Fairfax Parenting Time Lawyer — Protecting Your Time with Your Child
Parenting time, also called visitation, is a critical part of any custody case in Fairfax County. Virginia law requires a detailed parenting plan that outlines a schedule for each parent’s time with the child. A Fairfax parenting time lawyer from SRIS, P.C. can help you negotiate or litigate a schedule that serves your child’s best interests.
Virginia Law on Parenting Time and Custody
Virginia law uses the “best interests of the child” standard to determine all custody and visitation matters. The court considers factors outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3, including the child’s age and needs, each parent’s role in the child’s life, and the child’s relationship with each parent. Parenting time is a component of legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where the child lives). A formal parenting plan or visitation schedule is required by the court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statutes on custody and visitation, refer to the Virginia Code, Title 20, Chapter 6.1. The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court website provides local forms and procedural information.
Developing a Parenting Plan in Fairfax County
Creating a workable parenting schedule requires careful consideration of school calendars, work hours, and the child’s extracurricular activities. In Fairfax County, the court strongly encourages parents to develop their own detailed parenting plan. If parents cannot agree, the court will impose a schedule based on the statutory factors. A skilled parenting plan lawyer Virginia can help you draft a proposal that is both realistic and protective of your parental rights.
- Initial Consultation: Meet with a parenting time lawyer to discuss your goals, your child’s needs, and the specifics of your family situation.
- Information Gathering: Your attorney will help document your child’s schedule, school information, medical needs, and your work commitments.
- Negotiation or Mediation: Your lawyer will attempt to negotiate a schedule with the other parent or their counsel. Fairfax courts may require mediation before a hearing.
- Drafting the Plan: A formal parenting plan is drafted, specifying holidays, school breaks, weekdays, weekends, and procedures for communication and changes.
- Court Submission or Agreement: The agreed-upon plan is submitted to the court for approval as part of a final order. If no agreement is reached, your attorney prepares for a contested hearing.
- Hearing and Order: At a hearing, your lawyer presents evidence supporting your proposed visitation schedule. The judge issues a final custody and parenting time order.
Why a Detailed Visitation Schedule Matters
In Fairfax County, a vague parenting order often leads to future conflict and enforcement actions. A precise visitation schedule lawyer Virginia can craft a plan that minimizes disputes.
A clear schedule addresses:
- Regular Weekly Time: Specifies which days/nights the child is with each parent.
- Holiday and Vacation Rotation: Details time for major holidays, school breaks, and summer vacation.
- Communication: Outlines methods and frequency for phone/video calls when the child is with the other parent.
- Transportation and Exchange: Defines location, time, and responsibility for transferring the child.
- Decision-Making Protocols: Clarifies how parents will consult on major decisions affecting the child’s health, education, and welfare.
Firm Authority and Experience
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. Mr. Sris personally played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep commitment to shaping family law in the Commonwealth. We have a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Case Results in Family Law
Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in numerous parenting time and custody matters across Virginia. For example, we have secured favorable schedules for non-custodial parents seeking expanded visitation and have defended custodial parents against unreasonable modification requests. Our collaborative approach with Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, ensures each case benefits from decades of strategic insight.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Fairfax Parenting Time Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Phones answered 24/7/365. Office meetings by appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Fairfax County, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, and surrounding communities. We are accessible via I-66, Route 50, and the Fairfax County Parkway. Serving neighborhoods including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, and Annandale.
If you need a parenting time lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse or J&DR Court, contact us for a consultation.
Parenting Time & Visitation FAQs
How is parenting time decided in Virginia?
It depends. The court decides based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. If parents agree on a schedule, the court usually approves it. If they disagree, the judge will order a schedule after considering factors like each parent’s relationship with the child and their ability to cooperate.
Can a parenting time schedule be changed?
Yes. You can file a petition to modify custody or visitation in the court that issued the original order. You must show a material change in circumstances affecting the child’s welfare since the last order. A parenting plan lawyer Virginia can advise if your situation meets this legal standard.
What if the other parent denies my court-ordered visitation?
You can file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause for contempt of court. The court can enforce the order and may impose penalties on the non-compliant parent, including make-up time, fines, or even jail. An experienced visitation schedule lawyer Virginia can guide you through the enforcement process.
Do grandparents have rights to visitation in Virginia?
Yes, under specific conditions. Va. Code § 20-124.2 allows grandparents to petition for visitation if it is in the child’s best interests and one of several conditions is met, such as the death or severe incapacity of a parent, or if the child lived with the grandparent for a year or more.
How much does a parenting time lawyer cost?
Costs vary based on case complexity, whether it is contested, and the attorney’s experience. Many family law attorneys, including those at SRIS, P.C., charge an hourly rate. An initial consultation can provide a clearer estimate for your specific situation.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist with related matters like divorce in Henrico County and domestic violence cases in Fairfax.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your parenting time case.