Has a grandparent asked the court for visitation with your child? Are you worried that a grandparent is undermining your decisions as a parent? Are you planning to move, and a grandparent is trying to stop you?
Or are you a grandparent who has lost contact with a grandchild? Do you want to know whether Virginia law gives you a way to see your grandchild again? Are you unsure whether you have a case before you invest in litigation?
Grandparent visitation disputes are emotional, and they can divide a family. I represent parents and grandparents, and I give you an honest assessment of the law before you decide what to do.
Virginia law presumes that fit parents act in their children’s best interests, so a grandparent who asks the court for visitation faces a high bar.
Do you have questions about your legal rights? Read my guide to grandparents’ visitation rights in Virginia, then call my office to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
HOW I HELP
How I Help Families Navigate Grandparents’ Rights Disputes
Grandparent cases affect the whole family. Whichever side you are on, here is how I work with you:
For Parents:
I defend your fundamental right to make decisions about your children’s relationships. Virginia law presumes that fit parents act in their children’s best interests, and I use that principle to protect your authority as a parent. If a grandparent has filed for visitation, I respond to the petition, challenge whether the legal standard has been met, and negotiate reasonable terms when that serves your child. If you plan to move, I work to protect your right to relocate.
In a recent case, my client planned to relocate with a child when a grandparent petitioned for visitation. I used the Court of Appeals’ decision in Williams v. Panter to challenge the petition. By filing motions based on that new appellate law, I secured a settlement that protected my client’s right to relocate, set reasonable visitation terms, and recovered my client’s attorney’s fees.
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For Grandparents:
I give you an honest assessment of your legal position before you invest in costly litigation. Virginia sets a high bar for grandparent visitation, and I explain whether your circumstances, such as a significant existing relationship with your grandchild, give you grounds to file a petition. If the better path is a conversation with the parents or mediation, I will tell you that too.
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My Approach:
Whenever possible, I look for cost-effective solutions through mediation and negotiation, because preserving family relationships often serves a child best. When litigation is necessary, I bring knowledge of the juvenile and domestic relations courts across the Richmond region, strong negotiation skills, thorough preparation and solid trial advocacy to every case.
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Why Choose Me:
I understand both Virginia’s complex family laws and the emotional dynamics affecting your family. I protect parents’ rights, negotiate visitation schedules that work, and give grandparents candid advice about what the law allows.
Don’t let this dispute tear your family apart. Call my office at 804.238.7737 to schedule a consultation and get experienced, compassionate guidance tailored to your situation.
My fees for a grandparents’ rights and visitation case begin at $3,500, plus costs. Every case is different, and I will explain what applies to your situation at your consultation.
FEES
ANSWERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A few of the questions I hear most about grandparents’ rights.
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Sometimes, but the law is narrow. Virginia presumes that fit parents act in their children’s best interests, so a court gives great weight to a parent’s decisions about who spends time with a child. A grandparent who asks for visitation must meet a high legal standard, and the answer depends on the facts of each family. For more, read my guide to grandparents’ visitation rights in Virginia.
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Virginia sets a high bar. A grandparent must generally show that court-ordered visitation is in the child’s best interests, that the grandparent has a significant relationship with the child, and that a parent has unreasonably denied contact. Courts also give a fit parent’s decision great weight, and a grandparent may need to show that the child would suffer actual harm without the visits. At your consultation, I will tell you honestly whether your facts are strong enough to file.
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In most cases, a fit parent decides who spends time with a child, and a court must give that decision great weight. Safety concerns, disagreements about how to raise the child, or a grandparent who undermines your authority can all be reasons to limit contact. If a grandparent files a petition, please do not ignore it. Call my office to schedule a consultation so I can advise you on how to respond. If a court order is already in place, please follow it until a judge changes it.
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A grandparent does not automatically have the power to stop a parent from moving. But if a grandparent has already filed a petition for visitation, a move can complicate the case. Please call my office to schedule a consultation before you relocate, so I can help you protect your plans and your child’s relationships.
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Courts may look more closely at a grandparent’s request in these situations, especially when the parent who died or cannot care for the child supported the relationship. But a recent decision of the Virginia Court of Appeals, Williams v. Panter, limited a statute that grandparents had relied on, and the law in this area is still developing. Please call my office to schedule a consultation so I can explain how it applies to your family.
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Yes. Mediation and negotiation can resolve many grandparents’ disputes faster and at lower cost than litigation, and they help preserve family relationships. Mediation works best when both sides are willing to talk. When it does not, I am prepared to litigate in the juvenile and domestic relations courts across the Richmond region.
TESTIMONIALS
In Their Own Words
How it feels to have me in your corner.
“The consultation process was very professional and worth it from start to finish. I walked away with sound advice that made me feel empowered & ready to take the next step. This will for sure be my go to firm in the future.”
DN, Custody & CPS Consultation
“Thank you so much for all of your hard work and expertise in this matter. It has been a pleasure working with you.”
L & D, Guardianship Clients
“Once again, I thank you so much for a great job.”
AO, Guardianship Client
Some testimonials have been edited for clarity, brevity, and privacy.
Protect Your Family’s Relationships.
Call my office to schedule your consultation.