In Virginia, child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Joint Custody Lawyer Virginia helps parents pursue shared parenting time and legal decision-making authority. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Circuit Courts | Va. Code § 20-124.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines joint custody as an arrangement where both parents share in the decision-making and physical care of their child. Under Va. Code § 20-124.2, the court may award joint legal custody (both parents make major decisions), joint physical custody (the child spends significant time with each parent), or both. A Joint Custody Lawyer Virginia from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can explain how these options apply to your case.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law. The firm was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
For the complete statutory framework governing child custody in Virginia, review Va. Code § 20-124.3 (best interests factors) (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for custody cases are outlined on the Virginia Circuit Court website.
In Virginia Circuit Courts, judges evaluate 10 statutory factors to determine the best interests of the child. A Joint Custody Lawyer Virginia knows that the court presumes joint custody is in the child’s best interest unless evidence shows otherwise. The process involves filing a petition, attending mediation, and presenting evidence at a hearing.
- File a Petition: Your Joint Custody Lawyer Virginia files a petition for custody in the appropriate Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
- Attend Mediation: Many Virginia courts require mediation before a custody hearing to explore settlement options.
- Complete a Parent Education Class: Virginia law requires parents to attend a court-approved co-parenting class before a custody order is entered.
- Present Evidence at Hearing: Your Joint Custody Lawyer Virginia presents evidence on the 10 best-interest factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse.
- Receive the Custody Order: The court issues a custody order specifying legal and physical custody arrangements, visitation schedule, and decision-making authority.
In Virginia, child custody determinations carry no criminal penalty, but violating a custody order can result in contempt of court with potential jail time and fines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Violating Custody Order | Contempt of Court | Up to 12 months in jail and/or fines up to $2,500 |
| Parental Kidnapping | Class 6 Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or fines up to $2,500 |
| Interference with Visitation | Civil Contempt | Fines, make-up visitation, or modification of custody |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating unparalleled experience in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters. He brings over 25 years of experience and a former prosecutor’s perspective to every case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results include numerous successful child custody and joint custody cases in Virginia Circuit Courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 20 miles from the Fairfax County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 50. If you need a Joint Custody Lawyer Virginia near Fairfax, Arlington, or Loudoun County, we serve clients throughout Northern Virginia.
We serve the following communities: Fairfax, Arlington, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church, Manassas, Woodbridge, Leesburg, Ashburn, Warrenton, Stafford, and Fredericksburg.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
How is joint custody decided in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia courts decide joint custody 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.
Can I get joint custody if the other parent opposes it?
Yes, a Joint Custody Lawyer Virginia can help you pursue joint custody even if the other parent opposes it. The court will evaluate the evidence and make a decision based on the child’s best interests, not solely on one parent’s preference.
What is the difference between joint legal and joint physical custody in Virginia?
Joint legal custody means both parents share major decision-making authority about the child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Joint physical custody means the child spends significant time living with each parent, though not necessarily equal time.
How long does a joint custody case take in Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested joint custody cases can resolve in 2-4 months. Contested cases requiring a hearing or trial typically take 6-12 months. Emergency custody motions can be heard within 21 days of filing.
What factors does a Virginia court consider for joint custody?
Virginia courts consider 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3, including each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s age and needs, each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any history of family abuse.
Can a joint custody order be modified later?
Yes, a Joint Custody Lawyer Virginia can help you modify a custody order if there has been a material change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests. The court must find that the modification is in the child’s best interest.
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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Henrico County divorce lawyer and Chesterfield County divorce lawyer pages. For related services in the same locality, see Virginia reckless driving lawyer.