A custody contempt lawyer Montgomery County helps enforce court-ordered parenting plans when the other parent violates terms. Under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101, Maryland courts can hold a parent in contempt for willful violations. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Contempt of court in family law occurs when a parent willfully disobeys a court order regarding custody, visitation, or child support. In Montgomery County, Maryland, a custody contempt lawyer Montgomery County can file a petition for contempt with the District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. The court may impose sanctions including fines, make-up parenting time, or in severe cases, incarceration. Maryland law requires the court to find that the violation was willful and intentional before holding a party in contempt. The burden of proof is clear and convincing evidence, which is higher than the typical civil standard.
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, demonstrating deep family law knowledge. For Maryland family law matters, the firm’s primary attorney is Mr. Sris, with Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, providing secondary support.
For more information on Maryland contempt laws, see Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9-101 (official Maryland General Assembly) and the District Court of MD for Montgomery County official website.
- Document every violation with dates, times, and evidence (texts, emails, witness statements).
- File a Petition for Contempt at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
- Attend the initial hearing where the court may order mediation or set a show cause hearing.
- Present clear and convincing evidence of willful violation at the show cause hearing.
- Request specific remedies: make-up parenting time, fines, attorney fees, or modification of custody.
- If contempt is found, the court may order sanctions including incarceration for continued violations.
In Montgomery County, contempt of a custody order carries potential penalties including fines, make-up parenting time, and in severe cases, incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (Custody Order Violation) | Civil — not criminal | Up to 6 months (coercive) | Up to $1,000 | None | Make-up parenting time; attorney fees; custody modification |
| Criminal Contempt (Willful Disobedience) | Criminal misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Probation; community service; criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen Fisher, Of Counsel, is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined the firm in 2010. She is admitted in Maryland and Virginia and focuses on family law and criminal defense.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave).
Looking for a custody contempt lawyer Montgomery County near you? We serve clients near Rockville Town Square, Bethesda Row, and the Montgomery County Government Center.
We serve the following communities: Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Can I file for contempt without a lawyer in Montgomery County?
Yes, you can file a pro se petition for contempt at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. However, contempt proceedings involve complex evidentiary standards. A custody contempt lawyer Montgomery County can help you present clear and convincing evidence of willful violation.
How long does a contempt case take in Montgomery County?
It depends. Initial hearings typically occur within 30-60 days of filing. If the court orders mediation, the process may take 2-4 months. Contested contempt hearings with evidence can take 3-6 months from filing to resolution.
What evidence do I need for a custody contempt case?
You need clear and convincing evidence of willful violation. This includes documented dates and times of missed visitation, text messages or emails showing refusal, witness statements, and any prior court orders. A custody order violation lawyer Montgomery County can help organize your evidence.
Can I get attorney fees paid in a contempt case?
Yes. Maryland courts can award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in contempt proceedings. The court considers each party’s financial resources and the reasonableness of their positions. A contempt of custody order lawyer Montgomery County can request fee reimbursement.
What happens if the other parent is found in contempt?
The court may order make-up parenting time, fines up to $1,000, payment of attorney fees, modification of the custody order, or in severe cases, incarceration up to 6 months. The court’s goal is to coerce compliance with the existing order.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.