In Chesterfield County, temporary custody orders are decided under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A Temporary Custody Lawyer Chesterfield County can help you file a motion for pendente lite custody.
Understanding Temporary Custody in Chesterfield County
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines temporary custody as a short-term arrangement ordered by the court while a divorce or custody case is pending. Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, the court considers 10 factors to determine the best interests of the child. A Temporary Custody Lawyer Chesterfield County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can guide you through this process. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
For temporary custody specifically, the court applies Va. Code § 20-124.3 (best interests factors) and § 20-103 (pendente lite relief). Temporary custody is distinct from permanent custody — it is a provisional order that remains in effect until a final hearing or further court order.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-124.3 (best interests factors) and Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Temporary Custody in Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone temporary custody motions. The court typically schedules pendente lite hearings within 21-60 days of filing. Judges in Chesterfield County expect both parents to submit sworn affidavits detailing their proposed parenting schedule.
- File a motion for pendente lite custody at Chesterfield County J&DR Court (9500 Courthouse Road).
- Submit a sworn affidavit detailing your proposed temporary custody schedule.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of filing.
- Present evidence of your role as primary caregiver and the child’s established routine.
- Obtain a temporary custody order that remains in effect until final resolution.
In Chesterfield County, temporary custody is not a penalty but a court-ordered arrangement. Violating a temporary custody order can result in contempt of court.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violation of Custody Order | Contempt of Court | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible modification of custody; attorney fees |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Temporary Custody Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential that demonstrates deep understanding of Virginia family law. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
Case Results in Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesterfield County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include: Possession of Marijuana (Va. Code § 18.2-250.1) — Nolle Prosequi in Chesterfield General District Court; Possession of Marijuana — reduced to Unauthorized Distribution of Controlled Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of Marijuana — amended to Paraphernalia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Chesterfield County Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). The office is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Looking for a temporary custody lawyer near me Chesterfield County? Our firm serves Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
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 Temporary Custody in Chesterfield County
How long does a temporary custody order last in Chesterfield County?
It depends. A temporary custody order remains in effect until the court issues a final custody order, modifies the temporary order, or the case is dismissed. Typically, temporary orders last 2-6 months while the case progresses toward final resolution.
Can I get temporary custody without the other parent’s consent in Chesterfield County?
Yes. You can file a motion for pendente lite custody without the other parent’s consent. The court will schedule a hearing where both parents present evidence. The judge decides based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
What factors does the Chesterfield County court consider for temporary custody?
The court considers 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s age and needs, any history of abuse, and each parent’s ability to provide stability.
How much does a temporary custody case cost in Chesterfield County?
Circuit Court filing fee for a custody motion is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). An affordable temporary custody lawyer Chesterfield County can discuss fee structures.
What happens if the other parent violates a temporary custody order?
The court can hold the violating parent in contempt, which carries penalties including up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $2,500. The court may also modify the custody order in favor of the compliant parent.
Learn more about our Virginia Family Law services. For neighboring localities, see our Henrico County family law lawyer or Colonial Heights family law lawyer. For other practice areas in Chesterfield County, visit our Chesterfield County 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 current guidance.