Child Visitation Attorney In Richmond

Protecting Your Time With Your Child

When parenting time is uncertain, everything in your life feels unsettled. If you are worried about when you will see your child, or whether the other parent will follow the schedule, you need clear information and a steady legal guide. That is where Janus & Stone comes in.

We help parents and guardians in the Richmond area address visitation schedules, enforcement issues, and modifications so they can protect their relationship with their children. Led by Taylor B. Stone, our firm brings more than 20 years of legal experience to custody and visitation disputes, along with a commitment to honest, straightforward communication. From the first consultation, we focus on understanding your goals, your history with the other parent, and your child’s needs. We then work with you to build a practical plan, whether that means negotiating a detailed parenting schedule, preparing for a contested hearing, or both.

To discuss your situation with a child visitation attorney Richmond parents can turn to for guidance, you can contact us directly. Call (804) 265-4441 today.

Visitation Issues Parents Commonly Face

Many parents arrive at our office feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Some are in the middle of a divorce and have no formal parenting plan yet. Others already have an order, but the schedule is not working because of changing school activities, new jobs, or a move. In other situations, one parent simply refuses to follow what the court has already decided.

We regularly see parents who are dealing with missed visits, last-minute cancellations, or children being dropped off late or not at all. There may also be disagreements over holidays, summer breaks, or transportation responsibilities. When these problems keep happening, it can feel like the other parent is holding all the power, and that the court does not see what is truly going on. Some cases involve more serious concerns. One parent may worry about substance use, unsafe people in the home, or emotional manipulation that affects the child’s well-being. Other times, false accusations are raised to limit contact, which can be terrifying for the parent who feels wrongly blamed. In all of these situations, a child visitation lawyer Richmond parents trust can help you understand what options Virginia law provides and how your facts may look to a judge.

Our role is to listen carefully, separate emotion from evidence, and give you realistic advice about the paths available. We know that behind every dispute is a child who needs stability and adults who need a clear, workable plan. That is why we focus on both the legal and practical sides of visitation problems, not just abstract rules.

How Virginia Courts View Visitation

Parents often tell us they are confused about how judges make decisions about visitation. In Virginia, courts generally focus on the best interests of the child. That phrase can sound vague, but it has specific factors that judges consider, including the child’s age and needs, each parent’s role, and the ability of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.

Courts in this state typically expect that, when it is safe, children benefit from having ongoing, meaningful contact with both parents. The Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and the Circuit Court apply the same statutory factors, yet each judge may weigh them somewhat differently based on the evidence presented. This is one reason it helps to have a visitation attorney Richmond parents can rely on, who understands how to present your situation clearly.

Visitation orders can take many forms. Some parents follow a familiar alternating weekend schedule, with midweek time and shared holidays. Others may have equal parenting time, customized arrangements for parents who work irregular hours, or supervised visitation in cases involving safety concerns. The court generally looks at what schedule is realistic, stable, and safest for the child, given the family’s circumstances.

When a parent is not following an existing order, the court can be asked to enforce it. When a child’s needs or family circumstances change, parents can request a modification if there has been a material change since the last order. A child visitation lawyer Richmond families work with can explain whether your situation is likely to meet those standards and what kind of proof the court typically looks for. At Janus & Stone, we focus on explaining these legal concepts in everyday language. Our goal is that by the time you walk into the Richmond courthouse, you understand what the judge will be considering, what your options are, and how your actions today can help or hurt your case.

How We Approach Visitation Cases

Every family is different, and so is every visitation case. Our first step is always to listen. During our initial conversations, we ask detailed questions about your child’s routine, the history of the parenting relationship, any prior court orders, and what you want your time with your child to look like in the future. This helps us see both the legal picture and the human story behind it.

From there, we work with you to develop a strategy that fits your situation. In some cases, the best path is a negotiated agreement that spells out a clear schedule, exchange locations, holiday rotations, and communication rules. In other situations, the conflict is too deep, or safety concerns are too serious, for an agreement to be enough. Then we prepare to present your case to a judge in the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court or Circuit Court, depending on where your matter is pending.

Taylor B. Stone brings over 20 years of practice experience, including years spent working closely with his mentor, Murray J. Janus. That background shapes how we approach contested hearings. We focus on gathering records, messages, school information, and other documents that support your position, and we help you organize your own notes about missed visits, problem exchanges, or attempts you have made to cooperate. Our no-fear attitude in the courtroom is grounded in careful preparation and respect for the process.

