Visitation rights in Alexandria, Virginia are governed by Va. Code § 20-124.2, which requires courts to consider the experienced interests of the child when establishing a parenting time schedule. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 79 documented results in Alexandria, including 18 dismissals and 30 reductions, demonstrating a 61% favorable outcome rate.
Visitation Lawyer Alexandria, Virginia
Visitation rights in Virginia are governed by Va. Code § 20-124.2, which directs courts to establish a parenting time schedule that serves the experienced interests of the child. The court considers factors such as the child’s age, the relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience. The Alexandria Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone visitation petitions, while the Alexandria Circuit Court addresses visitation within divorce proceedings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s visitation statute, see Va. Code § 20-124.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on Alexandria court procedures, visit Alexandria General District Court (vacourts.gov).
In the Alexandria Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, judges frequently order mediation before scheduling a contested visitation hearing. We have observed that parents who present a detailed parenting time schedule at mediation often achieve more favorable outcomes.
- File a petition for visitation at the Alexandria J&DR Court.
- Attend court-ordered mediation to negotiate a parenting time schedule.
- If mediation fails, request a hearing before the judge.
- Present evidence of your relationship with the child and your proposed schedule.
- Obtain a court order specifying visitation terms.
- If the other parent violates the order, file a motion for enforcement.
In Alexandria, Virginia, violations of visitation orders can result in contempt of court proceedings, which carry potential penalties including fines and jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (Visitation Order Violation) | Civil or Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months (criminal contempt) | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible modification of visitation order; attorney fees awarded to the other party |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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. The firm handles visitation, custody, and parenting time schedule matters in Alexandria with a focus on achieving practical, child-centered solutions.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 79 documented results in Alexandria: 18 dismissed or not guilty, 30 reduced or amended — a 61% favorable-outcome rate. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Our location in Arlington is approximately 5 miles from the Alexandria General District Court, with access via I-395 and Route 1. Serving the communities of Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
Frequently Asked Questions About Visitation in Alexandria, Virginia
How long does a divorce take in Alexandria (City), Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Alexandria (City) Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Alexandria (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.
How much does a divorce cost in Alexandria, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint is 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. Cases filed at Alexandria 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). Alexandria Circuit Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) handles all property division.
How is child custody decided in Alexandria, Virginia?
Custody in Alexandria 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. Alexandria J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Alexandria 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 Alexandria Circuit Court.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against visitation charges?
Defense strategies for visitation 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 § 20-124.2 (visitation rights) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing supervised visitation charges in Virginia?
If facing supervised visitation 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.
For more information on 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, and Marijuana Possession Lawyer Alexandria.
Last verified: April 2026