Parenting time, also known as visitation, is governed by Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, New Kent County courts consider 10 statutory factors to determine the experienced interests of the child when establishing a parenting time schedule. These factors include the age and physical condition of the child, the relationship between each parent and the child, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. A parenting plan lawyer New Kent County can help you present evidence on these factors.
Last verified: May 2026 | New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court and New Kent County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every parenting time case in New Kent County.
For the full text of Virginia’s parenting time statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and New Kent County Courts (vacourts.gov — official site).
In New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, prosecutors and judges routinely expect parents to demonstrate a genuine willingness to facilitate the child’s relationship with the other parent. We have observed that parents who present a detailed, realistic parenting plan often receive more favorable consideration.
- File a petition for custody or visitation at the appropriate New Kent County court.
- Attend court-ordered mediation to attempt to reach a parenting time agreement.
- Gather evidence demonstrating your involvement in the child’s life and your willingness to support the other parent’s relationship.
- Present your case at a hearing before a judge, who will apply the 10 experienced-interest factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
- Receive a court order specifying the parenting time schedule.
- If circumstances change, file a motion to modify the parenting time order.
In New Kent County, parenting time violations can result in contempt of court proceedings, which carry potential penalties including fines, modification of the parenting time schedule, or in severe cases, jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violation of Parenting Time Order | Civil Contempt | Up to 10 days | Up to $1,000 | None | Possible modification of parenting time schedule; attorney fees |
| Repeated Violations | Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible loss of custody; supervised visitation |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm’s tagline, ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ reflects its commitment to providing full legal representation in parenting time matters throughout New Kent County.
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 rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 25 miles from New Kent County Circuit Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124), with access via I-64 and Route 33.
Parenting time lawyer near New Kent County.
Serving the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, 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
(804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Time in New Kent County
How long does a divorce take in New Kent County, Virginia?
It depends. 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.
Uncontested divorces take 2-6 months; contested divorces take 9-18 months in New Kent County.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
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.
Filing fee is approximately $86, plus costs for service, mediation, and Guardian ad Litem.
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.
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
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).
Custody is decided based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 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.
No-fault divorce requires 6-month or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against parenting time charges?
Defense strategies for parenting time 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 Title 20 (Domestic Relations) to build the strongest possible defense.
An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code Title 20 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing parenting time charges in Virginia?
If facing parenting time 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.
Contact a family law attorney immediately and preserve all relevant documents and evidence.
For more information, visit our state hub: Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia.
Explore related pages: Family Law Lawyer Albemarle County and Family Law Lawyer Arlington County.
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Last verified: May 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-05-02.