Henrico County Parenting Time Lawyer — Protecting Your Time with Your Child
Parenting time, also known as visitation, is a critical right for non-custodial parents in Henrico County. A parenting time lawyer Henrico County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you establish, modify, or enforce a fair schedule under Virginia law. Our firm has 21 documented case results in Henrico County family law matters. We provide full representation to protect your relationship with your child.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Parenting Time and Visitation
In Virginia, parenting time is governed by the “best interests of the child” standard outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers ten specific factors, including the child’s age and needs, each parent’s role in the child’s life, and the child’s reasonable preference. Parenting time is distinct from legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). A non-custodial parent typically has a right to reasonable visitation unless it would harm the child’s welfare. The court’s primary goal is to support a continuing relationship with both parents when safe and appropriate.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s custody and visitation statutes, visit the Virginia Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly site). For local court procedures and forms, refer to the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court website.
Local Process for Parenting Time in Henrico County
Parenting time cases in Henrico County are filed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (J&DR Court) located at 4301 East Parham Road. The court strongly encourages parents to develop a mutually agreeable parenting plan outside of court. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court will establish a schedule after considering the statutory factors. The process often involves a custody evaluation or the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem to represent the child’s interests.
- Consult with a parenting time lawyer Henrico County to evaluate your case and goals.
- Attempt to negotiate a parenting plan and visitation schedule with the other parent or their attorney.
- If negotiation fails, file a Petition for Custody, Visitation, and Support with the Henrico J&DR Court.
- Attend any court-ordered mediation or custody evaluation sessions.
- Present your proposed parenting time schedule and supporting evidence at a hearing.
- Obtain the court’s final order detailing the specific parenting time arrangement.
In Henrico County, a court-ordered parenting time schedule is legally enforceable, and violations can lead to contempt proceedings.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Typical Outcome | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establishing Parenting Time | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Court-ordered schedule | Contempt of court |
| Modifying Parenting Time | Material change in circumstances | Amended court order | File petition to modify |
| Denial of Visitation | Interference with court order | Make-up time, sanctions | Contempt motion |
| Long-Distance Parenting | Extended summer/holiday time | Detailed long-distance plan | Specific order provisions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Parenting Time Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand that a parenting time lawyer Henrico County must be both a strong advocate and a practical advisor. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep commitment to shaping family law in the Commonwealth. Our approach is to seek cooperative solutions when possible but to litigate effectively when necessary to protect your parental rights.
Case Results and Client Focus
Our firm has 21 documented case results in Henrico County across all practice areas. In family law, we work to achieve favorable outcomes such as establishing fair parenting time schedules, modifying existing orders due to relocation or changed circumstances, and enforcing visitation rights when the other parent interferes. Every case is unique, and we develop a case-specific strategy for your situation.
Contact Our Henrico County Parenting Time Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves Henrico County clients. We are approximately 15 minutes from the Henrico County J&DR Court, accessible via I-64 and I-295.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment.
By appointment only.
We serve parents in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. Contact a parenting time lawyer Henrico County near you for a 24/7 phone consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is parenting time different from custody in Virginia?
Yes, they are distinct. Legal custody involves major decision-making for the child. Physical custody determines where the child lives. Parenting time (visitation) is the schedule for the non-custodial parent to spend time with the child. All are decided based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Can a parenting plan be modified in Henrico County?
It depends. You must show a material change in circumstances affecting the child’s welfare since the last order. Common reasons include a parent’s relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or repeated denial of visitation. You must file a petition to modify in the Henrico County J&DR Court.
What happens if the other parent denies my court-ordered visitation?
You can file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause (contempt) in the Henrico J&DR Court. The court can order make-up visitation time, impose fines, or in severe cases, modify custody. Documenting each denial is crucial. A visitation schedule lawyer Henrico County can help you enforce your order.
Do I need a lawyer to create a parenting plan?
No, but it is highly recommended. A parenting plan lawyer Henrico County ensures the agreement is full, legally sound, and addresses future contingencies like holidays, communication, and dispute resolution. A poorly drafted plan can lead to more conflict and court filings later.
How does the court decide a parenting time schedule?
The court applies the ten “best interests” factors in Va. Code § 20-124.3. This includes the child’s age and needs, each parent’s ability to meet those needs, the child’s relationships with siblings, and any history of family abuse. The child’s reasonable preference may also be considered.
Related Pages: For other legal services in the area, see our Henrico County criminal defense lawyer page or our Henrico County DUI lawyer page. For a broader view of our family law practice, visit our Virginia family law hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how a Henrico County case fits into the wider process, our page on parenting time lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.