Custody Enforcement Lawyer New Kent County, VA
When a custody order is not being followed, the situation can be stressful and disruptive for both parent and child. In New Kent County, Virginia, custody enforcement actions are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court—where Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent parents seeking to uphold a custody or visitation order, or defend against allegations of non‑compliance. Whether the original order is from a divorce proceeding in New Kent County Circuit Court or a standalone custody determination, an experienced attorney can help you bring the matter before the court and work toward a resolution that protects your child’s well‑being and your parental rights. To discuss a custody enforcement issue, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Custody Enforcement Means in New Kent County
Custody enforcement in New Kent County involves asking the court to compel compliance with an existing custody or visitation order when one parent fails to follow it. Virginia courts have authority to enforce custody and visitation orders through contempt proceedings, show‑cause hearings, and modification of the order if the best interests of the child require a change. New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, and support matters; where custody was originally determined as part of a divorce, the New Kent County Circuit Court retains enforcement authority. Both courts are located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124.
Virginia law requires each parent to abide by the terms of a custody order. Under Va. Code § 20‑124.2, the court bases its decisions on the best interests of the child, considering ten specific factors listed in § 20‑124.3. A parent who believes the other parent has violated the order may petition the court for relief. The court can order make‑up parenting time, modify the schedule, or find the non‑complying parent in contempt—which can result in a fine, jail time, or both. Additionally, Va. Code § 20‑124.5 requires a parent who plans to relocate to give 30 days’ advance written notice to the court and the other parent. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can guide you through the enforcement process, explain what the court looks at, and help you present your case clearly.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Custody Enforcement Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by reviewing the existing order and gathering evidence of any violations. They may interview witnesses, collect text messages and emails, and obtain school or medical records that show a parent’s interference or non‑compliance. Once the facts are documented, the legal team can file a motion for an enforcement hearing—often called a show‑cause or contempt motion—in the appropriate New Kent County court.
At the hearing, the court examines the evidence and determines whether the parent violated the order and, if so, what remedy is appropriate. The outcome depends on the specific circumstances and the child’s best interests. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel present the evidence in a focused, organized manner and address any procedural or factual defenses that may arise. Throughout the process, they remain available to answer questions and provide candid assessments so you can make informed decisions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 11 favorable outcomes in New Kent County across all practice areas; Results may vary. And prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings firsthand criminal‑court experience to family law enforcement actions, where contempt penalties can include jail time. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris’s Of Counsel team works alongside him on custody enforcement cases in New Kent County and throughout Virginia. Each Of Counsel attorney is engaged through Excella and brings focused trial and negotiation experience to the table. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. They are supported by a professional staff and by the firm’s Richmond Location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225—which serves clients in New Kent and the surrounding communities. Call (888) 437‑7747 or the Richmond Location at (804) 201‑9009 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if the other parent violates our custody order in New Kent County?
You can ask the court to enforce the order. In New Kent County, enforcement is typically handled by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court if custody is not part of an ongoing divorce. If it is part of a divorce, the Circuit Court may retain jurisdiction. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you file a motion for enforcement, present evidence of the violation, and seek a court order that compels compliance. Possible remedies include makeup visitation time, a change in the custody arrangement, or a finding of contempt.
How does a custody enforcement hearing work in New Kent County?
Once a motion is filed, the court schedules a hearing where both parents can present their side. You should bring any records that demonstrate the violation—text messages, emails, school attendance logs, or witness testimony. The judge will consider whether the order was violated and, if so, what remedy best serves the child’s interests. Our firm can guide you through the process and represent you at the hearing. Because each judge’s calendar differs, the timeline varies; the court sets the hearing date based on its schedule.
Do I need a lawyer to enforce a custody order in New Kent County?
You are not legally required to have an attorney, but enforcement hearings involve rules of evidence and procedure that can be difficult to manage alone. A lawyer familiar with New Kent County courts can help you gather the right evidence, anticipate the other parent’s arguments, and present a clear narrative to the judge. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience with custody enforcement matters in Virginia and can help you pursue a favorable resolution.
What happens if a parent is found in contempt in Virginia?
If the court finds a parent in contempt for willfully disobeying a custody order, it may impose sanctions that can include fines, a jail sentence, or both. The court may also grant the other parent additional visitation time or modify the custody arrangement to better serve the child’s best interests. The specific penalty depends on the nature and severity of the violation and the child’s needs. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How can I enforce a custody order from another state in New Kent County?
If you have a custody order from another state and the child now lives in New Kent County, you may petition the local court to domesticate and enforce the order. Virginia courts generally recognize valid out‑of‑state orders under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). Our firm can help you register the foreign order in Virginia and seek enforcement in New Kent County’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court or Circuit Court, depending on the circumstances.
Fairfax County family law representation ·
Prince William County family law representation ·
Manassas family law representation ·
Falls Church family law representation ·
Fairfax City family law representation
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.