Child Visitation Lawyer

Dedicated Attorney Protecting Your Rights in a Child Visitation Case in the Richmond Metropolitan Area and Several Surrounding Counties

When parents separate or divorce, it is usually in a child's best interests to maintain a healthy relationship with both parents. While many families choose shared child custody agreements to address this need, others may decide on sole, primary, or split custody. A well-planned parenting time/visitation arrangement allows children to spend time with each parent.

Whether you need assistance creating a parenting time/visitation plan, modifying your existing parenting time/visitation order, or enforcing existing plans, Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, can provide you with seasoned legal counsel. From our office in Richmond, we serve families throughout the region, including the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, Henrico County, Hanover County, Powhatan County, New Kent County, and Goochland County. Through our 45+ years of experience, we have gained invaluable knowledge that allows us to identify and address potential issues before they become hurdles that will be hard to overcome. We will always aggressively advocate for your and your children's best interests.

Why a "Standard" Parenting Time/Visitation Plan Does Not Always Work

You, each child, and the other parent are unique. An agreement that is optimal for another family may not work for yours at all. Other attorneys may try to make your family fit into a standard arrangement rather than adapting visitation plans to your unique dynamic. That kind of solution often leads to problems.

When you partner with Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, we will take a more effective approach. We will consider all the variables carefully and then work with you to develop a customized solution. Our goal is to create a plan to which each parent can agree. Some of the factors to consider include:

• The relationships between each parent and each child
• Each parent's willingness to support each child's relationship with the other parent
• Whether parents are willing to cooperate
• Each child's age, special and developmental needs, health, extracurricular activities, and preferences, depending on their age and maturity
• Whether the children's safety is a concern when they are spending time with the other parent
• Each parent's mental and physical health, work obligations and schedules, financial stability, and the home environment and living situation
• Special circumstances, such as a parent's incarceration or active-duty military service
• Any history of parental criminal activity, domestic violence, or abuse

When necessary, supervised visitation could be an option to protect your children's safety while allowing them to spend time with the other parent.

Parenting Time/Visitation Should Not Be a Bargaining Tool

Your separation or divorce may be contentious, and you may want to gain the upper hand over the other parent. Some parents weaponize child custody and visitation as bargaining tools. They may fail to realize the severe adverse impact these disputes and their behaviors can have on each child. To retain more control over the matter and do what is healthy for each child, it is best to work with your attorney to devise a schedule that reflects each child's best interests.

Exploring Virginia Visitation Options

It is natural to want to spend as much time as possible with each child. However, for some children too much transition to and from each household is stressful and confusing. Some families consider the following:

• The non-custodial parent having physical custody every weekend or on alternating weekends
• Children living with parents on alternating weeks
• 60/40, 70/30, or 80/20 schedules
• Alternating years for major holidays
• Longer visitation periods during school breaks

You should also consider how visitation will be handled on children's and parents' birthdays. Mother's Day is usually spent with the mother, and Father's Day is usually spent with the father.

If parents live a significant distance apart, frequent visitation may not be practical. However, allowing frequent communication with the non-custodial parent through phone, text, and video calls may benefit your children.

Custody and parenting time/visitation schedules must be created for each child rather than using a cookie cutter plan. Your family is unique. Your child or children are uniquely special. A schedule that truly fits your family should be evaluated and implemented.

Modifying and Enforcing Visitation Orders

After the Court's approval your visitation schedule becomes an enforceable court order. Deviating from that order can result in a parent being held in contempt of court. While it is important to be reasonably flexible, regular violations of visitation terms may be harmful to the children. Formally requesting a modification of your visitation arrangements with the help of your lawyer may alleviate these issues. In cases involving contempt, we can represent either parent effectively.

Contact Our Visitation Lawyer Serving Richmond, VA and the Surrounding Areas

Parenting time/visitation matters are often emotionally challenging. You and your children will benefit from the whole-hearted support and knowledgeable legal counsel that Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, can provide. Contact us today to arrange a consultation online or call 804-282-9226.