Contempt of visitation in Maryland is a serious matter governed by Md. Code, Fam. Law § 9-101, where a parent’s willful violation of a court-ordered parenting time schedule can lead to fines, make-up visitation, or even incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience across Maryland, including 4,739+ firm-wide documented results. Our team, led by Kristen M.
Contempt of Visitation Lawyer Maryland
Contempt of visitation occurs when a parent willfully disobeys a court order regarding parenting time. Under Md. Code, Fam. Law § 9-101, Maryland courts have the authority to enforce visitation orders through contempt proceedings. This statute empowers the Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions, statewide) to hold a parent in contempt if they intentionally violate the visitation schedule without a valid legal excuse. The court may order remedies such as make-up visitation, fines, attorney’s fees, or in extreme cases, modification of the custody arrangement. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions, statewide) | Maryland General Assembly
For the full text of the statute, see Md. Code, Fam. Law § 9-101 (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For information on Maryland family court procedures, visit Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov — official site).
In the Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions, statewide), prosecutors and judges take contempt of visitation seriously, especially when there is a pattern of willful violations. We have observed that courts often look for evidence of bad faith, such as denying visitation without a valid reason or interfering with the parent-child relationship.
- Document every instance of missed visitation, including dates, times, and reasons given.
- Save all text messages, emails, and voicemails related to visitation disputes.
- Keep a journal of how the missed visitation affected your child.
- Contact a contempt of visitation lawyer Maryland immediately to discuss your options.
- File a petition for contempt with the Circuit Court of Maryland in the county where the order was issued.
- Attend all court hearings and be prepared to present your evidence.
In Maryland, contempt of visitation carries potential penalties including fines, make-up parenting time, and in severe cases, incarceration. The court considers the willfulness of the violation and the experienced interests of the child.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful violation of visitation order | Civil Contempt | Up to 30 days (coercive) | Up to $500 | None | Make-up visitation, attorney’s fees |
| Repeated willful violations | Civil Contempt (aggravated) | Up to 6 months (coercive) | Up to $1,000 | None | Custody modification possible |
| Interference with custody (felony-level) | Criminal Contempt | Up to 1 year | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of custody, supervised visitation |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled numerous family law matters in Maryland, including contempt of visitation, parenting time schedule disputes, and child visitation rights cases. Our team, led by Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, provides strategic representation in Maryland family courts.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results across Maryland, including 4,739+ firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. While specific locality-level case counts for contempt of visitation are not available, our firm has a favorable-outcome rate above 93% across all practice areas. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 30 miles from the Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions, statewide), with access via I-270 and I-495. If you need a contempt of visitation lawyer near Maryland, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase, and all Maryland counties. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (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 occurs when a parent willfully violates a court-ordered parenting time schedule. Under Md. Code, Fam. Law § 9-101, the court may enforce visitation orders through contempt proceedings. Cases are heard at the Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions, statewide).
What are the penalties for contempt of visitation in Maryland?
Penalties for contempt of visitation in Maryland may include fines, make-up parenting time, modification of the custody order, or incarceration in severe cases. The court considers the experienced interests of the child and the willfulness of the violation. Results may vary.
How can a contempt of visitation lawyer help in Maryland?
A contempt of visitation lawyer Maryland can help you file or defend against a contempt petition, gather evidence of violations or defenses, negotiate with the opposing party, and represent you in court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive experience in Maryland family law matters.
What is the difference between contempt of visitation and custody modification in Maryland?
Contempt of visitation addresses willful violations of an existing court order, while custody modification changes the underlying order based on a material change in circumstances. Both are heard at the Circuit Courts of Maryland (Family Divisions, statewide). A child visitation rights lawyer Maryland can advise on the experienced approach.
How does a parenting time schedule lawyer Maryland help with contempt issues?
A parenting time schedule lawyer Maryland can help you establish a clear, enforceable parenting time schedule that minimizes disputes. If contempt occurs, they can assist with filing a petition, gathering evidence, and representing you in court to enforce the schedule.
Related Legal Services
- Divorce Lawyer Salisbury — State-level family law hub
- 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
Last verified: May 2026. This page was generated on 2026-05-02 and reflects current Maryland law. For the most up-to-date information, consult a contempt of visitation lawyer Maryland.