Throughout your case, we put clear communication first. You should know what filings are being prepared, when court dates are set, and what you can expect at each appearance. Our firm believes that informed clients are better able to make sound decisions about offers, settlement possibilities, and trial risks. If you are looking for a visitation lawyer in Richmond, you can speak with us openly about your concerns; our approach is designed with that in mind.

When we handle visitation matters, we typically help clients by:

• Reviewing existing court orders and explaining what they require in plain language.
• Identifying and organizing documents, messages, and other records that support your concerns.
• Developing proposed schedules and parenting plans that reflect your child’s needs and your work and life realities.
• Communicating with the other side to explore negotiated solutions when appropriate.
• Preparing you for what to expect in hearings, including how to answer questions and stay focused on your child’s best interests.

Our goal in every case is to combine careful legal work with practical guidance. We want you to leave each meeting understanding not only what will happen next, but also why that step matters and how it fits into the larger plan for your child and your family.

Steps To Take About Visitation Now

If you are already experiencing problems with visitation, there are steps you can begin taking right away. These actions can help protect your relationship with your child and strengthen any future requests to modify or enforce your order. They also help us evaluate your case more effectively if you choose to work with our firm.

First, it is usually important to follow your current court order as closely as you safely can. Courts often look at whether each parent respects existing orders. If you believe your child is in danger, that is a different situation, and you should discuss it with an attorney as soon as possible. For most families, calmly following the schedule and keeping records of problems is the best starting point.

Second, pay close attention to how you communicate with the other parent. Judges in the Richmond area regularly review text messages, emails, and social media posts in visitation disputes. Messages that stay focused on the child’s needs and logistics tend to be more helpful than angry or accusatory statements. Thoughtful communication can support your credibility in court.

Simple steps you can start taking today include:

• Keeping a written log of missed visits, late drop-offs, or refusals to allow parenting time.
• Saving texts, emails, and other communications related to scheduling and exchanges.
• Collecting school records, activity calendars, and medical information that show your involvement.
• Avoid arguments in front of your child during exchanges or on calls.
• Scheduling a consultation to review your current order and discuss realistic options.

When you meet with an attorney, bringing this information with you can make the consultation more productive. At Janus & Stone, we review your documentation, talk through what you want for your child, and explain potential paths forward, including negotiation and court filings. We then work with you to decide what makes the most sense for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my current visitation order?

You may be able to change your order if there has been a material change in circumstances and a modification would serve your child’s best interests. We review your history, the existing schedule, and recent developments, then advise you on whether a Virginia court is likely to consider a change.

What if the other parent keeps blocking visits?

If the other parent repeatedly ignores the schedule, you can ask the court to enforce the order. It is important to keep careful records of missed visits and communication. We help you organize that information and explain enforcement options that may be available in Richmond courts.

Will the court listen to my child’s wishes?

Virginia courts can consider a child’s preferences, especially as the child gets older, but they are only one factor. Judges look at the whole picture, including safety, stability, and each parent’s role. We discuss how your child’s age and situation may affect how much weight their views receive.

How can you help if safety is a concern?

When safety is an issue, the court can consider supervised visitation, specific conditions, or other safeguards. We talk with you about the facts, potential evidence, and realistic options, then work to present those concerns clearly so the judge understands why additional protections may be needed.

How soon should I contact a visitation lawyer?

It is usually better to speak with a lawyer as soon as problems begin. Early advice can help you avoid missteps and start documenting issues correctly. We use that information to build a strategy, whether you need negotiation, enforcement, or a request to modify visitation in the Richmond courts.

Talk With Our Firm About Your Visitation Concerns

You do not have to navigate visitation disputes alone. When your time with your child feels uncertain, having a clear explanation of your rights and a plan for moving forward can make a real difference. Our firm works to provide that clarity, along with steady guidance through each step of the Virginia court process. At Janus & Stone, we combine more than two decades of legal experience with a client-focused approach that values communication, preparation, and practical solutions. Whether your case is best resolved through a negotiated parenting plan or a contested hearing, we are prepared to stand with you and work to protect your relationship with your child.

To speak with a child visitation attorney Richmond parents can trust about their situation, call (804) 265-4441.