Parenting Time Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
You’re a parent in Virginia Beach. You work hard to be part of your child’s life, but the other parent is not cooperating. Maybe you’re separating, or maybe a custody order already exists but the schedule isn’t working. You know that a fair parenting time arrangement is essential for your child’s stability. You need a lawyer who understands how the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and the Circuit Court decide these cases—someone who can advocate for your role in your child’s upbringing. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents parents in Virginia Beach who are navigating parenting time disputes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Options for Resolving Parenting Time Disputes in Virginia Beach
Every family’s situation is unique. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with you to evaluate which approach fits your circumstances and goals.
When both parents can communicate, a written parenting plan or settlement agreement often resolves the matter without a contested hearing. The Virginia Beach courts recognize agreements that are in the child’s best interests. If negotiation stalls, mediation can help parents reach a mutually acceptable schedule. Virginia courts do not require mediation in all cases, but many judges encourage it before setting a trial date.
When an agreement is not possible—whether because of high conflict, relocation, or concerns about a parent’s fitness—litigation may be necessary. In those cases, we present a clear picture of your relationship with your child and the statutory factors the court must weigh under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
What to Expect When You Seek a Parenting Time Order
The process typically begins when one parent files a petition for custody or visitation in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. If the parents are already in a divorce case in the Circuit Court, parenting time is addressed as part of that proceeding.
After the petition is filed and the other parent is served, the court may schedule a preliminary hearing to set a temporary schedule while the case is pending. The court may order a custody evaluation or appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests. The final hearing focuses on the ten best-interests factors listed in Va. Code § 20-124.3, including the child’s relationship with each parent, the parents’ willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any history of family abuse.
The judge has broad discretion to craft a schedule that serves the child’s needs. It is important to present your position clearly and with reliable evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience in Virginia Beach courts and can guide you through each stage of the process.
Enforcement and Modification of Parenting Time Orders
When one parent violates a parenting time order, the other parent may seek enforcement through the court. The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court can impose remedies such as make-up visitation, fines, or, in serious cases, a change in custody.
If circumstances change—for example, a parent relocates, a child’s needs evolve, or one parent consistently ignores the schedule—either parent may petition for a modification. The court will again apply the trusted-interests standard. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help parents enforce existing orders or seek modifications when necessary.
How Our Attorneys Handle Parenting Time Cases
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His experience includes complex family law matters, and he works alongside a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring additional litigation and negotiation experience.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. When you retain our firm, you gain the benefit of a multi-state practice that has served clients since 1997. We represent parents in Virginia Beach from our Richmond location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Time in Virginia Beach
What factors does the Virginia Beach court consider when deciding parenting time?
The court considers the ten statutory best-interests factors listed in Va. Code § 20-124.3, including the child’s relationship with each parent and any history of family abuse. The judge also evaluates each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, the child’s needs, and the role each parent has played in the child’s life. The court may hear testimony and review evidence before issuing an order.
Can I modify an existing parenting time order if the other parent is not following it?
Yes, you can petition the court for enforcement or modification of a parenting time order if circumstances have materially changed. If one parent consistently denies visitation, the court may award make-up time, impose fines, or modify custody. An experienced attorney can help you document violations and present a strong case for modification.
Do I need to go to court to get a parenting time schedule in Virginia Beach?
Not necessarily—parents who agree on a schedule can submit a written parenting plan for court approval without a contested hearing. If both parents sign a settlement agreement and the judge finds it in the child’s best interests, the court will incorporate it into an order. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to a hearing.
What is the difference between custody and parenting time in Virginia?
Custody refers to legal decision-making authority and physical care, while parenting time (visitation) refers to the schedule during which a parent is with the child. A parent may have joint legal custody but limited physical custody. Virginia courts encourage frequent and continuing contact with both parents unless it is contrary to the child’s best interests.
How does the court handle parenting time when one parent lives far away?
When a parent lives outside the Hampton Roads area, the court crafts a schedule that accounts for travel, school calendars, and the child’s age. Long-distance parenting plans often include extended summer and holiday visitation, as well as regular video calls. The court may also consider transportation costs and require the relocating parent to bear them.
What should I bring to my initial consultation with a parenting time lawyer?
Bring any existing court orders, your child’s school and medical schedules, and a log of any denied visitation or communication issues. This information helps your attorney understand the current arrangement and the problems you face. To discuss your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Speak With a Parenting Time Lawyer in Virginia Beach, VA
If you are dealing with a parenting time dispute in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, or any of the surrounding communities, our firm is prepared to help. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and the Circuit Court. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
For a full statutory analysis of Virginia parenting time laws, visit our comprehensive guide at srislawyer.com.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.