In Colonial Heights, parenting time disputes are decided under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Colonial Heights. A parenting time lawyer Colonial Heights families trust can help you establish a fair visitation schedule.
Virginia Parenting Time Laws in Colonial Heights
Virginia law defines parenting time as the schedule under which a child spends time with each parent. Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, the court considers 10 factors to determine the best interests of the child, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all parenting time disputes within divorce cases, while Colonial Heights Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone visitation matters. A visitation schedule lawyer Colonial Heights residents rely on can help you handle these factors.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Parenting time is distinct from legal custody. While legal custody involves decision-making authority, parenting time refers specifically to the physical schedule. Under Va. Code § 20-124.2, the court may award joint or sole legal custody while establishing a separate parenting time schedule. A parenting plan lawyer Colonial Heights families work with can explain this distinction.
Official Resources for Colonial Heights Parenting Time Cases
- Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) — The statute governing best interests of the child in custody and visitation cases.
- Colonial Heights General District Court (official vacourts.gov) — Court information, hours, and location for Colonial Heights family law matters.
Insider Procedural Edge: Colonial Heights Parenting Time Cases
Colonial Heights Circuit Court requires a parenting plan for all custody and visitation cases. The court expects parents to submit a proposed schedule before the first hearing.
Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles emergency custody motions within 21 days of filing. The court uses a standard visitation schedule unless you present evidence for a different arrangement.
- File a petition for custody or visitation at Colonial Heights Circuit Court or J&DR Court at 550 Boulevard.
- Attend the initial hearing where the court sets a temporary parenting time schedule.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation to negotiate a permanent schedule.
- Submit a proposed parenting plan with specific days, times, and holiday schedules.
- Attend the final hearing where the court enters a permanent parenting time order.
- File a motion to modify if circumstances change after the order is entered.
In Colonial Heights, parenting time violations can result in contempt of court with serious legal consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of court for parenting time violation | Civil contempt | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | None | Court may modify custody or visitation schedule |
| Repeated parenting time violations | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Potential loss of custody rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Colonial Heights Parenting Time Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. Our advocacy philosophy — “Advocacy Without Borders” — means we fight for your parental rights regardless of the complexity of your case.
Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, also oversees all family law cases. His background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provide strategic depth to every parenting time case.
Colonial Heights Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas in Colonial Heights, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Colonial Heights Location
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 144 (Temple Avenue), and Route 36.
Parenting time lawyer near Colonial Heights — serving Colonial Heights and surrounding communities.
Neighborhoods served: Colonial Heights
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Time in Colonial Heights
How long does a parenting time case take in Colonial Heights?
It depends. Emergency custody motions are set within 21 days. Contested parenting time cases take 3-6 months from filing to final order. Uncontested cases with a signed agreement can be resolved in 4-8 weeks.
Can I modify a parenting time order in Colonial Heights?
Yes. You must show a material change in circumstances since the last order. The court will then reevaluate the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. File your motion at Colonial Heights Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
What factors does the Colonial Heights court consider for parenting time?
The court considers 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s age and needs, and any history of abuse or neglect. The child’s preference may be considered if the child is 12 or older.
Is mediation required for parenting time cases in Colonial Heights?
It depends. Colonial Heights Circuit Court routinely orders mediation before contested hearings. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party. If you reach an agreement, the court will enter it as a consent order.
What happens if the other parent violates the parenting time order?
You can file a motion for contempt at Colonial Heights Circuit Court or J&DR Court. The court may impose fines, order makeup parenting time, or modify the existing schedule. Repeated violations can result in jail time for contempt.
Related Pages:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — State hub for family law matters.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — Nearby locality serving the Richmond area.
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer — Adjacent county with similar court procedures.
- Colonial Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer — Related practice area in the same locality.
- Colonial Heights DUI Lawyer — Another practice area we handle in Colonial Heights.
- Samantha Powers Attorney Profile — Learn more about your family law attorney.
- Richmond Office Location — Our office serving Colonial Heights.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.