Parenting Time Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
A Parenting Time Lawyer Chesapeake helps you establish or modify custody and visitation schedules under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines parenting time under the best interests of the child standard. The court considers 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases, while Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody matters. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, brings former prosecutor insight to family law cases.
For parenting time specifically, Virginia courts apply the same best-interest factors but focus on maintaining meaningful parent-child relationships. The court may order joint physical custody, sole physical custody, or shared parenting time based on the child’s developmental needs and each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
Va. Code § 20-124.2 (official Virginia General Assembly) — Virginia’s custody and visitation statute. Chesapeake General District Court — official court website for filing and procedural information.
Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a petition for custody or visitation at Chesapeake J&DR Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Attend the initial hearing where temporary orders may be set within 21-60 days.
- Complete court-ordered mediation if required by the judge.
- Participate in a custody evaluation or Guardian ad Litem investigation if ordered.
- Present evidence at the final hearing on the 10 best-interest factors.
- Receive the court’s custody and parenting time order.
In Chesapeake, parenting time violations can result in contempt of court, fines, and potential modification of custody orders.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of court for parenting time violation | Civil contempt | Up to 10 days per violation | Up to $250 per violation | None | Potential custody modification; attorney fees awarded to other parent |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law attorney in Chesapeake can claim. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all Chesapeake family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has practiced family law since 1997.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
Looking for a parenting time lawyer near Chesapeake? We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Q: How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all divorces. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party 6 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
Q: How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Chesapeake General District Court.
Q: Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
Q: How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody in Chesapeake is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 6 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
Q: What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer. Related services: Criminal Defense Lawyer Chesapeake and DUI Lawyer Chesapeake.
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block — Former Virginia State Trooper.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.