Parenting time in James City County, Virginia, is governed by Va. Code § 20-124.3, which requires courts to determine custody and visitation based on the experienced interests of the child. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive experience handling parenting time and visitation schedule matters in James City County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Parenting Time Lawyer in James City County, Virginia
Virginia law defines parenting time as the schedule under which a child spends time with each parent after separation or divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-124.3, courts consider ten factors to determine the experienced interests of the child, including the age and physical condition of the child, the relationship between each parent and the child, and any history of abuse. The court may award joint or sole custody and set a specific parenting time schedule. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s custody and parenting time statutes, see Va. Code § 20-124.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In James City County Circuit Court, prosecutors routinely require a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. We have observed that judges in this jurisdiction place significant weight on the child’s relationship with each parent when setting parenting time schedules.
- File a petition for custody or parenting time at the appropriate court.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court.
- Complete a parent education class if required.
- Present evidence on the experienced interests of the child at a hearing.
- Obtain a court order specifying the parenting time schedule.
- Modify the order if circumstances change.
In James City County, parenting time violations can result in contempt of court, fines, and modification of custody orders.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violation of parenting time order | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Modification of custody; attorney fees |
| Interference with custody | Class 6 felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; loss of custody |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented case results in James City County across all practice areas, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 50 miles from Williamsburg/James City County GDC, with access via I-64 and Route 60. We serve as a parenting time lawyer near James City County. Serving the communities of Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Time in James City County
How long does a divorce take in James City County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at James City County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and James City County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a divorce cost in James City County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Williamsburg/James City County GDC.
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). James City County Circuit Court (5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4, Williamsburg, VA 23188) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in James City County, Virginia?
Custody in James City County is based on the experienced 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. James City County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. James City County 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 James City County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Learn more about Separation Lawyer Virginia.
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See also: Public Intoxication Lawyer James City County, DUI Lawyer James City County.
Last verified: April 2026