Aldie, VA Parenting Time Lawyer

Trusted Parenting Time Attorney Helping Parents Protect Meaningful Relationships in Aldie, Virginia

Virginia law often uses the term "parenting time" interchangeably with custody and visitation, referring to the court-ordered time that a child spends with each parent. In a divorce involving children, or in a custody dispute, parents may disagree about the schedule of parenting time. For questions or concerns about your parental rights, reach out to an Aldie, Virginia parenting time attorney.

Attorney Joseph H. Beale has over two decades of legal experience, and he has handled many different family law cases on behalf of parents in that time. We will work with you to create a clear roadmap for your case, keeping in communication with you from beginning to end.

Who Gets Parenting Time in Aldie, Virginia?

Parenting time, sometimes referred to as visitation, refers to the schedule that determines when each parent spends time with their child following a separation or divorce. Virginia courts approach parenting time decisions with the same guiding principle used in custody cases—namely, what serves the best interests of the child.

A parent who is not awarded primary physical custody is still typically granted a parenting time schedule, unless there is a specific reason to limit or restrict contact, such as concerns about the child's safety. Schedules can vary widely depending on the family's circumstances, ranging from alternating weeks to arrangements built around a parent's work schedule or a child's school activities. Parents are often encouraged to work together to create a schedule that reflects their child's routine, though a judge will step in to decide the arrangement when parents cannot agree.

Reasons to Modify Parenting Time in Aldie

A parenting time order is not necessarily fixed forever, and either parent can ask the court to modify the arrangement when circumstances change. Common reasons courts consider include:

• A significant change in either parent's work schedule or living situation
• Evidence that the current schedule is not meeting the child's needs as they grow older
• Concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing during scheduled parenting time
• A parent's relocation to a new city or state
• Repeated violations of the existing schedule by one parent

A modification request generally needs to show that circumstances have changed enough to justify revisiting the current order, rather than simply reflecting a preference for a different arrangement. Our attorney reviews the specific details of each situation to determine whether a modification request is likely to succeed before moving forward.

Enforcing Your Rights to Parenting Time

Parenting time and child support are treated as separate legal obligations under Virginia law, and one does not excuse a violation of the other. A parent cannot lawfully withhold parenting time simply because the other parent has fallen behind on child support payments, and doing so can create additional legal problems rather than solving the underlying issue. When a parent is denied court-ordered parenting time, several remedies are available.

The affected parent can file a motion asking the court to enforce the existing order, request makeup parenting time to account for missed visits, or ask the court to hold the noncompliant parent in contempt. In situations where one parent repeatedly interferes with the other's parenting time, a judge may also consider modifying the custody arrangement if the pattern suggests the current schedule cannot be maintained. Keeping thorough records of missed or denied parenting time can make a significant difference if the matter needs to go before a judge.

Contact an Aldie Parenting Time Attorney Today

Consistent time with both parents plays an important role in a child's stability after a separation. Contact our Aldie, VA parenting time lawyer or call 571-335-3735 to schedule a consultation with Joseph H. Beale, Attorney At Law, PLLC and talk through the specifics of your situation.