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Child custody. Building a Better Future for Your Family.

Protecting What Matters Most: Child Custody Guidance Across VA, MD, DC, NY & NJ

Your relationship with your child is paramount. When facing a divorce, separation, or custody dispute, you need a legal team that understands both the law and the profound human element at stake. At the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we provide knowledgeable and compassionate legal guidance to protect your family’s future.

Defining Child Custody: More Than Just Where a Child Lives

Child custody is the legal framework that defines the rights and responsibilities of parents for the care and upbringing of their children after a separation or divorce. It is comprised of two distinct components: Legal Custody, which is the authority to make major decisions about the child’s life (education, healthcare, religion), and Physical Custody, which pertains to where the child will live. These arrangements are determined based on one overarching principle: the best interests of the child.

Our Commitment to Your Family's Stability

  • Multi-Jurisdictional Knowledge: Our attorneys are deeply familiar with the specific child custody statutes and court procedures in Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., New York, and New Jersey.
  • Child-Centered Philosophy: We believe that every legal strategy must prioritize the well-being and stability of the child, which is the core principle all courts follow.
  • Strategic Advocacy for Parents: We provide robust representation for both mothers and fathers, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard, whether in mediation or in court.
  • Comprehensive Case Handling: From establishing initial custody orders and parenting plans to handling complex modifications, relocations, and enforcement issues, we manage all facets of custody disputes.
  • A Path to Resolution: We understand the emotional and financial toll of custody battles. We focus on finding the most effective and efficient path to a favorable and lasting resolution for you and your children.

Table of Contents

From Uncertainty and Fear to a Clear Path Forward for Your Children

The thought of a court making decisions about your time with your children is one of the most stressful experiences a parent can face. The legal language is confusing, the process is intimidating, and the stakes could not be higher. You are likely feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and fearful about what the future holds for your family. You are not just looking for a lawyer; you are looking for an advocate who understands that this isn’t about winning or losing a case—it’s about securing your child’s future and preserving your sacred role as a parent.

I am Mr. Sris, and at the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our family law practice is built on a foundation of empathy and strategic strength. We have guided countless parents through the complexities of child custody disputes across the varied legal landscapes of VA, MD, DC, NY, and NJ. Our core philosophy is to transform our clients’ anxiety into empowerment. We do this by first listening to your story, understanding your unique family dynamics, and then demystifying the legal process. We replace legal jargon with clear explanations and replace uncertainty with a concrete, actionable plan designed to achieve your goals while always protecting the best interests of your children.

This page will serve as your initial guide. It is designed to answer your pressing questions, explain the fundamental concepts of custody law, and show you how a dedicated legal team can help you navigate this challenging time with confidence and dignity.

The Long-Term Impact of Custody Decisions

A child custody order is more than a legal document; it is a blueprint for your child’s life and your relationship with them for years to come. A poorly negotiated or litigated outcome can have profound and lasting negative consequences.

Impact on the Child

  • Emotional and Psychological Well-being: A clear, consistent, and thoughtfully designed parenting plan provides the security children need to thrive.
  • Relationship with Both Parents: The custody arrangement directly shapes the amount and quality of time a child spends with each parent.
  • Stability in Education and Community: Decisions about residential custody determine where a child goes to school, their friendships, and their community involvement.

Impact on the Parents

  • Parental Rights and Decision-Making: The allocation of legal custody determines your authority to make critical decisions.
  • Financial Implications: Parenting time is often a key factor in calculating child support obligations.
  • Future Flexibility: An ill-conceived custody order can be difficult and costly to modify later.

Our objective is to secure a custody order that is practical, durable, and truly serves the long-term best interests of your child, while vigorously protecting your rights as a parent.

Understanding the Child Custody Legal Process

  1. Filing a Petition/Complaint: One parent files a formal request for custody with the court.
  2. Service of Process: The other parent is formally notified of the lawsuit.
  3. Initial Court Appearance and Temporary Orders: A judge may issue temporary orders for stability.
  4. Mediation: A neutral mediator helps parents try to reach an agreement.
  5. Discovery: The formal process of exchanging information and evidence.
  6. Evaluations and Investigations: A judge may appoint a professional to investigate and make a recommendation.
  7. Pre-Trial Conferences and Settlement Negotiations: Opportunities to settle before a final trial.
  8. Trial: If no settlement is reached, a judge hears evidence and makes a ruling.
  9. Final Order: The judge’s decision is formalized in a legally binding order.

The Family Stability Blueprint: Our Approach to Your Case

We approach every custody case with a structured process we call our Family Stability Blueprint.

  • Step 1: The Deep Dive Consultation. We begin by listening to your story and your goals.
  • Step 2: Defining the “Best Interests” Framework. We analyze your situation through the lens of the law, building a case that demonstrates how your desired outcome aligns with the critical factors courts consider.
  • Step 3: Crafting the Parenting Plan. We help you create a detailed, practical parenting plan that provides a clear roadmap for co-parenting.
  • Step 4: Strategic Negotiation and Advocacy. We aim to achieve your goals through skillful negotiation but are always prepared for formidable courtroom advocacy.
Our Team

Experienced Attorneys Who Are Here To Help You!

