Child Visitation Lawyer in Richmond, VA

Parenting Time Matters.
Let's Get It Right.

In Virginia, "visitation" and "parenting time" mean the same thing: the schedule that determines when your child is with each parent. Whether you're negotiating an initial agreement or dealing with a parent who won't follow the existing order, a visitation lawyer can help you navigate the process.

Courts want children to have meaningful relationships with both parents. But what that looks like in practice can be more confusing. It requires careful planning to determine how many overnights, who gets holidays, and how to handle summers, school breaks, and vacations.

You might be dealing with questions like:

What's a reasonable visitation schedule for my situation?
Can I get more time with my child?
What if the other parent keeps canceling or blocking my visits?
How do we handle visitation when one parent moves?

We help you explore these questions and work with you to develop a parenting plan that aims to successfully meet your needs.

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How Our Visitation
Lawyers Help

Creating a Parenting Plan

Every family is different. We work with you to develop a visitation schedule that fits your child's age, your work schedules, school calendars, and the practical realities of life. The goal is a plan that's specific enough to prevent conflict but flexible enough to adapt when things come up.

Negotiating With the Other Parent

Most visitation arrangements are worked out through negotiation, not court battles. Our visitation rights lawyer assists you in having productive conversations, or manages those conversations for you, aiming to reach an agreement that protects your parenting time without unnecessary conflict.

Representing You in Court

When parents can't agree, a judge decides. If your case goes to court, we present your situation clearly and advocate for a schedule that serves your child's best interests while protecting your rights as a parent.

Modifying Existing Orders

Circumstances change. Kids get older, parents relocate, work schedules shift. If your current visitation order no longer makes sense, a visitation lawyer can help you request a modification. Virginia courts will consider changes when there's been a material change in circumstances.

Enforcing Visitation Orders

If the other parent is ignoring the court order, canceling visits, showing up late, refusing to return your child on time, you have options. We can help you enforce the order through the court and document violations for future proceedings.

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Types of Visitation Arrangements

Virginia courts can order different types of visitation depending on your circumstances:

Standard Visitation

Support paid while the divorce is pending, designed to maintain stability until a final order is in place.

Customized Schedules

Time-limited support intended to help a spouse gain education, training, or work experience to become self-supporting.

Supervised Visitation

Ongoing support typically reserved for longer marriages where one spouse may not be able to become fully self-sufficient.

Long-Distance Visitation

A one-time payment instead of ongoing monthly support, sometimes used when both parties prefer a clean break.

Virtual Visitation

Phone calls, video chats, and other technology can supplement in-person time, especially for long-distance situations or between scheduled visits.

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What Courts Consider When Deciding Visitation

Virginia judges focus on the best interests of the child when making visitation decisions.

Factors courts consider include:

The child's age and needs — Younger children may need more frequent changes in their schedule whereas older children may have preferences the court considers.
Each parent's relationship with the child — Who has been the primary caregiver? How involved has each parent been?
The parents' ability to cooperate — Can you communicate and co-parent effectively?
Stability and continuity — Courts value keeping children in familiar schools, communities, and routines.
Each parent's living situation — Is there appropriate space for the child? Is the home safe?
Work schedules and availability — Who can actually be present during their parenting time?
Any history of abuse or neglect — Safety concerns significantly impact visitation decisions.
The child's own preferences — For older children, judges may consider what the child wants.

Why Work With Evolution Divorce?

Clear Pricing Options

We offer both Pre-Agreed Pricing and Hourly Pricing, so you can choose the approach that fits your situation. You'll understand the costs before we start working together.

We Focus on What Matters

Your relationship with your child is what's at stake. We keep that front and center, not legal gamesmanship, not running up hours, not unnecessary conflict.

Honest Advice, Even When It's Hard

We'll tell you what's realistic. If your expectations don't match what Virginia courts typically order, we'll let you know. You deserve to make decisions based on facts, not false hope.

One Team, Start to Finish

You won't be handed off to different people. Our small, dedicated team knows your case and is available when you have questions.

Resolution Over Conflict

When we can reach a fair agreement through negotiation, we do. It's faster, less expensive, and usually better for everyone, especially your child. But when court is necessary, we're prepared to advocate effectively.

Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Visitation

Do I need a child visitation lawyer?

You're not legally required to have one, but visitation decisions have long-term consequences for your relationship with your child. A child visitation lawyer helps you avoid common mistakes, understand your rights, and create an enforceable agreement that protects your parenting time.

What if the other parent won't follow the visitation order?

If you have a court order and the other parent is violating it, like denying visits, consistently showing up late, or refusing to return your child, we can help you pursue enforcement through the court. Documenting violations is important, and repeated violations can result in consequences for the other parent.

Can visitation orders be changed?

Yes. Virginia courts can modify visitation when there's been a material change in circumstances, like a parent relocating, a significant change in work schedules, or the child's needs evolving as they get older. A visitation lawyer can help you request a modification that reflects your current situation.

What's the difference between custody and visitation?

Custody refers to decision-making authority (legal custody) and where the child primarily lives (physical custody). Visitation, also called parenting time, is the schedule for when the non-custodial parent spends time with the child. In shared custody arrangements, both parents have significant parenting time.

How does visitation work when parents live far apart?

Long-distance visitation typically involves longer blocks of time, extended summer visits, alternating school breaks, and holidays, rather than weekly exchanges. Virtual visitation (video calls, etc.) often supplements in-person time. We help create realistic schedules that maintain your relationship despite the distance.

What is supervised visitation?

Supervised visitation means a third party must be present during your time with your child. Courts order this when there are safety concerns. Supervision can be by a family member, a professional supervisor, or at a supervised visitation center. Often, supervised visitation is temporary while a parent addresses underlying issues.

How long do visitation cases take?

It depends on whether you and the other parent can reach an agreement. If you agree on a parenting plan, it can be finalized relatively quickly. Contested cases that require court hearings take longer, sometimes several months. We'll give you realistic expectations based on your specific situation.

Still have questions?

Schedule a consultation to get your specific questions answered.

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Child Visitation Lawyer

Parenting Time Matters. Let's Get It Right.

How Our Visitation Lawyers Help

Creating a Parenting Plan

Negotiating With the Other Parent

Representing You in Court

Modifying Existing Orders

Enforcing Visitation Orders

Types of Visitation Arrangements

Standard Visitation

Customized Schedules

Supervised Visitation

Long-Distance Visitation

Virtual Visitation

What Courts Consider When Deciding Visitation

Why Work With Evolution Divorce?