A parenting schedule can look reasonable on paper until real life gets in the way. School activities change, work schedules shift, children grow, and parents may strongly disagree about how their time should be divided. When those disagreements become difficult to resolve, an attorney who is experienced in handling custody and visitation matters like Li-Shann Durst, located in Ashburn, VA, can help you understand your options and work toward an arrangement that keeps your child’s needs at the center.
How Are Visitation Disagreements Resolved in Virginia?
Virginia courts base custody and visitation decisions on the best interests of the child. State law identifies several factors courts consider, including the child’s needs, each parent’s relationship with the child, and each parent’s role in the child’s care. A family law attorney can explain how these factors may apply to your circumstances.
Parents do not necessarily have to ask a judge to decide their visitation schedule in Virginia. Virginia law recognizes mediation as an alternative to litigation when appropriate in custody and visitation matters, and courts routinely refer parents to mediation before custody and visitation hearings. Mediation can address residential schedules, care arrangements, and ways to handle future disputes.
Can Parents Resolve Visitation Disputes Without Going to Court in Virginia?
Yes. Parents may be able to resolve disagreements about parenting time without asking a judge to decide the schedule. Mediation, collaborative law, and negotiation provide structured ways to address these issues, even when parents have difficulty communicating or cooperating on their own.
Attorney Li-Shann Durst, an attorney located in Ashburn, VA, can help you understand these options and determine which approach may be appropriate for your family and circumstances.
How Can an Attorney Help?
An attorney can help you identify the issues that need to be resolved, understand how Virginia law applies, and evaluate proposed terms. The goal is to develop a practical arrangement that addresses your child’s needs and your family’s circumstances. If you are both able to come to agreement, the attorney can prepare and file the appropriate paperwork with the court.
Depending on your situation, mediation or collaborative law may provide a path for resolving disputes over parenting time in Virginia while facilitating constructive communication and focused cooperation.
What Should You Do When a Parenting Schedule Is Not Working?
At the Law Office of Li-Shann Durst, PLLC, Attorney Li-Shann Durst helps individuals and families throughout Northern Virginia navigate family law matters with a focus on reducing conflict and finding practical, respectful solutions. Whether your situation involves divorce, custody, support, or another family transition, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about what comes next.
If disagreements over parenting time have become difficult to resolve, contact our office to speak with Li-Shann Durst, who is located in Ashburn, VA. Schedule a consultation or call 703-443-4762 to discuss your situation and the available options.
