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Family Law Attorneys Assist Clients with Visitation Agreements in Virginia

Legal team providing compassionate and affordable counsel

Since 2000, we at The Leiser Law Firm have fought diligently for the rights of family law clients in the McLean, VA area. If you are seeking child visitation rights, our team of experienced trial attorneys can represent you with passion and competence. Responsive and accessible, our lawyers are committed to providing you with high-quality legal service.

Creating a sound visitation agreement

When setting up visitation schedules and agreements, the court is primarily concerned with doing what is in the best interests of the child. A visitation agreement or schedule that complies with Virginia law should:

  • Be child-focused
  • Encourage frequent and continuing contact with each parent
  • Preserve the dignity of all parties
  • Help the family spend time, money and emotional resources in the most positive ways
  • Ensure that children benefit from a healthy, non-abusive family environment

Factors the court considers when reviewing visitation agreements

For both visitation and custody arrangements, the court carefully reviews all the evidence before making a decision. When appropriate, the court encourages both parents to maintain contact with the child. In the event that you and your spouse are unable to agree on a visitation agreement or schedule, the court considers the following before making a determination:

  • Age and developmental needs of the child
  • Primacy of the parent/child relationship
  • Ability of each parent to provide a healthy, non-abusive environment
  • Promotion of frequent and continuing contact with the other parent
  • Willingness and ability of each parent to abide by existing court orders
  • Practical effects of the visitation
  • Effect of “special days” on scheduling visitation
  • Effect of the visitation schedule on the dignity of the parents and child
  • Ability to preserve resources by maximizing time spent with each parent and reducing uncertainty and disagreement regarding the schedule

The court may deny visitation rights if doing so would benefit the child. For example, if one parent has a history of domestic violence or drug or alcohol abuse, that parent may be denied visitation rights.

What happens if your spouse refuses to let you visit your child?

If the visitation schedule has been court ordered and your spouse refuses to let you see your child, a skilled attorney can help. A violation of court-ordered visitation is a serious matter — the violating spouse may be held in contempt of court, which could result in monetary penalties or even jail time.

Modifying a visitation agreement

According to family law in Virginia, you may seek a post-divorce modification of a child custody, child support, alimony or visitation order. If one parent seeks to change a visitation agreement and the other contests the modification, the court must intervene. The court typically agrees to modify an existing order if a substantial change in circumstances has occurred and if granting the modification would be in the best interests of the child.

Choose an experienced team of family law attorneys in Virginia

For more than 20 years, we at The Leiser Law Firm have fought for families throughout Northern Virginia. Our firm comprises skilled and knowledgeable attorneys who work tirelessly to help clients resolve their cases in a timely manner. To find out if you qualify for a consultation with one of our lawyers, call 703-734-5000 or contact us online.