In Virginia Beach, Virginia, child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A Joint Custody Lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you pursue a shared custody arrangement. We have 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Child Custody Law: Joint Custody Defined
Virginia law defines joint custody under Va. Code § 20-124.1 as both parents sharing responsibility for the care and custody of their child. This can include joint legal custody (decision-making authority) and joint physical custody (residential time). The court determines custody based on ten factors listed in Va. Code § 20-124.3, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of family abuse. A joint legal and physical custody lawyer Virginia Beach can explain how these factors apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law.
For the official custody statute, see Va. Code § 20-124.3 (Virginia General Assembly). For court information, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Virginia Beach Custody Cases
Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody cases. The court requires both parents to attend mediation before a contested custody hearing. Judges in Virginia Beach often appoint a Guardian ad Litem to represent the child’s interests in disputed cases.
- File a petition for custody at Virginia Beach J&DR Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B.
- Attend mandatory mediation within 30 days of filing.
- Complete a parent education class (required by Virginia law).
- Submit your proposed parenting plan to the court at least 30 days before the hearing.
- Attend the custody hearing before a J&DR judge.
- Receive the court’s custody order, which can be appealed to Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Virginia Beach, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, with no set penalty but significant consequences for violating court orders.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Outcome | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custody Violation | Contempt of Court | Up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of custody time, attorney fees |
| Parental Kidnapping | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of custody, criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Virginia Beach Custody Case?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, our founder and managing attorney, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential that demonstrates deep family law knowledge. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team includes Samantha Powers, who handles Virginia family law matters. She holds a J.D./M.A. from the University of Florida (2005) and a Ph.D. in Communication from UCSB (2017), with 18+ years of experience. She is admitted to the Virginia Bar (2023) and Florida Bar (2005).
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Our secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, is the firm’s founder and managing attorney. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience handling complex family law matters.
Virginia Beach Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable custody determinations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Family Law Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Searching for a shared custody arrangement lawyer Virginia Beach? We represent clients near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Town Center, Naval Air Station Oceana, and Sandbridge.
Neighborhoods served: Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Custody in Virginia Beach
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs vary by case complexity.
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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Custody in Virginia Beach is based on the best 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. Virginia Beach J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
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 Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Filing fee: approximately $86.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring localities: Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.