Chesapeake Visitation Lawyer — How Do You Protect Your Parenting Time?
In Chesapeake, Virginia, child visitation is decided under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas. A Visitation Lawyer Chesapeake helps you establish or enforce a parenting time schedule that works for your family.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines child visitation under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which requires courts to determine a parenting time schedule based on the best interests of the child. The court considers 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. A parenting time schedule lawyer Chesapeake can help you present evidence on these factors to the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code § 20-124.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Chesapeake General District Court website for local procedural rules.
- File a petition for custody or visitation at the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, 307 Albemarle Drive.
- Attend the initial hearing where the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem for the child.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation to attempt a parenting time agreement.
- Present evidence on the 10 best-interest factors if mediation fails.
- Receive a court order establishing your parenting time schedule.
- File a motion to enforce or modify the order if circumstances change.
In Chesapeake, Virginia, violating a visitation order can result in contempt of court with serious penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (visitation order violation) | Civil or Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Court may modify custody order; attorney fees may be awarded |
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 Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s 93%+ favorable outcome rate reflects a commitment to protecting your parental rights. A child visitation rights lawyer Chesapeake from our team understands local court procedures and can build a case-specific strategy for your parenting time schedule.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
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, and I-664. We serve the communities of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. A Visitation Lawyer Chesapeake near you can help protect your parenting time.
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.
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. 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: 12-24 months. 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs may apply for complex cases.
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 handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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.
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. Filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: approximately $12.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.