Few issues cause more anxiety than the fear of losing parenting time. Many parents assume that if they have legal rights as a parent, visitation is guaranteed and cannot be interrupted. Others fear that one accusation—true or false—will immediately remove their access to their child. In Virginia, the reality lies somewhere in the middle.

Visitation is strongly protected because courts generally believe children benefit from having a meaningful relationship with both parents. At the same time, Virginia courts will restrict visitation when necessary to protect the child’s physical safety, emotional well-being, or stability. For families in Fairfax County and the Fredericksburg region (including Stafford and Spotsylvania), understanding when visitation can be denied or limited is essential—especially in high-conflict cases.

Visitation is rarely “denied,” but it can be restricted

In Virginia, courts typically avoid completely eliminating parenting time unless there is a serious risk to the child. Instead, courts often use a range of restrictions designed to protect the child while maintaining some form of contact.

Common court-ordered restrictions include:

• Supervised visitation (a third party supervises visits)
• Therapeutic visitation (visits occur under guidance of a counselor)
• No overnight visits (especially for younger children or safety concerns)
• No alcohol or drug use before or during visitation
• Restricted locations (visits at public places or specific environments)
• Exchange protections (neutral exchange locations or third-party pickup)

These conditions can be temporary or long-term depending on the circumstances and the parent’s progress.

What courts consider when limiting visitation

Visitation decisions are made under the same standard used for custody: the best interests of the child. The court evaluates whether the child’s health, safety, or emotional stability would be threatened by unrestricted contact.

When parents argue about visitation, judges often focus on three practical questions:

1. Is the child safe during the visit?
2. Is the visit emotionally appropriate and stable?
3. Can the parent reliably follow court orders and routines?

Common reasons visitation may be restricted in Virginia

Although every case is different, the following issues frequently lead to supervision or limitations:

1) Domestic violence or threats

If there is a history of violence, harassment, intimidation, or threats, the court may restrict visitation to protect the child and the other parent. Even when the violence is not directed at the child, the court considers whether the child may be exposed to danger or trauma.

In many cases, protective orders and custody matters intersect. Courts may impose structured visitation schedules, neutral exchanges, or third-party supervision.

2) Substance abuse concerns

Alcohol or drug abuse is one of the most common reasons for supervised visitation or restrictions. The court may consider:

• prior arrests (DUI, drug possession)
• rehabilitation history
• reports of intoxication during parenting time
• evidence of impairment or unsafe supervision

In some cases, courts may require sobriety monitoring, testing, or proof of treatment as a condition of expanded visitation.

3) Mental health instability that affects parenting

Mental health alone is not a reason to restrict visitation. However, the court may intervene when mental health issues create safety risks or instability—for example:

• untreated severe symptoms
• erratic behavior
• repeated crises that affect caregiving
• refusal to comply with treatment recommendations when safety is at issue

In these cases, courts may implement step-up plans that allow visitation to expand as stability improves.

4) Serious concerns about neglect or unsafe supervision

Visitation restrictions can occur when a parent is accused of:

• leaving children unattended
• unsafe sleeping or living conditions
• allowing dangerous individuals to be around the child
• failing to provide basic care (food, hygiene, medication)

Courts typically require credible evidence. If concerns are substantiated, visitation may be supervised until the parent can show improvement.

5) Repeated refusal to follow court orders

A parent who repeatedly violates custody orders may face restrictions—not necessarily as punishment, but because noncompliance creates instability.

Examples include:

• failure to return the child on time
• refusal to follow the agreed schedule
• interference with the other parent’s contact
• exposing the child to inappropriate conflict

If the court believes a parent cannot follow orders, it may impose stricter structure.

Can a parent “stop visitation” on their own?

This is one of the most important practical questions for separated parents.

Generally, one parent cannot unilaterally deny visitation simply because they believe the other parent is unsafe—especially when there is a court order in place. If a parent violates the order without legal justification, they may face consequences, including contempt proceedings.

However, there are circumstances where a parent may need to act quickly:

• immediate danger to the child
• clear evidence of abuse, intoxication, or unsafe conditions
• a serious threat requiring emergency intervention

In those cases, the safer legal approach is often to pursue:

• an emergency protective order, or
• an emergency custody motion (depending on the situation)

Because the consequences of wrongful denial can be serious, parents should seek legal guidance before taking actions that could backfire in court.

What a parent can do if visitation should be restricted

If you believe visitation should be limited, preparation matters. Courts rely on evidence, credibility, and stability. Useful steps may include:

• documenting incidents with dates and factual details
• saving relevant written communications
• collecting medical, school, or police records when applicable
• identifying witnesses who observed concerning behavior
• proposing reasonable safety-focused solutions (supervision, step-up plans, structured exchanges)

Courts often respond better when the concerned parent proposes a practical, child-focused plan rather than simply asking to eliminate contact entirely.

Step-up visitation plans: a common middle-ground solution

In many Fairfax and Fredericksburg cases, courts use a step-up visitation schedule. This approach:

• starts with supervised or limited visitation
• expands parenting time gradually
• ties progression to stability, treatment, or consistent compliance

Step-up plans can be effective because they allow children to maintain contact while protecting them from risk.

Conclusion

Virginia courts generally protect visitation rights because children benefit from consistent relationships with both parents. But when safety, stability, or emotional harm is at issue, courts can restrict visitation through supervision, conditions, or structured schedules. If you are dealing with a visitation dispute in Fairfax County or the Fredericksburg region—whether you are requesting restrictions or defending against them—AMG LAW PLC can help you understand the legal standards, prepare the necessary evidence, and pursue a resolution that protects your child’s best interests.