Parenting Time Lawyer Roanoke County, VA
You and your child’s other parent have separated. Your son’s soccer games, homework help, and weekend outings are important to you—but without a court-ordered parenting time schedule, your time together feels uncertain. In Roanoke County, Virginia, the court decides parenting time based on the best interests of the child. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents parents in seeking fair, workable schedules that protect a child’s relationship with both parents. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. We serve families in Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, Catawba, and throughout the Roanoke Valley. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Your Parenting Time Options
A parenting time dispute can be resolved several ways, and the right strategy depends on how well you and the other parent can communicate. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients explore all available paths. If the two parents can reach an agreement, we draft a comprehensive parenting plan that the Roanoke County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court or Circuit Court can approve. When agreement is not possible, we present your case before the court, emphasizing the statutory best‑interest factors under Va. Code § 20‑124.3. Where appropriate, we also advocate for a temporary custody and visitation schedule through a pendente lite motion, so your child’s day‑to‑day life remains stable while the full case progresses.
What to Expect in Roanoke County
Parenting time matters are heard in two Roanoke County courts: standalone custody and visitation petitions go before the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court; if the parenting time issue is part of a divorce, the case proceeds in Roanoke County Circuit Court. Both courts apply the same best‑interest standard. After paperwork is filed, the court typically schedules an initial hearing. Temporary parenting time orders may be entered within 21 to 60 days of a motion, allowing you to exercise visitation while the case moves forward.
Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide you on presenting evidence of your involvement in your child’s life—school records, activity schedules, and testimony from teachers or family members. The court’s goal is a schedule that promotes the child’s emotional and physical well‑being, not a strict 50‑50 split of time.
Consequences When a Parent Ignores the Order
If the other parent refuses to follow a court‑ordered parenting time schedule, you are not without recourse. The court can enforce its order through contempt proceedings. Possible remedies include make‑up visitation, modifications to the existing schedule, and, in serious cases, a change in physical custody. Because each case is fact‑specific, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether the violation is isolated or part of a pattern, and they advise on the enforcement method that best serves your child’s interests. Legal authority for enforcement arises from the court’s inherent contempt power and from Va. Code § 20‑124.2, which requires each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
Attorneys Who Handle Your Case
Mr. Sris founded the firm in 1997 after serving as a prosecutor. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a measure that improved the handling of retirement assets in divorce—reflecting his thorough understanding of the financial dimensions of family law. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Together with his experienced Of Counsel team, the firm has achieved over 4,739 documented firm-wide results, drawing on over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors does the Roanoke County court weigh when setting parenting time?
The court applies the ten best‑interest factors listed in Va. Code § 20‑124.3. These include the age and health of the child and each parent, the existing parent‑child relationship, each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, the child’s reasonable preference, and any history of family abuse. No single factor controls; the court balances them to craft a schedule that serves the child’s emotional and physical well‑being. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel present evidence on the factors most relevant to your family’s circumstances.
Can a parenting time order be changed later?
Yes. Either parent may petition for a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances since the last order. Examples include a parent’s relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or a sustained pattern of interference with visitation. The court in Roanoke County will reevaluate the trusted‑interest factors before altering the schedule. To discuss whether you have grounds for a modification, call (888) 437‑7747.
What if the other parent won’t follow the court‑ordered parenting plan?
You can ask the court to enforce its order. Contempt remedies in Virginia include compensatory visitation, attorney’s fees, and, where the violation is willful, fines or even jail. The court may also modify the existing order if the other parent’s behavior shows that the current schedule no longer serves the child’s best interests. Prompt action is important; document each instance of missed or denied visitation. For guidance on enforcement, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How long does a parenting time case take in Roanoke County?
Pendente lite (temporary) hearings on custody and parenting time are typically scheduled within 21 to 60 days after a motion is filed. A final order, whether by agreement or after a contested hearing, may take several months depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case. Cases that require a Guardian ad Litem or psychological evaluation can extend the timeline. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move the matter forward efficiently while protecting your parental rights.
Do I need an attorney for a parenting time dispute?
You are not legally required to have counsel, but an experienced family law attorney can help you present the evidence the court finds persuasive and avoid procedural mistakes that delay resolution. A lawyer can also negotiate a parenting plan that addresses holidays, school breaks, and decision‑making authority—issues that often cause future conflict. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
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Primary sources: Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) | Roanoke County Circuit Court
Reach our Shenandoah location at (888) 437‑7747. 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664. By appointment only.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.