How much does it cost to hire James for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does James offer a free consultation?

James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Virginia typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can James take my case if I'm outside Portsmouth?

James is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with James?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is James accepting new child custody clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James Kevin Collins, Child Custody Attorney in Portsmouth, Virginia

Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Portsmouth, VA

Practicing child custody in Portsmouth since 1992.

34+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense Family Law Litigation Personal Injury +1 more →

Are you James Kevin Collins?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

James Kevin Collins is an attorney based in Portsmouth, VA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense. James has over 34 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Portsmouth, VA
Experience: over 34 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Criminal Defense

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense matters from Portsmouth, VA.
Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on child custody, child support, criminal defense, family law, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Portsmouth, Virginia

James takes child custody matters in Portsmouth, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Portsmouth, Virginia

James takes child support matters in Portsmouth, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Portsmouth, Virginia

James takes criminal defense matters in Portsmouth, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Portsmouth, Virginia

James takes family law matters in Portsmouth, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Portsmouth, Virginia

James takes litigation matters in Portsmouth, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet James Kevin Collins — child custody lawyer in Portsmouth

James Kevin Collins is a lawyer practicing criminal law, domestic relations law, personal injury and 4 other areas of law. James received a B.B.A. degree from James Madison University in 1986, and has been licensed for 34 years. James practices in Portsmouth, VA.

James's approach to child custody cases

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and criminal defense matters in Portsmouth and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

T.C. Williams School of Law
J.D. · 1992
James Madison University
B.B.A. · 1986

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Virginia
1992 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in T.C. Williams School of Law and B.B.A. in James Madison University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in T.C. Williams School of Law and B.B.A. in James Madison University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

James Kevin Collins's office in Portsmouth

James's primary office is at 5709 Churchland Blvd Ste A, Portsmouth, VA, 23703-3314. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

5709 Churchland Blvd Ste A

Portsmouth, VA 23703-3314

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James Kevin Collins — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Portsmouth.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Kevin Collins claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire James Kevin Collins — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Portsmouth, Virginia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James

James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Kevin Collins

How much does it cost to hire James for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Portsmouth?
James is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new child custody clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Portsmouth, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia

James handles child custody matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Portsmouth handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.