Parenting Time Lawyer New Kent County, VA
When parents in New Kent County separate or divorce, the question of how they share time with their children becomes a central concern. Parenting time—often called visitation—refers to the schedule and arrangements that allow each parent to maintain a meaningful relationship with their child. Virginia courts resolve parenting time disputes at the New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124, or as part of a divorce action in the New Kent County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent mothers and fathers throughout New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton who need help developing, modifying, or enforcing a parenting time order. To discuss your family’s situation, 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
Virginia law does not use the term “custody” to the exclusion of “visitation”; instead, the statutory framework under Title 20 of the Virginia Code addresses both legal and physical custody and sets out the factors a judge must weigh when deciding how parenting time should be allocated. The best interests of the child standard governs every parenting time decision. Va. Code § 20-124.3 lists ten factors the court must consider, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s physical and emotional needs, the role each parent has played in the child’s upbringing, any history of family abuse, and the reasonable preference of a child of sufficient maturity. The judge has broad discretion to fashion a schedule that serves the child’s well-being.
Parenting time proceedings in New Kent County are heard in the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court when they arise outside of a divorce, or in the Circuit Court when they are part of a pending divorce or equitable distribution matter. The J&DR Court handles temporary and permanent custody, visitation, support, and protective orders. The court is part of the Ninth Judicial District, and hearings are conducted at the combined courthouse on Courthouse Circle. Parents may appear on their own, but many choose to work with an attorney because the procedural requirements—including filing a properly drafted petition, serving the other parent, and presenting admissible evidence—can be complex. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia, and the court will consider any agreement the parents reach if it serves the child’s best interests.
A parenting time order may need to be modified when a parent relocates, a child’s needs change, or a parent’s work schedule shifts. In New Kent County, a party seeking modification must demonstrate a material change in circumstances. Enforcement actions, on the other hand, are available when a parent refuses to comply with an existing schedule. The J&DR Court can hold a non‑compliant parent in contempt and impose sanctions designed to encourage future compliance. Because parenting time issues often intersect with child support, relocation, and domestic relations, they are most effectively addressed with a clear understanding of the local court’s procedures and the statutory framework.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Parenting Time Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach parenting time matters by first listening carefully to the parent’s goals and concerns. They review any existing orders, assess the factual circumstances, and advise the client on what outcomes are realistic under Virginia law. Where possible, they work toward an agreed parenting plan that can be submitted to the court, reducing conflict and preserving a cooperative co‑parenting dynamic. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to parenting time cases. Results may vary.
When litigation is necessary, the firm prepares thoroughly for hearings at the New Kent County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court or, if the matter is part of a divorce, the New Kent County Circuit Court. That preparation includes gathering evidence such as communication records, witness statements, and documentation that speaks to the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel present the evidence to the judge and advocate for a schedule that protects the client’s parental rights while prioritizing the child’s well‑being. They also handle post‑judgment modifications if life circumstances change, and they represent clients in enforcement proceedings when the other parent fails to follow the court’s order. Throughout the process, the firm’s familiarity with the Ninth Judicial District’s procedures and the preferences of the local bench helps parents navigate the system with greater confidence.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He launched the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris has experience in criminal trial work that informs his family law practice, particularly when parenting time disputes involve allegations of domestic misconduct or protective orders. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris works alongside a team of Of Counsel who concentrate in family law, criminal defense, and related areas. Together they have documented case results in New Kent County across multiple practice areas, including favorable outcomes in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is parenting time decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
The court decides parenting time based on the best interests of the child. Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, the judge examines ten statutory factors, including the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, the child’s age and health, and any history of abuse. The judge has discretion to create a schedule that gives each parent meaningful time with the child. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a parenting time order be modified in New Kent County?
Yes, a parent may ask the court to modify a parenting time order. The parent seeking the change must show a material change in circumstances since the last order was entered. Common reasons include a parent’s relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or a shift in a parent’s work schedule. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help evaluate whether your situation meets the legal standard. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a parenting time case in New Kent County?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having one can help protect your parental rights. Parenting time cases involve procedural rules, evidence requirements, and statutory factors that can be difficult to navigate without legal training. An experienced attorney can help you present your case clearly and advocate for a schedule that works for your family. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What happens if the other parent denies my court‑ordered parenting time?
The court can enforce the order through contempt proceedings. If a parent repeatedly interferes with your parenting time, you can file a motion to show cause with the New Kent County J&DR Court. The judge may order make‑up time, impose fines, or change the existing schedule. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent parents in enforcement matters. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your options.
How does the court handle parenting time when a parent wants to move away?
Virginia law requires 30 days’ advance written notice of a proposed relocation. If the move would substantially affect the existing schedule, the court re‑examines the parenting time arrangement using the trusted‑interests factors. The parent seeking to relocate typically bears the burden of showing why the move serves the child’s well‑being. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for guidance on relocation issues.
What is the difference between legal custody and parenting time?
Legal custody gives a parent the right to make major decisions for the child, while parenting time sets the schedule for when the child is with each parent. A court can award joint legal custody even when one parent has primary physical custody and the other has specified visitation periods. In New Kent County, the judge decides both custody and parenting time under the same best‑interests standard. Call (888) 437-7747 to speak with an attorney.
More family law resources:
Richmond family law attorney |
Chesterfield County family law lawyer |
Henrico County family law attorney |
Hanover County family law lawyer
Official sources:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) |
New Kent County Combined Courts |
Virginia’s Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.