contempt of court lawyer Maryland, MD

When a court order governing custody, visitation, child support, or alimony is violated in Maryland, the party harmed by the violation may seek relief through a contempt proceeding. Contempt of court is a civil enforcement mechanism, not a separate criminal charge, and it can arise in any Maryland family law matter where a party willfully disregards a court directive. Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals across Maryland who need to initiate or defend against contempt petitions in family court. The firm has practiced in Maryland family law since 1997, and Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who is admitted in Maryland, leads a practice group that is familiar with how Maryland Circuit Courts handle contempt allegations. To discuss a specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Contempt of Court Means in Maryland Family Law

In Maryland, a contempt action in the family law context is a request that the court enforce an existing order—typically a custody arrangement, a parenting-time schedule, a child-support obligation, or an alimony award—that one party is not honoring. The court’s authority to punish contempt flows from its inherent power to compel compliance with its own decrees and from the Maryland Rules, which govern the procedure for initiating a contempt proceeding.

Family law contempt matters are heard in the Circuit Court that entered the original order. For example, the Circuit Court for Montgomery County handles allegations arising from orders issued in that county; the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County addresses violations of its own orders. While some initial family-law issues (such as standalone child-support petitions) may begin in the District Court, contempt proceedings are typically filed in the Circuit Court that has continuing jurisdiction over the parties.

The geographical scope is important because Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in Maryland Circuit Courts across the state, including those in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Frederick County. Because family law orders travel with the parties, a violation can be addressed in the court that issued the order, regardless of where the parties currently live, as long as jurisdiction remains proper.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Contempt Cases

When a client comes to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. with a contempt matter, the first step is a careful review of the underlying court order and the specific conduct that is alleged to violate it. The order must be clear and unambiguous; a court will not hold a party in contempt for violating a vague provision. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine the language of the order, the history of compliance, and any attempts to resolve the dispute informally before litigation.

If the firm represents the party seeking enforcement, counsel prepares a petition for contempt that identifies the provision of the order that was violated, describes the facts that support the violation, and specifies the relief requested—such as make-up parenting time, a monetary judgment for unpaid support, an award of attorney’s fees, or, in the most serious cases, a request that the court consider a short period of incarceration to compel future compliance. If the firm represents the party alleged to be in contempt, the defense focuses on showing that any failure to comply was not willful, that circumstances beyond the party’s control made compliance impossible, or that the underlying order is itself ambiguous and not susceptible to enforcement.

The process moves through motion practice, a hearing at which both parties can present testimony and documentary evidence, and, if contempt is found, a second opportunity for the contemnor to purge the contempt by taking a specific action—paying the arrears, returning the child, or executing a document. Maryland courts are generally reluctant to impose incarceration as a first remedy and instead use the threat of sanctions to encourage voluntary compliance.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has concentrated a significant portion of his practice on family law matters in Maryland, including contempt proceedings, since the firm was founded in 1997. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris was admitted to the Maryland bar and has appeared in Circuit Courts across the state. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include practitioners with prior prosecutorial experience, which brings a practical understanding of how courts evaluate evidence and credibility in contested enforcement hearings.

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have extensive combined legal experience. While no outcome can be promised, the firm’s approach emphasizes thorough preparation, clear presentation of the factual record, and attention to the procedural tools that Maryland courts provide for enforcing family-law orders. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is civil contempt in a Maryland family law case?

Civil contempt is a court’s finding that a party has willfully violated a clear and unambiguous provision of a court order governing custody, support, or alimony. The purpose is remedial—to compel compliance with the existing order. If the court finds contempt, it typically sets a purge condition, such as paying a sum of money or surrendering a child for parenting time, that the violator can satisfy to avoid further sanctions or incarceration. Maryland courts generally prefer civil contempt over criminal contempt in family-law enforcement.

How is contempt different from a motion to modify in Maryland?

A contempt petition seeks to enforce an existing order; a motion to modify asks the court to change the order based on a material change in circumstances. If the party who is not complying believes the order is unfair or no longer workable, the proper remedy is a modification action, not self-help. Conversely, if the order is clear and simply being ignored, contempt is the appropriate enforcement tool. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate which mechanism best fits the situation before filing.

What can the court do if it finds someone in contempt?

Upon a finding of civil contempt, the court may impose sanctions designed to coerce compliance, including a fine, an award of attorney’s fees to the aggrieved party, make-up parenting time, a monetary judgment for unpaid support, or, where necessary, a term of incarceration that can be purged by performing a specific act. The court’s order will specify exactly what the contemnor must do to purge the contempt and be released from any continued sanctions. Penalties for criminal contempt—where the purpose is punishment rather than remediation—are available in limited circumstances but are less common in family-law proceedings.

Do I need an attorney for a contempt hearing in Maryland?

The Maryland Rules do not require that a party be represented by counsel in a contempt proceeding, but having an attorney can be important because contempt hearings involve rules of evidence and procedure that affect the outcome. An experienced family-law practitioner can help ensure that the petition is properly pleaded, that the evidence is presented in admissible form, and that the legal argument addresses the specific elements the court must find. Because contempt can carry significant consequences—including the potential loss of parenting time and incarceration—proceeding without an attorney can be risky.

How long does a contempt case take in Maryland?

The timeline for a contempt proceeding depends on the court’s calendar, the complexity of the alleged violation, and whether the parties have other pending issues. An emergency petition for contempt that involves the immediate safety or welfare of a child can be heard on an expedited basis, while a routine non-compliance matter may take several weeks or months to reach a hearing. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to move the matter forward while securing any temporary measures the court may impose pending a full hearing.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Additional resources: Maryland Judiciary Family Law Help | Maryland Family Law Article

Last reviewed: July 2026

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