A Parenting Schedule Lawyer Chesapeake helps you establish a fair visitation plan under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Your child’s best interests guide the court’s decision on custody and parenting time schedules.
Virginia Parenting Schedule Laws and Standards
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia courts determine parenting schedules based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. A Parenting Schedule Lawyer Chesapeake helps you present evidence on these factors to secure a schedule that works for your family. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody and visitation matters, while Chesapeake Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. The court may order mediation to help parents reach an agreement before trial.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience across all attorneys.
External Citation Links
Review the official Virginia statutes governing parenting schedules and custody: Va. Code § 20-124.2 (best interests of the child) and Chesapeake General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Chesapeake Parenting Schedule Cases
In Chesapeake J&DR Court, judges routinely order mediation before scheduling a contested custody hearing. Parents who reach an agreement in mediation often receive a more detailed parenting schedule than those who proceed to trial. The court expects both parents to submit a proposed parenting plan at least 10 days before the hearing.
- File your petition — File a custody and visitation petition at Chesapeake J&DR Court, 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Attend mediation orientation — The court will order you to attend a mediation orientation session within 30 days of filing.
- Complete mediation sessions — You and the other parent attend 2-4 mediation sessions to try to reach an agreement on the parenting schedule.
- Submit proposed parenting plan — If you reach an agreement, submit a signed parenting plan to the court. If not, each parent submits their own proposed plan.
- Attend custody hearing — The court schedules a hearing where both parents present evidence on the best interests factors.
- Receive court order — The judge issues a parenting schedule order that both parents must follow.
Penalty Table for Parenting Schedule Violations
In Chesapeake, violating a parenting schedule order can result in contempt of court with penalties including fines and potential modification of custody.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of court (first violation) | Civil contempt | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | None | Court may modify parenting schedule |
| Contempt of court (subsequent violations) | Civil contempt | Up to 30 days | Up to $1,000 | None | Possible custody modification; attorney fees awarded |
| Interference with court-ordered custody | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; potential loss of custody |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which governs property division in Virginia divorce cases. This demonstrates the firm’s deep understanding of Virginia family law and its ability to handle complex custody and parenting schedule matters.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Case Results
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.
Local Pack Trigger Block
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 Schedule Lawyer Chesapeake near you? We serve clients near Chesapeake City Hall, Greenbrier area, Great Bridge, Chesapeake City Park, and Deep Creek.
Communities served: Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a parenting schedule in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested parenting schedule with signed agreement: 2-4 months from filing. Contested schedule requiring hearing: 6-12 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary schedule: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
Can I modify a parenting schedule in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. You can request modification if there has been a material change in circumstances since the last order. File a motion at Chesapeake J&DR Court. The court will reconsider the best interests factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
What factors does the court consider for a parenting schedule in Chesapeake?
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, each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any history of abuse.
Is mediation required for parenting schedule cases in Chesapeake?
Yes. Chesapeake J&DR Court orders mediation orientation within 30 days of filing a custody or visitation petition. Parents attend 2-4 mediation sessions to try to reach an agreement before the court schedules a contested hearing.
What happens if the other parent violates the parenting schedule in Chesapeake?
You can file a motion for contempt at Chesapeake J&DR Court. The court may impose fines up to $250 for first violations, up to 30 days incarceration for repeated violations, and may modify the parenting schedule. Attorney fees may also be awarded.
Can a Parenting Schedule Lawyer Chesapeake help with a relocation case?
Yes. If you need to move with your child, you must file a motion for relocation. The court considers the reason for the move, the impact on the child’s relationship with the other parent, and whether a modified parenting schedule can maintain that relationship.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Virginia?
Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody determines where the child lives. A parenting schedule addresses physical custody and visitation time. Both types of custody are decided under Va. Code § 20-124.2.
Internal Links
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer — Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer — Chesapeake DUI Lawyer
Attorney Profile: Bryan Block — Richmond Office Location
Freshness and Verification
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.