ask whether you admit or deny the contempt allegation. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint counsel if incarceration is a possible sanction. Hearings are typically scheduled within a timeframe set by the court’s calendar. You should bring any records that document your efforts to pay, such as bank statements, pay stubs, and correspondence with the other party.

Virginia judges have significant discretion in support contempt matters. Possible outcomes include a finding of civil contempt (where you can purge yourself by paying the arrearage), a criminal contempt finding (punishment up to 10 days in jail), or dismissal. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have appeared in Poquoson courts and are familiar with local procedures. They can advise you on how to present your case effectively and help you understand what documentation the court will expect.

Penalty Overview — Narrative (No Table)

A finding of civil contempt for failure to pay support can result in a jail sentence that ends once you pay the arrearage. Criminal contempt, which punishes past violations, can carry a jail sentence of up to 10 days and a fine. The court may also suspend your driver’s license, seize tax refunds, or place a lien on property. For child support arrearages, the Division of Child Support Enforcement can garnish wages, intercept lottery winnings, and report the delinquency to credit bureaus. Because the consequences are severe, early legal guidance is important. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you explore alternatives, such as requesting a modification of the underlying support order if your circumstances have changed.

Outcomes vary. No attorney can promise a specific result, and the judge’s decision depends on the facts of your case and the credibility of the evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to achieve a favorable resolution. Results may vary.

Attorney Credentials

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced family law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA

Last reviewed: June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is support contempt in Virginia?

Support contempt is a court’s determination that a person willfully failed to pay court-ordered spousal or child support. In Virginia, either the Circuit Court (for divorce actions) or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court (for standalone support orders) can issue a show-cause order. If you prove the failure was not willful—because of job loss, illness, or other substantial change—the court may dismiss the contempt. To discuss your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can I go to jail for failing to pay child support in Poquoson?

Yes, willful failure to pay child support can result in jail time under both civil and criminal contempt procedures. Civil contempt allows you to be held until you pay a purge amount; criminal contempt carries a definite jail sentence of up to 10 days. The Poquoson Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court can impose either sanction. Early representation can help you argue why the failure was not willful and negotiate a resolution before a hearing.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against support contempt charges?

Defense strategies may include challenging the evidence of willfulness, showing a material change in circumstances, or demonstrating that you have been making good-faith efforts to pay. An experienced attorney evaluates your financial records, employment history, and any prior communication with the other parent. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can present mitigating factors to the court and, where possible, negotiate a purge plan that allows you to avoid incarceration.

What should I bring to a consultation about support contempt?

Bring the show-cause order, your most recent pay stubs, bank statements, and any documents that explain why you fell behind on payments. Also include copies of any prior support orders, proof of job loss or medical conditions, and written communication with the other parent or their attorney. This information helps your attorney assess the strength of your defense and prepare for court. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How can Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help me in Poquoson court?

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can represent you at all stages, from responding to the show-cause order to negotiating a purge plan and, if necessary, conducting a contested hearing at the Poquoson Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. They bring extensive family law experience and familiarity with local court expectations. They will help you gather evidence, prepare your testimony, and argue against a finding of willful contempt.

Attorney Contact & Next Steps

If you have been served with a support contempt notice, do not ignore it. The court can issue a capias warrant for your arrest if you fail to appear. Request a consultation today by calling (888) 437-7747. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team are available to answer your questions and discuss how they can help. For a full statutory breakdown of support obligations and contempt procedures in Virginia, see our comprehensive family law analysis.

Our Richmond Location — Serving Poquoson

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395
Richmond, VA 23225
(888) 437-7747

Our Richmond Location represents clients at the Poquoson courts. Contact us for directions and appointment scheduling. By appointment only. Free parking at our location.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.