Joint Custody Lawyer New Kent County, VA
When you and your child’s other parent are separating and want to share legal and physical custody, the New Kent County courts will base every decision on the best interests of your child. At the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court—located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124—judges evaluate living arrangements, parental involvement, and the child’s needs. If you are facing a contested custody dispute or simply want a legally sound joint custody order, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you present a clear, child-focused plan. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options for Joint Custody
Parents seeking joint custody in New Kent County often have several paths. If you and the other parent can communicate, a negotiated parenting plan—sometimes drafted with the help of a mediator—allows you to control the schedule and decision-making structure. When agreement is not possible, the court steps in. The judge will hear evidence about each parent’s home, work schedule, and relationship with the child, then issue a custody and visitation order. In some cases, one parent may request a temporary custody hearing early in the case to stabilize the child’s living situation while the matter proceeds. Our team helps you evaluate which approach best protects your parental rights.
What To Expect in New Kent County
Custody cases in New Kent County are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court if the parents are not married, or as part of a divorce action in the Circuit Court. The process usually starts with one parent filing a petition. The court then schedules a hearing; both parents will have an opportunity to present evidence. Virginia law requires the judge to consider ten statutory factors, including each parent’s role in the child’s life, any history of abuse, and the child’s own preferences if the child is old enough. A Guardian ad Litem may be appointed to represent the child’s interests. Having an experienced attorney at your side ensures your evidence is properly presented and the court hears your perspective.
Consequences of Violating a Custody Order
Once the court issues a custody order, both parents must follow it. If one parent denies visitation or otherwise violates the order, the other parent can file a show‑cause motion. The court may then hold the violating parent in contempt, order make‑up visitation, modify the custody arrangement, or require the non‑complying parent to pay the other parent’s attorney fees. Repeated violations can damage a parent’s standing in future custody decisions. Acting quickly when a violation occurs is important; our team can help you file the necessary enforcement motion.
Attorney Credentials
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm’s Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds ranging from prior military service to CPS representation—all dedicated to guiding families through complex custody matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does joint custody mean in Virginia?
Joint custody in Virginia means both parents share responsibility for major decisions about the child’s upbringing, and the child may spend significant time with each parent. Virginia law recognizes two forms: joint legal custody, where parents make decisions together about education, health, and religion, and joint physical custody, where the child alternates living with each parent on a schedule. A court can award one, both, or a blend of these. The goal is to preserve a meaningful relationship with each parent while protecting the child’s welfare. For specific guidance on your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How does a New Kent County judge decide custody?
The judge uses the ten statutory factors in Va. Code § 20‑124.3 to determine what arrangement serves the child’s best interests. These factors include each parent’s age and health, the existing relationship between the child and each parent, the child’s ties to school and community, and any history of family abuse. In New Kent County, the court may also interview the child privately if the child is mature enough. A Guardian ad Litem may investigate and make a recommendation. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a joint custody case in New Kent County?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, an experienced family law attorney greatly increases your ability to present a strong, organized case. Custody disputes involve rules of evidence, court deadlines, and specific legal standards. An attorney can help you gather documentation, prepare witnesses, and cross‑examine the other parent’s evidence. If the other parent has a lawyer, going it alone can put you at a disadvantage. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
What if we already agree on joint custody?
If both parents agree, you can submit a signed parenting plan to the court for approval, avoiding a contested trial. The judge will review the plan to ensure it is in the child’s best interests and sufficiently detailed. In an uncontested proceeding, a hearing may still be required, but it is usually brief. Having an attorney draft or review the agreement helps prevent loopholes that could lead to later disputes. To discuss an agreed order, call (888) 437‑7747.
Can a custody order be modified later?
Yes, either parent can petition to modify custody if there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the child’s welfare. Common changes include a parent’s relocation, a significant change in a parent’s work schedule, or evidence that the child’s needs are not being met. The parent seeking the change must prove the modification is in the child’s best interests. The same New Kent County court that issued the original order has jurisdiction over modifications. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) · New Kent Circuit Court · Virginia Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201‑9009. By appointment only. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.