Criminal Defense & Family Law


Mr. SRIS Licensed in VA, MD, NJ, NY, DC
Owner & CEO – Former Prosecutor

DUI, Criminal Law & Traffic Law


BRYAN BLOCK Licensed in VA
Former Virginia state trooper (Of Counsel)

Criminal Law, DUI Defense & Traffic Law


KRISTEN M. FISHER Licensed in VA, MD
Former Prosecutor (Of Counsel)

Estate Tax, Tax Planning Law & Commercial Contract Disputes

MICHAEL L. DANIELS Licensed in VA
(Of Counsel)

Criminal Law & CPS Defense


MATTHEW GREENE Licensed in VA, DC
(Of Counsel)

Family Law & Employment Law & Business Litigation

SAMANTHA RAE POWERS Licensed in VA
(Of Counsel)

Family Law, Traffic Law & Criminal Law


CHERITA LEWIS Licensed in VA, MD & DC
(Of Counsel)

Family, Criminal & Traffic Law


STEVEN GARFINKLE Licensed in NJ, NY
(Of Counsel)

Trust & Estates Law, Business Law, Personal Injury, Family Law

ERIC DUPORT JARAMILLO Licensed in Colombia
(Of Counsel)

Director of Client Transition & Empowerment


Dr. Johanna Wolf Doctor of Psychology (Psy D)

Personal Injury & Traffic Law


MICHAEL T. TRENT Licensed in VA
(Of Counsel)

Traffic Law


ADAM WOOD Licensed in VA
(Of Counsel)

Business law and Labor law


Eduardo Cardona Licensed in Colombia
(Of Counsel)

Labor and Civil Law


Manuela Uribe López Licensed in Colombia
(Of Counsel)

Corporate and Contractual Law Advisor & Litigator


David Díaz Licensed in Colombia
(Of Counsel)

Commercial and Financial Law


Julián Alzate Licensed in Colombia
(Of Counsel)

Pathways to a Favorable Custody Arrangement

Collaborative Negotiation and Mediation

This is often the most constructive pathway. You retain control, and it’s typically faster and less adversarial. We act as your advisors and advocates to ensure any agreement is fair.

Strategic Litigation

When an agreement is not possible, litigation may be necessary. We build a meticulous case, prepare you thoroughly, and present a clear, compelling narrative to the judge.

Modification and Enforcement

Family lives change. We can help you petition the court to modify a custody order due to a material change in circumstances or file a motion to enforce the order if the other parent violates it.

Our Experience in Action: Representative Custody Case Results

  • Case Result 1: Father’s Rights and Relocation Dispute (Virginia)
  • Situation: Mother sought to relocate out-of-state with children.
  • Outcome: The court denied the relocation request and designated our client (the father) as the primary physical custodian.
  • Case Result 2: Custody Modification Due to Parental Alienation (New York)
  • Situation: Ex-spouse was systematically damaging the children’s relationship with our client.
  • Outcome: The court modified custody, granting our client sole legal custody to protect the children’s emotional health.
  • Case Result 3: Complex Interstate Custody Case (Maryland/NJ)
    • Situation: A dispute over which state had jurisdiction under the UCCJEA.
    • Outcome: We successfully argued for jurisdiction in the state advantageous to our client and secured a favorable long-distance parenting plan.

Common Concerns in Custody Cases & Why to Act

  • “I don’t want to create conflict for my kids by going to court.” Proactively addressing issues with a lawyer can often prevent future, more damaging conflicts by encouraging a fair settlement.
  • “Can’t my ex and I just work this out ourselves?” Informal “handshake” deals are not legally enforceable and leave you unprotected if the other parent changes their mind.
  • “I’m worried about the cost of a custody lawyer.” This is an investment in your child’s future. The long-term costs of a bad custody outcome are far greater.

Glossary of Common Child Custody Terms

  • Legal Custody: The right to make major decisions for a child.
  • Physical Custody: Determines where the child lives primarily.
  • Parenting Plan: A detailed written agreement outlining how parents will raise their children.
  • Best Interests of the Child: The legal standard used by courts to make custody decisions.
  • Guardian ad Litem (GAL): An attorney appointed by the court to represent the child’s best interests.
  • Modification: The legal process of changing a final custody order.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Judges weigh statutory "best interests" factors, including the child's needs, each parent's health, the parent-child relationships, and any history of abuse.
  • No. The laws are gender-neutral. Decisions are based on the best interests of the child, not the gender of the parent.
  • Joint custody (shared decision-making and/or significant time with both parents) is preferred. Sole custody means one parent has the primary residence and/or all decision-making authority.
  •  
  • There is no specific age. As a child matures, judges will give their preference more weight as one of many factors.
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Your Family's Future is Worth Protecting

Navigating a child custody case is one of life’s most significant challenges. You do not have to do it alone. Let our experience be your guide and our strength be your shield.

Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential case assessment to discuss your situation and protect your parental rights.

Call Us Now: 888-437-7747

Or Request a Confidential Review

Disclaimer

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Disclaimer Regarding Case Results: The case results mentioned on this website depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. They do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case undertaken by the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. or its attorneys.

Your loyal child custody legal team. With over 25 years of experience, we will safeguard your parental rights by offering strong advocacy and dependable counsel throughout your case. Rely on us to advocate for your and your child’s optimal interests.

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