In New Kent County, Virginia, a parent seeking to relocate with a child must provide notice under Va. Code § 20-124.5; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive family law experience handling custody relocation cases in New Kent County. The court evaluates relocation requests based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.2.
Custody Relocation Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Code § 20-124.5 governs the notice requirements for a parent seeking to relocate with a child. The statute requires a parent planning to move to provide written notice to the other parent at least 30 days before the proposed relocation. The notice must include the intended new address, the date of the move, and a proposed revised parenting schedule. The court in New Kent County considers several factors when evaluating a relocation request, including the reasons for the move, the impact on the child’s relationship with the other parent, and the child’s experienced interests under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the relocation notice statute, see Va. Code § 20-124.5 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For the experienced interests of the child factors, see Va. Code § 20-124.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, judges routinely require detailed evidence of the proposed relocation’s impact on the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent. We have observed that the court places significant weight on the child’s existing school, community ties, and extended family relationships.
- Step 1: Consult with a Custody Relocation Lawyer New Kent County to evaluate your case under Va. Code § 20-124.5.
- Step 2: Provide written notice to the other parent at least 30 days before the planned move.
- Step 3: File a motion with the court if the other parent objects to the relocation.
- Step 4: Prepare evidence demonstrating the relocation benefits the child’s experienced interests.
- Step 5: Attend mediation or a court hearing at New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Step 6: Obtain a court order approving or denying the relocation.
In New Kent County, custody relocation matters are civil proceedings; the court may modify custody or visitation if a parent relocates without proper notice or in violation of a court order.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relocation without notice (Va. Code § 20-124.5) | Civil violation | None | None | None | Court may modify custody or visitation; potential contempt if court order violated |
| Violation of custody order (Va. Code § 20-124.6) | Civil contempt | Up to 10 days (contempt) | Up to $1,000 | None | Court may award attorney fees; modify custody arrangement |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented results in New Kent County: 5 dismissed or not guilty, 6 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include cases in traffic, criminal, and drug offense matters, demonstrating the firm’s broad experience in New Kent County General District Court.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 25 miles from New Kent County Circuit Court, with access via I-64 and Route 33. As a Custody Relocation Lawyer New Kent County, we serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custody Relocation in New Kent County
How long does a divorce take in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and New Kent County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution… High-asset or international-element cases can extend longer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at New Kent County General District Court.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody in New Kent County is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. New Kent County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. New Kent County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 11 total documented case results across all practice areas (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
It depends. No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at New Kent County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against child custody relocation charges?
It depends. Defense strategies for child custody relocation in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-124.2 (experienced interests of the child) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing child custody relocation charges in Virginia?
Contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against custody relocation charges?
It depends. Defense strategies for custody relocation in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-124.5 (relocation notice requirements) to build the strongest possible defense.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia page. You may also find these pages useful: Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Fairfax County, Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Greene County, and Domestic Violence Lawyer New Kent County.
Page Last verified: April 2026