In Colonial Heights, child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A Joint Custody Lawyer Colonial Heights from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you pursue a shared parenting plan. We have 4 documented case results in Colonial Heights courts. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines joint custody under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which requires courts to consider 10 factors when determining the best interests of the child. Joint custody can be joint legal custody (both parents share decision-making) or joint physical custody (the child spends significant time with both parents). Colonial Heights courts apply these factors to each case individually. A Joint Custody Lawyer Colonial Heights understands how local judges interpret these factors.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who brings unique insight to family law matters.
For joint custody specifically, Va. Code § 20-124.3 provides the statutory framework. The court evaluates each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse or neglect. Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases, while Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles custody within divorce proceedings.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-124.3 (Virginia General Assembly) and the Colonial Heights General District Court website for local court information.
Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorce and custody matters. Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases. The court typically schedules a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of a motion filing. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants may be used in complex cases involving business assets.
- File a motion for custody at Colonial Heights J&DR Court or Circuit Court.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days.
- Participate in mediation if ordered by the court.
- Complete a custody evaluation if required.
- Present evidence at the final hearing.
- Receive the court’s custody order.
In Colonial Heights, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. There is no criminal penalty for custody disputes, but non-compliance with court orders can result in contempt proceedings.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Outcome | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to follow custody order | Civil contempt | Fines, jail time up to 12 months | Loss of custody time, attorney fees |
| Parental alienation | Factor in custody determination | Loss of custody or restricted visitation | Court-ordered counseling |
| Relocation without notice | Violation of custody order | Court may modify custody | Attorney fees, travel costs |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris has a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in cases involving complex financial assets. He keeps his personal caseload small to ensure deep involvement in each case. The firm handles cases collaboratively with experienced Of Counsel attorneys.
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) also handles complex family law matters. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Mr. Sris founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results in Colonial Heights across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 144 (Temple Avenue), and Route 36. A shared custody arrangement lawyer Colonial Heights can meet with you at our Richmond location by appointment.
Looking for a joint legal and physical custody lawyer Colonial Heights near Southpark Mall or the Colonial Heights Courthouse? We serve all Colonial Heights neighborhoods.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
What is joint custody in Virginia?
Joint custody means both parents share decision-making authority (joint legal custody) or the child spends significant time with both parents (joint physical custody). Virginia courts prefer arrangements that maintain strong relationships with both parents when it serves the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
How does the court decide joint custody in Colonial Heights?
The court considers 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases. The court prioritizes the child’s stability and emotional well-being.
Can I get joint custody if the other parent objects?
Yes, the court can order joint custody even if one parent objects, if it serves the child’s best interests. The court evaluates each parent’s ability to cooperate and communicate. A history of conflict may reduce the likelihood of joint custody, but it is not automatically barred.
How long does a joint custody case take in Colonial Heights?
A pendente lite hearing for temporary custody typically occurs within 21-60 days of filing. A final custody determination can take 6-12 months depending on complexity, evaluations, and court scheduling. Contested cases with custody evaluations may take longer.
What is the difference between joint legal and joint physical custody?
Joint legal custody means both parents share decision-making about education, healthcare, and religion. Joint physical custody means the child spends significant time with both parents, though not necessarily equal time. Virginia courts can order one or both types of joint custody.
Related pages: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer | Colonial Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer | Colonial Heights DUI Lawyer
Attorney profile: Bryan Block | Location: Richmond Office
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.