Visitation Enforcement Lawyer Virginia Beach — What Can You Do When Visitation Is Denied?
When a parent denies court-ordered visitation in Virginia Beach, you need a visitation enforcement lawyer Virginia Beach to file a contempt motion in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our family law attorneys can help you enforce your rights and seek remedies for denied visitation.
Virginia Law on Visitation and Enforcement
Virginia law treats visitation as a right of the child and the non-custodial parent. A court-ordered visitation schedule is legally binding. When the custodial parent willfully disobeys the order by denying visitation, it constitutes contempt of court. The primary statute governing custody and visitation is Va. Code § 20-124.2, which establishes the “best interests of the child” standard. Enforcement actions are governed by the court’s inherent contempt powers.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s custody and visitation laws, refer to the Virginia Code, Title 20, Chapter 6.1. The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court website provides local forms and procedural information for filing enforcement actions.
How a Visitation Enforcement Lawyer Virginia Beach Can Help
If you are facing denied visitation, a lawyer can take immediate steps. First, they will review your custody order to confirm the violation. Then, they can file a “Rule to Show Cause” or a Motion for Contempt with the Virginia Beach J&DR Court. This legal action asks the court to hold the other parent accountable. The court can impose penalties to compel compliance, such as fines, make-up visitation, or even jail time for repeated willful violations. An enforce visitation order lawyer Virginia Beach can also seek modifications to the order if the current schedule is unworkable or if enforcement attempts repeatedly fail.
- Gather evidence of the denial (texts, emails, a visitation log).
- Consult with a denied visitation lawyer Virginia Beach to review your order and evidence.
- Your attorney will draft and file a Motion for Contempt or Rule to Show Cause.
- Attend the court hearing where the judge will hear both sides.
- The judge will issue an order, which may include penalties and a clarified schedule.
Potential Outcomes and Legal Strategies
In Virginia Beach, a parent found in contempt for denying visitation can face fines, court costs, attorney’s fees, make-up parenting time, and, in extreme cases, modification of custody.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Virginia Beach Family Law Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep commitment to shaping family law. We understand the urgency and frustration of being denied time with your child.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Our team, led by Samantha Powers, works collaboratively with firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who personally contributed to amending Virginia family law statute § 20-107.3. We have a documented record of advocating for parents’ rights in Virginia Beach courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Visitation Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients with Virginia Beach family law matters. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 44. If you need a visitation enforcement lawyer Virginia Beach near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront or Town Center, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step if my ex denies my court-ordered visitation?
Document the denial and contact a lawyer. The first legal step is typically filing a Motion for Contempt (Rule to Show Cause) in the Virginia Beach J&DR Court to ask the judge to enforce the order.
Can I call the police if my ex won’t let me see my child?
It depends. Police often treat custody disputes as civil matters unless there is a violation of a protective order or immediate danger. They may refuse to intervene, making a court action with a denied visitation lawyer Virginia Beach the proper remedy.
What can a judge do to enforce a visitation order?
A judge can order make-up visitation, impose fines, award you attorney’s fees, require the non-compliant parent to post a bond, or, for repeated willful violations, impose jail time for contempt of court.
How long does a contempt hearing take in Virginia Beach?
From filing to hearing, it can take 4 to 8 weeks. The hearing itself may be scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion, depending on the Virginia Beach J&DR Court’s docket.
Can I get sole custody if my ex keeps denying visitation?
Possibly. Repeated, willful denial of visitation can be grounds to petition for a modification of custody, arguing it is not in the child’s best interest. A judge will consider the pattern of behavior and its impact on the child.
Related Legal Help in Virginia Beach
If you are dealing with a family law issue in Virginia Beach, you may also need information about criminal defense or DUI defense. For more family law resources across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.