A question that often comes across from potential clients and existing clients is how is child visitation determined in Virginia. While the direct answer may be easy and rather straight forward, the application of that answer regarding Virginia child visitation laws is not as simplistic. As always, please remember that this is not intended to replace competent legal advice. If you would like to speak with us, feel free to call us or text us at 757-454-2110 or fill out a Free Consultation Request form. If you would like to someone else, we understand completely but please make sure that the attorney knows about child visitation laws in Virginia.
There are some important underlying issues that need to be mentioned up front. First is the definitional section. The way that the Code defines words and phrases is important as that is what the Court is to follow. Virginia Code 20.124.1 is the definitional section and you can read it here. The Section that gives the Court the authority to enter these Order is in Virginia Code 20-124.2 and you can read it here.
So, let’s start with trying to answer the question. Child visitation determinations are initially governed by the Code of Virginia. The applicable statute is Virginia Code Section 20-124.3. Here is the link to that Code Section in case you would like to read it.
This statute gives the Court ten (10) factors to consider regarding child custody and visitation. They are as follows:
1. The age and physical and mental condition of the child, giving due consideration to the child's changing developmental needs;
2. The age and physical and mental condition of each parent;
3. The relationship existing between each parent and each child, giving due consideration to the positive involvement with the child's life, the ability to accurately assess and meet the emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of the child;
4. The needs of the child, giving due consideration to other important relationships of the child, including but not limited to siblings, peers, and extended family members;
5. The role that each parent has played and will play in the future, in the upbringing and care of the child;
6. The propensity of each parent to actively support the child's contact and relationship with the other parent, including whether a parent has unreasonably denied the other parent access to or visitation with the child;
7. The relative willingness and demonstrated ability of each parent to maintain a close and continuing relationship with the child, and the ability of each parent to cooperate in and resolve disputes regarding matters affecting the child;
8. The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of reasonable intelligence, understanding, age, and experience to express such a preference;
9. Any history of (i) family abuse as that term is defined in § 16.1-228; (ii) sexual abuse; (iii) child abuse; or (iv) an act of violence, force, or threat as defined in § 19.2-152.7:1 that occurred no earlier than 10 years prior to the date a petition is filed. If the court finds such a history or act, the court may disregard the factors in subdivision 6; and
10. Such other factors as the court deems necessary and proper to the determination.
That’s it. Seems simple doesn’t it? Unfortunately, Virginia child visitation laws were not written for the general public to be able to simply understand. We cannot break it down in “plain English” in a simple post and we do apologize for that, however, as you can see it really is not that simple.
So the starting point for child visitation determinations in Virginia is this Code section. The law says that the Court has to consider these factors and relate to the parties the basis of the decision. What has to happen for you is that your attorney needs to make sure that you understand these factors and apply the facts of your particular situation towards these child visitation laws.
In other words, each case is different. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to child visitation in Virginia. What we like to tell our clients is to think of your case as a puzzle – each fact is a particular piece of that puzzle. Some facts are edges or corner pieces meaning they are important to get established first to set the stage for the child visitation case. Other facts are important towards the whole, however, they may be pieces of blue sky or fluffy clouds – they are necessary to finish the puzzle, however, they are not the foundation points of the case. Now some attorneys and even judges try to put cases in a “track” to treat child visitation cases the same despite the specific facts of the situation. This is not right and we hope that you are not treated that way.
Going back, we said that the statute we listed was a start in determining child visitation in Virginia. We also said that all cases of child visitation are different and no two are the same. So what is the next step if the statute is first? Case law. By this we mean looking at prior cases deciding child visitation. This can be cases decided by the Circuit Courts, the Court of Appeals, or the Virginia Supreme Court. These cases create what we call precedent and give everyone guidance on the interpretation of the laws in Virginia. It helps judges, attorneys and even parents know what is important, what is the law, and how to present a case. So, again, even though we gave you the statute above there is still more story and the law is not as simple as the statute.
Lastly, the overwhelming majority of child visitation cases in Virginia are heard in the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Courts in Virginia. These are considered courts “not of record” meaning that there is no reported case opinions out there to help guide you in these Courts. That is why it is important, if you are going to hire an attorney, to hire one that is familiar with how the Court you are in handles cases. Each Court, each judge is different. What one Court deems important may not be important to another Court – even in the same courthouse. Predictability is a compliment to pay a Court and that is where the saying “the best lawyers know the judge” comes into play. An experienced child visitation lawyer should be able to give you an idea of how your Court will probably handle your case. No one can tell you exactly what is going to happen and any lawyer that guarantees you what will happen is probably telling you what you want to hear to get your money. At that point we would suggest getting a second opinion – not necessarily hiring another attorney but just double checking. An attorney that is looking out for your best interests should not mind you getting a second opinion.
If you would like to read some of the Code of Virginia regarding visitation, here are some links that can lead you in the right direction:
Virginia Code Section 20-124.3: Best interests of the child; visitation
Virginia Code Section 20-124.1: Definitions
Virginia Code Section 20-124.2: Court-ordered custody and visitation arrangements
Hopefully this post has been helpful in providing you with some guidance on how child visitation is determined or decided in Virginia. If nothing else, we hope that it provides some framework if you have a consultation with an attorney.
Again, remember that this is not intended to replace competent legal advice. If you would like to speak with us, feel free to call us or text us at 757-454-2110 or fill out a Free Consultation Request form. As always, we offer free initial consultations with an attorney.
Do not forget to scroll to the bottom as there may be related posts that answer other questions that you have or did not think of at when you found this post. Thank you for reading this and I appreciate your time.
