Virginia law governs parenting schedules under Title 20 of the Virginia Code. The court determines custody and visitation based on the experienced interests of the child, considering 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3. These factors include each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Fauquier County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody cases, while Fauquier County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce proceedings. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s custody and visitation statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For court procedures in Fauquier County, see Fauquier County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Fauquier County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, judges routinely expect parents to have attempted mediation before a contested hearing. We have observed that failing to participate in mediation can negatively impact your case.
- File a petition for custody or visitation at the appropriate court.
- Attend mediation to attempt to reach an agreement on the parenting schedule.
- Gather evidence of your involvement in the child’s life, including school and medical records.
- Prepare for a hearing if mediation fails.
- Present your case to the judge, who will decide based on the experienced interests of the child.
- Comply with the court-ordered parenting schedule or seek modification if circumstances change.
In Fauquier County, parenting schedule violations can result in contempt of court, fines, or modification of the custody order. The court may also order makeup parenting time or impose sanctions.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violation of Parenting Schedule | Civil Contempt | Up to 10 days (civil contempt) | Up to $1,000 | None | Makeup parenting time; modification of custody order |
| Repeated Violations | Civil Contempt | Up to 30 days | Up to $2,500 | None | Potential change in custody; attorney fees |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has 68 documented case results in Fauquier County: 2 dismissed or not guilty, 57 reduced or amended, 2 deferred — a 90% favorable outcome rate. Practice area breakdown includes 65 Traffic/Reckless Driving, 2 DUI/DWI, and 1 Public Order/Misdemeanor. Most common outcomes include amendments to improper driving, speeding, and defective equipment.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 68 documented results in Fauquier County: 2 dismissed or not guilty, 57 reduced or amended, 2 deferred — a 90% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 25 miles from Fauquier County General District Court at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186, with access via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We serve as a parenting schedule lawyer near Fauquier County. Serving the communities of Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Schedules in Fauquier County
How long does a divorce take in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Fauquier County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Fauquier County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Cases filed at Fauquier County General District Court.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Custody in Fauquier County is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Fauquier County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Fauquier County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Fauquier County Circuit Court.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against parenting schedule charges?
Defense strategies for parenting schedule in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code Title 20 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing parenting schedule charges in Virginia?
If facing parenting schedule charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
What are the penalties for parenting schedule in Virginia?
Penalties for parenting schedule in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under Va. Code Title 20, consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia family law attorney for case-specific guidance.
For more information, visit our Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Family Law Lawyer Albemarle County or Family Law Lawyer Alexandria pages. For related practice areas, see DUI Lawyer Fauquier County and Reckless Driving Lawyer Fauquier County.
Last verified: May 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site