Parenting Time Lawyer New Kent County, VA

When parents separate or divorce, establishing a clear parenting time arrangement is central to protecting a child’s stability. In New Kent County, Virginia, parenting time—often called visitation—is determined by the best interests of the child under Virginia Code § 20-124.3. Whether a parenting time schedule is being set for the first time or a parent seeks to modify an existing order, the proceeding takes place in the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court when a divorce is not pending, or as part of a divorce action in the New Kent County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear in these courts and work with parents throughout New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton to craft parenting plans that meet statutory requirements. Because parenting time disputes involve not only legal arguments but practical logistics—school calendars, holidays, travel between homes—courts expect orders grounded in concrete, realistic schedules. For a consultation about parenting time in New Kent County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Parenting Time Means in New Kent County

Parenting time is the legal term for the schedule that allocates when each parent has the child in their care. In Virginia, courts do not use the term “custody” to refer to time-sharing in isolation; instead, the judge sets physical custody and legal custody, and then determines a parenting time schedule consistent with the trusted-interests factors found in Va. Code § 20-124.3. Those ten factors include the child’s age and needs, the relationship each parent has with the child, each parent’s willingness to support the other’s contact with the child, and any history of family abuse. The New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hears standalone custody and visitation petitions, while the Circuit Court addresses parenting time within divorce and equitable distribution cases.

New Kent County lies along the I-64 corridor between Richmond and Williamsburg, which means that parenting time schedules often need to account for commutes to Richmond for school or employment. The Richmond Location of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Regularly represents clients at the county courthouse at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Because every family’s circumstances differ, the court will evaluate whether a proposed schedule—such as alternating weekends, weekday overnights, or a summer-break division—serves the child’s developmental and emotional needs. Parents who can agree on a written parenting plan and file it as a consent order often reduce the time and expense required to resolve a dispute, though contested hearings remain available when agreement is not possible.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Parenting Time Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach parenting time matters by first focusing on the child’s day-to-day routine and the parents’ ability to cooperate. They gather information about each parent’s work schedule, the child’s school and extracurricular commitments, and any concerns about communication between the households. When both parents are willing to negotiate, the team assists in drafting a parenting plan that addresses the statutory factors and can be presented to the court for approval. If mediation or settlement proves unsuccessful, the litigation process moves forward with a focus on presenting evidence that speaks to the child’s best interests—testimony from teachers, counselors, or guardians ad litem when appointed by the court.

The timeline for resolving a parenting time case in New Kent County depends on whether the matter is contested and the court’s calendar. An uncontested case with a signed parenting plan may wrap up more quickly, while a highly contested dispute involving a custody evaluation or a change in circumstances can take longer. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to keep the focus on the child’s welfare rather than on parental conflict. They appear at hearings prepared to address the judge’s questions about the logistics of the proposed schedule and to cross-examine witnesses when necessary. The goal in every matter is to obtain an order that is stable, enforceable, and tailored to the family’s real-life circumstances. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since the firm was founded in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His practice concentrates on helping parents navigate custody and visitation proceedings with clear, practical advice. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to parenting time cases. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel team includes attorneys with substantial litigation backgrounds who appear in New Kent County courts alongside Mr. Sris. Together, they work on matters ranging from initial parenting plans to contested modification and enforcement actions. Every parenting time case is handled with attention to the specific logistics of the family, because a schedule that looks reasonable on paper can be unworkable without consideration of school districts, transportation, and holiday commitments. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients from its Richmond Location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225, and the firm can be reached at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is parenting time decided in New Kent County, Virginia?

Parenting time is decided using the trusted-interests-of-the-child factors listed in Virginia Code § 20-124.3. The judge evaluates information about each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and any history of abuse. The court may consider a guardian ad litem report if one is appointed. Parents can present their own proposed schedules and supporting evidence. If the parents agree on a plan, the court will generally approve it as long as it reflects the child’s welfare. For a contested case, the judge decides based on the evidence presented at a hearing.

Can a parenting time order be modified in New Kent County?

Yes, a parent can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances since the last order. A job relocation, change in the child’s school schedule, or a parent’s significant change in availability can justify a modification. The parent seeking the change must file a motion with the court that issued the original order—either the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court or the Circuit Court. The court will review whether the change serves the child’s best interests before altering the schedule.

What if one parent refuses to follow the parenting time order?

A parent who willfully violates a court-ordered parenting time schedule may face enforcement or contempt proceedings. The aggrieved parent can file a rule to show cause, asking the court to order the other parent to comply. Possible consequences include makeup time with the child, attorney’s fees, or, in severe cases, a change in custody. Contact a parenting time attorney to discuss the specific circumstances of a violation. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does relocation affect parenting time in Virginia?

A parent who intends to move must give the other parent and the court at least 30 days’ advance written notice under Virginia Code § 20-124.5. The court will evaluate whether the relocation requires a change to the parenting time order. If the move significantly impacts the existing schedule, the court may modify the arrangement to maintain the child’s relationship with both parents. The parent seeking to relocate bears the burden of showing that the move is in the child’s best interests.

Do I need a lawyer for a parenting time case in New Kent County?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but working with an experienced attorney can help you present a schedule grounded in the statutory factors. Parenting time proceedings involve rules of evidence and procedure that can be difficult to manage without legal training. An attorney can draft a parenting plan that addresses logistics the court expects to see, advocate for your position at trial, and help enforce the order later if needed. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I bring to a consultation about parenting time?

Bring a copy of any existing court orders, a proposed schedule outlining your availability, and notes about the child’s daily routine. Also include school calendars, extracurricular schedules, and any communications with the other parent about visitation. If a guardian ad litem has been appointed, provide that individual’s report. The more detailed the information, the better your attorney can evaluate whether a proposed plan is likely to be accepted by the court. To discuss the details of your matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Fairfax County family law |
Prince William County family law |
Manassas family law

Virginia Code Title 20: Virginia Domestic Relations Code |
New Kent County Circuit Court: New Kent County Circuit Court |
Virginia Judicial System: Virginia Courts

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