Parenting Time Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

Parenting time—often called visitation—governs when and how a child spends time with each parent. In Virginia Beach, child custody and parenting time matters are determined under the trusted-interest-of-the-child standard set out in Virginia Code § 20-124.3. Whether the parenting time plan is part of a divorce proceeding in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court or a standalone custody matter in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, having an experienced legal team helps protect your relationship with your child. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., handles parenting time and custody cases for families throughout the Virginia Beach area. To discuss your situation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Parenting Time Means in Virginia Beach

Parenting time covers the schedule that governs which parent the child lives with and when, as well as holiday arrangements, school breaks, and transportation. Under Virginia law, all parenting time decisions must serve the child’s best interests. The court weighs the ten statutory factors listed in Va. Code § 20-124.3, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, the parents’ willingness to support a relationship with the other parent, and any history of family abuse.

Virginia Beach family law matters involving parenting time fall within two courts. If the parenting time request is part of a divorce, it goes to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. When custody and visitation are sought separate from a divorce—for example, by unmarried parents or after a separation without a pending divorce—the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court has authority. Both courts sit at the Virginia Beach Judicial Center located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Mr. Sris appears regularly in both courts and understands their local procedures. While the firm’s Richmond location serves clients in Virginia Beach, the team handles filing deadlines, court appearances, and negotiations on behalf of parents across the Hampton Roads region.

How Mr. Sris Handles Parenting Time Cases

Every parenting time case is shaped by the particular family dynamics, the ages of the children, and any existing court orders. Mr. Sris begins by gathering the facts: the current caregiving arrangements, each parent’s work schedule, the child’s school and activity calendar, and any concerns about safety or parent-child relationships. The goal is to develop a parenting plan that is practical and protective of the child’s well‑being while protecting parental rights.

If the parents can agree, the attorneys prepare a proposed parenting time schedule and incorporate it into a consent order. When disagreement persists, Mr. Sris represents clients in mediation and, if necessary, litigates the issue before the court. A contested hearing may involve testimony from the parents, other family members, teachers, or a guardian ad litem appointed by the court. Because the court’s focus is the child’s best interests, presenting clear, evidence‑based arguments is important. Throughout the process, clients are kept informed so they can make thoughtful decisions about their family’s future.

About Mr. Sris

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar | Maryland Judiciary | DC Bar | NJ Courts | NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a court decide parenting time in Virginia Beach?

A Virginia Beach court determines parenting time based on what serves the child’s best interests, using the factors listed in Virginia Code § 20-124.3. Those factors include the child’s age and health, the relationship between the child and each parent, each parent’s willingness to support a continuing relationship with the other parent, and any history of abuse. The judge may also hear from a guardian ad litem appointed to represent the child’s interests. Because Virginia does not automatically award equal parenting time, the outcome depends heavily on the specific facts of each family.

Can parenting time orders be changed after they are entered?

Yes, a Virginia court may modify a parenting time order if there has been a material change in circumstances and the change is in the child’s best interests. Common reasons for a modification include a parent’s relocation, a change in the child’s school or activity schedule, concerns about a parent’s fitness, or the child’s own expressed preferences if the child is of suitable age and maturity. The parent requesting the change must show that the new arrangement better serves the child’s needs. Mr. Sris helps parents evaluate whether a modification is warranted and, if so, prepares the necessary motion and evidence.

What can I do if the other parent is not following the parenting time order?

If a parent violates a court‑ordered parenting time schedule, the other parent can file a motion for enforcement or, in some cases, a rule to show cause with the court. The judge may order make‑up parenting time, require the non‑complying parent to pay the other parent’s attorney fees, or impose other sanctions. Before going to court, many families try to resolve the problem through communication or mediation. Mr. Sris discusses enforcement options and helps clients decide the most effective approach for their situation.

How does a parent’s relocation affect parenting time in Virginia?

Virginia Code § 20-124.5 requires a parent who intends to relocate to give at least 30 days’ written notice to the court and the other parent if a custody or visitation order is in place. The notice allows the other parent to object and, if necessary, ask the court to adjust the parenting time schedule. A move—especially one that places significant distance between the parents—often leads to a contested hearing because it affects the child’s access to both parents. The court reassesses the trusted‑interest factors with the relocation in mind. Because these proceedings can be complex, consulting an experienced lawyer early is advisable.

Does Virginia favor joint physical custody for parenting time?

Virginia law does not presume that joint physical custody is in a child’s best interests; the court decides parenting time on a case‑by‑case basis using the ten statutory factors. While many courts encourage arrangements that provide meaningful contact with both parents, a judge may award one parent primary physical custody with the other parent receiving a defined visitation schedule if that best serves the child. The parties can also agree to a joint‑custody plan and submit it for court approval. Mr. Sris works with parents to craft a parenting time arrangement that is realistic for the family and protective of the parent‑child bond.

Do I need a lawyer for a parenting time dispute in Virginia Beach?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but parenting time cases involve procedural rules, evidentiary requirements, and statutory factors that can be difficult to navigate alone. An attorney can help you gather the right documentation, prepare witnesses, and present your side persuasively. Because parenting time orders affect day‑to‑day life with your child and can be hard to change later, having legal guidance often makes a meaningful difference. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris at (888) 437-7747.

Outbound primary-source authority: Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) | Virginia Judicial System

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