Parenting Time Lawyer Arlington County, VA

Q: Do I have to go to court to get a parenting time order changed?

Not always. If both parents can agree on a modified schedule, we can draft a consent order that the judge signs without a hearing. If agreement is not possible, a contested hearing before the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court is the next step. Mediation can sometimes bridge the gap before a hearing becomes necessary.

Q: Will my child have to speak to the judge?

Children rarely testify directly. In Virginia, the court may consider a child’s preference if the child is of reasonable intelligence, understanding, and experience, but judges usually prefer to hear the child’s perspective through a guardian ad litem — a neutral attorney appointed to represent the child’s best interests. We prepare clients for this possibility and work cooperatively with the guardian ad litem.

You are a parent in Arlington County, and you feel like you are not getting enough time with your child. Maybe the other parent restricts your weekends, or you have been shut out of important decisions. The schedule that once worked has broken down, and you want a court to step in and make things right. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we help parents put the focus back on what is best for the child. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys serve parents throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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How We Help Parents Seek Parenting Time in Arlington County

Our approach to parenting time disputes starts with listening. We want to understand the current arrangement, what is working, and where the gaps are. We then identify the goals — more weekend time, a structured holiday schedule, or a complete overhaul of a broken plan — and build a strategy around them. Because every family is different, we do not push a one‑size‑fits‑all solution.

When negotiation is possible, we pursue a written agreement that both parents can follow. When it is not, we prepare to ask the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to decide. We handle the paperwork, gather relevant evidence, and present a clear picture of why the sought‑after schedule serves the child’s welfare.

What to Expect When You Work with Our Firm

Your first consultation gives us the facts. We then outline a path forward — whether that means informal negotiation, mediation, or a contested hearing. If court action is necessary, we draft and file the appropriate motion in the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court (for standalone custody and visitation matters) or in the Circuit Court if the parenting time issue is part of a divorce or equitable distribution proceeding.

Throughout the process we stay in touch, explain each step, and help you prepare for court appearances. Our goal is to get you a parenting time order that is clear, enforceable, and in the child’s best interests. We do not promise a specific outcome, but we work to position every case for the strongest possible result.

What Arlington County Courts Consider in Parenting Time Cases

Virginia judges decide parenting time — called “visitation” in the statute — by looking at the best interests of the child. Va. Code § 20‑124.3 lists ten factors the court must weigh, including the child’s age and needs, each parent’s role in the child’s life, the willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, the child’s reasonable preference, and any history of family abuse.

In Arlington County, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court hears standalone custody and visitation petitions, while the Circuit Court handles those issues within a divorce. Practical considerations matter here: judges in the Seventeenth Judicial District respond to detailed, realistic parenting plans that show how the schedule will work day‑to‑day in an urban area where parents commute, children attend school in different neighborhoods, and extended family often lives across the Potomac in the District of Columbia. A well‑thought‑out plan that addresses transportation, school holidays, and communication between parents can make a real difference.

Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Many families in Arlington County resolve parenting time disputes through negotiation or mediation, which can be faster and less expensive than a contested hearing. Our attorneys are experienced in both settlement negotiations and courtroom advocacy, and we help clients choose the path that fits their situation.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., started the firm in 1997 after serving as a former prosecutor. His practical trial experience informs how we approach family law cases — with an eye toward what a judge will actually consider and how to present evidence in the strongest light. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that revised the equitable distribution statute.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to family law matters. Results may vary. Together, Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys serve clients across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the court decide parenting time in Arlington County?

The court decides parenting time based on what is in the best interests of the child. Virginia law requires judges to consider ten specific factors, including the child’s age, the relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. The judge also looks at the practicalities of the proposed schedule — school locations, work schedules, and whether the plan encourages a continuing relationship with both parents. A clear, realistic parenting plan carries weight in the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Can I get more parenting time if the other parent is not cooperating?

You can ask the court to modify an existing parenting time order if there has been a material change in circumstances or if the other parent is unreasonably denying visitation. We help parents file a motion to modify or enforce the existing order. Judges in Arlington County take willful non‑compliance seriously and can impose remedies ranging from make‑up time to a change in custody.

What is the difference between legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time?

Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about the child, physical custody is where the child lives, and parenting time (also called visitation) is the schedule of time the child spends with the non‑custodial parent. In many cases, parents share legal custody, one parent has primary physical custody, and the other has a set parenting time schedule. Our firm helps parents pursue arrangements that protect their relationship with the child.

Do I have to go to court to get a parenting time order changed?

Not always. If both parents can agree on a modified schedule, we can draft a consent order that the judge signs without a hearing. If agreement is not possible, a contested hearing before the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court is the next step. Mediation can sometimes bridge the gap before a hearing becomes necessary.

What if the other parent lives outside Virginia?

Virginia courts can issue parenting time orders even if one parent lives elsewhere, as long as Virginia has jurisdiction over the child. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act generally gives jurisdiction to the child’s home state. If the case involves a parent in Maryland, DC, or another state, we coordinate with local counsel and ensure the order is enforceable across state lines.

How long does a parenting time case take in Arlington County?

Timelines vary depending on whether the parents can agree, whether a guardian ad litem is appointed, and the court’s docket. A straightforward consent order might be entered within a few weeks. Contested hearings can take several months. Our firm keeps clients informed throughout the process.

Will my child have to speak to the judge?

Children rarely testify directly. In Virginia, the court may consider a child’s preference if the child is of reasonable intelligence, understanding, and experience, but judges usually prefer to hear the child’s perspective through a guardian ad litem — a neutral attorney appointed to represent the child’s best interests. We prepare clients for this possibility and work cooperatively with the guardian ad litem.

What should I bring to a consultation about parenting time?

Bring any existing court orders, a calendar showing the current schedule, and notes on what has not been working. Also helpful: school records, communication logs (texts or emails) that show attempts to coordinate, and the names of any professionals involved with the child, such as counselors or pediatricians. The more organized the information, the better we can craft a strategy.

Do I really need a lawyer for a parenting time issue?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but parenting time orders can have long‑term consequences for your relationship with your child. An attorney can ensure the language in the order is precise and enforceable, present evidence properly, and negotiate terms you might not think to include — like right of first refusal, transportation arrangements, or holiday schedules. A misstep in self‑representation can be hard to undo later.

How do I find the right parenting time lawyer in Arlington County?

Look for an attorney who regularly practices in the Arlington County courts, understands Virginia’s best‑interest standard, and communicates clearly. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we have been helping families in Arlington County since 1997. We invite you to call and discuss your situation at (888) 437‑7747.

Speak with a Parenting Time Lawyer in Arlington County

A parenting time dispute does not have to define your relationship with your child. The attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. are ready to listen, explain your options, and help you pursue a schedule that works. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.

Useful resources: Virginia Judicial System: Custody & Visitation · Va. Code § 20‑124.3 (best‑interest factors)

Arlington Location · 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 · By appointment only · (888) 437‑7747

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.