Joint Custody Lawyer New Kent County — Protecting Your Parental Rights

If you are facing a custody dispute in New Kent County, securing a favorable shared custody arrangement is critical. Virginia law presumes joint legal custody is in a child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.2(B). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong representation for parents seeking joint legal and physical custody.

Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly

Understanding Joint Custody in Virginia

In Virginia, “joint custody” includes two distinct concepts: joint legal custody and joint physical custody. Joint legal custody means both parents share the right and responsibility to make major decisions about the child’s welfare, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Joint physical custody refers to the child living with each parent for significant periods, though the schedule does not need to be equal. The court’s primary guide is the “best interests of the child” standard outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3, which lists ten specific factors for the judge to consider.

Virginia law presumes that joint legal custody is in the child’s best interest. However, this presumption can be overcome by evidence of family abuse, neglect, or other factors that make such an arrangement detrimental. For a shared custody arrangement to work in New Kent County, parents must often demonstrate an ability to communicate and cooperate effectively regarding their child’s needs.

Official Legal Resources

For the full text of Virginia’s custody statutes, visit the Virginia Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly site). To review local court procedures, see the New Kent County General District Court website.

handling Custody in New Kent County Courts

New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (J&DR Court) handles initial custody, visitation, and support matters. If custody is part of a divorce, the New Kent County Circuit Court will have jurisdiction. A key local procedural fact is that the court strongly favors agreements between parents. Mediation is often encouraged before a contested hearing. To establish or modify a shared custody arrangement, you must file the appropriate petition and serve the other parent. The court will schedule a hearing where both sides present evidence related to the best interest factors.

1. Consult with a New Kent County joint custody lawyer to evaluate your case.
2. Attempt negotiation or mediation to create a parenting plan.
3. File a petition for custody or a motion to modify in the correct court.
4. Participate in discovery and prepare evidence demonstrating the child’s best interests.
5. Attend the custody hearing and present your case.
6. Obtain the court’s final order detailing custody, visitation, and support.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Custody Case

Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping family law. We understand that a custody case is about your child’s future and your rights as a parent.

Case Results and Client Advocacy

In New Kent County, our firm has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, this local experience informs our approach to each new case. Our secondary attorney on complex matters is often Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. We fight to protect your parental rights and seek custody arrangements that serve your child’s stability and well-being.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages: For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page, or learn about family law in Henrico County. We also assist with criminal defense in New Kent County.

Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.