Parenting Time Lawyer Virginia, VA
When parents live apart, determining where a child will be and when is one of the most important decisions a Virginia court will make. Parenting time (often called visitation) affects a child’s daily routines, schooling, holidays, and long-term relationship with each parent. The issue can arise in a divorce, a custody case filed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, or a post-decree modification. Virginia courts decide parenting time based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20‑124.3, which lists ten factors the judge must consider. The process can feel unfamiliar, but an experienced Virginia family law attorney can help you present your position clearly. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have worked with parents across Virginia since 1997 to craft parenting time arrangements that reflect each family’s circumstances. If you need guidance on a parenting time matter, contact our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Parenting Time Means in Virginia
In Virginia, parenting time refers to the schedule and terms under which a non‑custodial parent (or, in joint‑custody arrangements, both parents) spends time with a child. It is a subset of the broader custody determination governed by Title 20 of the Virginia Code. The court’s guiding principle is the best interests of the child, and the judge weighs the ten statutory factors in Va. Code § 20‑124.3, which include the child’s age and physical and mental condition, each parent’s age and condition, the relationship between the child and each parent, the child’s need for stability, each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, any history of family abuse, and other factors the court finds relevant. Parenting time decisions are fact‑intensive; no two families are alike, and the judge has broad discretion to fashion an arrangement that works for the specific children and parents involved.
Virginia courts handle parenting time in two main procedural settings. When parents are married and filing for divorce, the Circuit Court addresses parenting time together with custody, support, and equitable distribution. If the parents are unmarried, or if a custody or visitation dispute arises outside a divorce, matters are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) District Court. The J&DR court also handles enforcement of existing parenting time orders. A parent who believes the other parent is violating a court‑ordered schedule can file a show cause or enforcement motion. Because each court has its own local practices, working with a lawyer who regularly appears in Virginia courts helps ensure your case moves forward efficiently. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled parenting time matters in courts across the Commonwealth, from Fairfax County to Richmond to the Shenandoah Valley.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Parenting Time Cases
Parenting time disputes often require a combination of negotiation, motion practice, and, when necessary, courtroom advocacy. The team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. First works to understand your goals, your child’s needs, and the practical realities of your family’s schedule. In many cases, a mutually agreeable parenting plan can be reached through communication between counsel, avoiding the expense and delay of a contested hearing. When agreement is not possible, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare a thorough presentation of the evidence — including witness testimony, school records, and other documentation — that shows the court why a proposed schedule serves the child’s best interests.
Virginia law strongly favors a child’s continuing and ongoing contact with both parents unless there is evidence of abuse, neglect, or other circumstances that would endanger the child. Our attorneys work to ensure that the court sees the full picture of each parent’s involvement and the child’s well‑being. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to bear on both the negotiation and the litigation phases. Every case is different; the timeline for resolving a parenting time dispute varies based on the court’s calendar, the willingness of the parties to cooperate, and the complexity of the issues. We keep you informed at each stage so you can make decisions confidently.
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. He is a former prosecutor who brings that courtroom perspective to family law matters. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that addressed equitable distribution procedures in Virginia divorce cases. His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with additional backgrounds that strengthen the firm’s ability to handle the full range of issues that can intersect with parenting time — including criminal matters, DUI, and child welfare. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.
The firm’s attorneys are admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. For parents in Virginia, this means you have access to a multi‑state team that understands the interplay of Virginia law with cases that may involve out‑of‑state parties. We practice regularly in the Circuit Courts and J&DR Courts across Virginia, including Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Richmond, and many other localities. To discuss your parenting time concerns, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time?
Legal custody is the right to make major decisions for a child; physical custody identifies where the child lives; and parenting time sets the schedule for when the child spends time with each parent. In Virginia, the court can order sole or joint legal custody, and sole or joint physical custody. Parenting time (visitation) is the practical calendar that flows from the physical custody arrangement. A parent who does not have primary physical custody typically receives a specific parenting time schedule that may include weekends, holidays, and summer blocks, all designed to serve the child’s best interests.
How does a Virginia judge decide a parenting time schedule?
The judge applies the ten best‑interest factors in Va. Code § 20‑124.3 and creates a schedule that promotes the child’s welfare. The court examines each factor — the child’s age, health, relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to care for the child, and any history of abuse, among others — before issuing an order. The schedule is not a one‑size‑fits‑all template; it reflects the specific facts of the family. If parents agree on a schedule, the judge will often approve it unless it conflicts with the child’s best interests.
Can a parenting time order be modified after it is issued?
Yes, a Virginia court can modify a parenting time order if there has been a material change in circumstances and the modification serves the child’s best interests. A change in a parent’s work schedule, a relocation, the child’s changing needs, or concerns about a parent’s conduct can all support a modification. The parent seeking the change must file a motion in the court that issued the existing order. The process involves presenting evidence to show why the current schedule is no longer workable and how the proposed new schedule better meets the child’s needs.
What should I do if the other parent is not following the parenting time order?
You can ask the court to enforce the existing order through a rule to show cause or an enforcement motion. Document each missed visit or violation, keep a written log, and bring that information to your attorney. The court may order make‑up parenting time, impose sanctions, or modify the order to better ensure compliance. In serious cases, the court may hold the violating parent in contempt. Prompt action is important because a pattern of disregard can affect future custody rulings.
Do I need a lawyer for a parenting time case in Virginia?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but an attorney can help you navigate the procedural rules and present your evidence effectively. Parenting time disputes often involve emotional decisions that can have long‑term effects on your child. An experienced Virginia family law lawyer can negotiate with the other side, prepare the appropriate court filings, and advocate for you at a hearing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team can evaluate your situation and help you decide the trusted path forward.
How long does it take to get a parenting time order in Virginia?
The time to obtain a parenting time order varies depending on whether the case is contested and the court’s docket. In a divorce action where both parents agree on a schedule, an order can be included in the final decree once all other issues are resolved. In a contested J&DR matter, the case will be scheduled for a hearing based on the court’s calendar; some motions for temporary relief are heard more quickly. Because every family’s situation is different, the trusted way to get a realistic estimate is to discuss your case with an attorney familiar with the local court.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Learn more about Virginia family law representation:
Fairfax County Family Law ·
Prince William County Family Law ·
Loudoun County Family Law ·
Richmond Family Law
Official Virginia resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 ·
Virginia Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts ·
Virginia Judicial System
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Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.