Child Visitation Lawyer in Chesapeake

Fight for the Time You Deserve with Your Child

Child visitation cases can be complex, especially when parents are navigating Virginia’s unique legal landscape. At Pettrey Law, PLC, we understand the intricacies of creating visitation agreements that serve the best interests of children while respecting the rights of parents.

Visitation agreements vary greatly in scope and detail, often requiring negotiations tailored to the specific dynamics of each family. Parents should be aware of the various forms of visitation, such as supervised visits, weekend stays, or split holidays, all designed to accommodate different family arrangements while prioritizing the child's welfare. 

Our firm’s comprehensive approach ensures that every angle is explored, providing a robust and sustainable visitation plan.

A skilled child visitation lawyer in Chesapeake is ready to help you pursue a fair and workable arrangement. Call (757) 796-6996 today or reach out online for your free legal consultation.

Understanding Child Visitation in Virginia

In Virginia, child visitation is often referred to as "parenting time." It outlines the schedule and terms under which a non-custodial parent (the parent who does not have primary physical custody) or, in some cases, other individuals with a legitimate interest, spends time with the child. The overarching legal principle guiding all child custody and visitation decisions in Virginia is the "best interests of the child."

Virginia law emphasizes the importance of children having frequent and continuing contact with both parents when appropriate. This presumption guides the courts unless there are compelling reasons, such as a history of abuse, neglect, or other factors that would make such contact detrimental to the child's well-being. 

As your Chesapeake child visitation attorney, we ensure that your visitation arrangement reflects these legal principles and the unique needs of your family.

Types of Visitation Arrangements:

• Fixed or Structured Visitation: This is the most common type, where a specific schedule is established outlining exact days, times, and locations for exchanges. This provides clarity and reduces potential conflict between parents. A fixed schedule might include:
  • Regular weekly or bi-weekly visits (e.g., every other weekend).
  • Mid-week visits or overnight stays.
  • Specific holiday schedules (alternating holidays year to year).
  • Extended summer vacation blocks.
  • Arrangements for school breaks. We help clients in Chesapeake craft detailed and enforceable fixed visitation schedules.
• Reasonable and Liberal Visitation: This type of order grants the non-custodial parent the right to "reasonable and liberal" visitation, leaving the specific details to the parents to arrange between themselves. While offering flexibility, this type of order is generally advisable only when parents have a high degree of cooperation and communication. If cooperation breaks down, a more structured order may be necessary.
• Supervised Visitation: In situations where there are concerns about a child's safety with a parent (e.g., substance abuse issues, history of domestic violence, mental health concerns), the court may order supervised visitation. This means a third party (a family member, a professional supervisor, or an agency) must be present during visits to ensure the child's safety and well-being.