Arlington Family Law Lawyers
Roughly half of all marriages end in divorce. However, ending a marriage is not an easy task, especially if there are children involved. A divorce encompasses many elements related to family law. However, a person can experience family law issues even if they are not married or in the middle of a divorce. For example, there can still be paternity or child custody and support issues.
Dealing with all the elements involved can be overwhelming. The average person does not understand all the laws and processes involved. That is why you need legal help from a trusted and experienced team. That is where Virginia Family Law Center comes in. Our Arlington family law lawyers will fight for your legal rights and help you get the best outcome possible.
Child Custody
Child custody and visitation rights are outlined in the Code of Virginia § 20-124.2. The court determines custody based on the best interests of the child. The court has the right to award joint or sole custody, but the goal is for the child to have a relationship with both parents, if possible.
Grandparents also have visitation rights. However, to spend time with their grandchildren, the grandparents must prove that their child wants them to have visitation with the minor grandchildren and that it is in the best interest of the grandchildren to have visitation with them.
Child Support
One parent often has to pay support to the other for the children, especially if one parent has primary custody. Child support is in place to ensure that both parents contribute financially to their children’s care. Child support is paid every month and is based on factors such as the number of children, the number of days per year you have your child in your custody, your monthly pay, and the other parent’s monthly pay. Virginia has a formula in place to determine the amount paid to the other parent.
Paternity
If a couple has a child while they are married, the husband is automatically determined to be the father. Both parents can also designate paternity by signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) form under oath. This typically happens right after the child is born at the hospital. You can also open a child support case through the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE). The alleged father will have to take a DNA test to prove paternity. A man who wants custody rights of their child will need to prove paternity. If a parent wants to give or receive child support or health insurance for the child, paternity will need to be established.
