Parenting Time Lawyer New Kent County — Protecting Your Time With Your Child
A parenting time dispute in New Kent County can disrupt your child’s stability and your relationship with them. Under Virginia law, parenting time (visitation) is a right of the non-custodial parent, and courts enforce schedules in the child’s best interests. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Parenting Time and Visitation
In Virginia, parenting time, often called visitation, is governed by statutes focused on the child’s best interests. The court’s primary concern is fostering a healthy, continuing relationship between the child and both parents, as long as it is safe. The specific terms are detailed in a court-approved parenting plan. A skilled parenting plan lawyer New Kent County can draft an agreement that minimizes future conflict. The legal standard is outlined in the Virginia Code § 20-124.2, which lists the factors a judge must consider.
Official Resources for Virginia Family Law
- Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Custody and Visitation) – The official state statutes.
- New Kent County Courts – The official website for local court procedures and forms.
Local Insight for New Kent County Parenting Time Cases
New Kent County family law matters are heard in the Circuit Court for divorce-related issues and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for standalone custody and visitation cases. Judges here emphasize detailed, practical parenting plans that account for local logistics, such as travel between New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton, and school schedules. Having a clear, written schedule is critical.
- Consult a Parenting Time Lawyer: Discuss your goals and your child’s needs to understand your legal options.
- Draft a Proposed Parenting Plan: Your lawyer will help you create a detailed plan covering physical custody, legal custody, holiday schedules, and decision-making.
- Negotiate with the Other Parent: Attempt to reach an agreement on the parenting plan and visitation schedule outside of court.
- File with the Court: If an agreement is reached, it is submitted for court approval. If not, you file a petition to have a judge decide.
- Attend Mediation or Hearings: The court may order mediation. If unresolved, a hearing will be scheduled where both sides present evidence.
- Implement the Court Order: Once a final order is entered, both parents are legally bound to follow the established parenting time schedule.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Parenting Time Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law cases. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping family law. We understand that a parenting time lawyer New Kent County must be both a strong legal advocate and a pragmatic problem-solver focused on your child’s well-being.
Primary Attorney for This Case
Samantha Powers – Of Counsel | Virginia Bar 2023 | Florida Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience in family law litigation and negotiation.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in New Kent County Family Law
Our firm has a documented record in New Kent County family courts. We have secured favorable outcomes in cases involving the establishment and modification of parenting plans. For instance, our team has successfully argued for expanded summer and holiday visitation schedules for non-custodial parents and defended against unreasonable restrictions on parenting time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
In complex cases, our secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, provides strategic oversight. As the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, he offers invaluable insight into cases involving financial disputes intertwined with custody and visitation matters.
Local Representation for New Kent County Parents
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout New Kent County. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 33, making it convenient for meetings regarding your visitation schedule or parenting plan. We are your local parenting time lawyer near New Kent County Courthouse, serving families in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Available 24/7 by phone. Meetings by appointment only at our Richmond location.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Parenting Time & Family Law FAQs for New Kent County
How is parenting time decided in New Kent County?
It depends. If parents agree, they submit a parenting plan to the court. If they disagree, a New Kent County judge decides based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering factors like each parent’s relationship with the child and ability to cooperate.
Can a parenting plan be changed after it’s final?
Yes. You can file to modify a parenting plan or visitation schedule in New Kent County if there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the child’s welfare, such as a parent’s relocation, job change, or issues with the child’s safety.
What is the difference between a parenting plan and a visitation schedule?
A parenting plan is a full document covering legal custody (decision-making), physical custody (living arrangements), visitation schedules, holidays, communication, and dispute resolution. A visitation schedule is typically the calendar portion detailing when the non-custodial parent has parenting time.
What happens if the other parent denies my court-ordered parenting time?
You can file a Motion for Contempt with the New Kent County court that issued the order. The court can enforce the order and may impose penalties on the non-compliant parent, including make-up time, fines, or in severe cases, a change of custody.
Do I need a lawyer to create a parenting plan?
While not legally required, a parenting plan lawyer New Kent County is highly recommended. An attorney ensures the plan is legally sound, addresses all necessary issues to avoid future conflict, and is in the proper format for court approval, protecting your rights and your child’s stability.
Related Legal Services in New Kent County: If you are also dealing with criminal charges, consider our New Kent County criminal defense lawyers. For issues arising from a traffic incident, our New Kent County personal injury attorneys can help.
More Virginia Family Law Help: For a broader overview of state laws, visit our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your parenting time case.