A Parenting Schedule Lawyer Chesapeake helps you establish or modify custody and visitation under Va. Code § 20-124.2, which governs the experienced interests of the child. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive family law experience in Chesapeake, Virginia, handling parenting schedule disputes at Chesapeake Circuit Court and Chesapeake Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.
Parenting Schedule Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Parenting schedule matters in Chesapeake, Virginia, are governed by Va. Code § 20-124.2, which requires courts to determine custody and visitation based on the experienced interests of the child. The court considers 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles parenting schedule disputes within divorce cases, while Chesapeake Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody and visitation matters. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For official statutory text, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and Chesapeake General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Chesapeake Circuit Court, judges routinely require parents to submit a proposed parenting schedule before the first hearing. We have observed that failing to provide a detailed schedule can delay your case by weeks.
- File a petition for custody and visitation at Chesapeake Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court or Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Attend court-ordered mediation to attempt to agree on a parenting schedule.
- Present evidence of the child’s experienced interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 at a hearing.
- Receive a court order specifying custody and visitation terms.
- Modify the parenting schedule if circumstances change, such as relocation or a change in the child’s needs.
- Enforce the parenting schedule through contempt proceedings if the other parent violates the order.
In Chesapeake, Virginia, parenting schedule violations can result in contempt of court, fines, and modification of custody orders.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violation of Parenting Schedule | Civil Contempt | Up to 10 days | Up to $1,000 | None | Modification of custody order; attorney fees |
| Repeated Violations | Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of custody; supervised visitation |
| Interference with Custody | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent custody modification; criminal record |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results across Virginia, including favorable outcomes in family law matters. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond, VA is approximately 90 miles from Chesapeake Circuit Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322), with access via I-64 and I-464. We serve as a parenting schedule lawyer near Chesapeake and a custody schedule lawyer Chesapeake. Serving the communities of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. 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
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Schedule in Chesapeake
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake (City), Virginia?
Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Chesapeake (City) Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Chesapeake (City) 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. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution… High-asset or international-element cases can extend longer. 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 Chesapeake, 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 Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Chesapeake General District Court.
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 (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) 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 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. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 6 total documented case results across all practice areas (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
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. 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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against parenting schedule charges?
Defense strategies for parenting schedule in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing parenting schedule charges in Virginia?
If facing parenting schedule charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
What are the penalties for parenting schedule in Virginia?
Penalties for parenting schedule in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations), consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia family law attorney for case-specific guidance.
For more information about family law matters in Virginia, visit our Separation Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these pages useful: Family Law Lawyer Loudoun County, Family Law Lawyer Fairfax, Trespass Defense Lawyer Chesapeake, and DUI Lawyer Chesapeake.
Last verified: April 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Virginia family law.