Child custody can be one of the most stressful and emotionally trying things that most parents have to negotiate. It can be incredibly frustrating to feel like your access to a person that you helped to create or raise is being removed or limited. That is why it is so critical to have experienced representation to advocate for the best interests of both you and your child in court and ensure that the best custody decision for the child is reached. Even parents who both want the best for their children often end up in contentious battles over custody. It is unlikely that most parents arguing over custody will be able to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution without the help of a third-party attorney who can remain focused on the legal standards and the best interests of the child. If you are struggling to come to an agreement on custody or are wondering what the options are or what your rights are as a parent, the experienced Woodbridge child custody attorneys at the Virginia Family Law Center are ready to help.
Child custody is determined based on the best interest of the child. However, it is important to remember that the judge must only make a determination as to which parents get legal and/or physical custody of a child in the event that the parents are not able to arrive at a decision on their own. If parents can come to an agreement on all necessary custody matters, the court can simply approve them, assuming that they are in line with the best interests of the child. An attorney can help you negotiate these terms with the other parent, or may recommend negotiation or other third-party means of arriving at a custody agreement without setting foot in court. In the event that you and your partner or co-parent are unable to arrive at a decision on your own, the judge will assess a number of factors in determining what sort of custody agreement would be in the best interest of the child.
These factors can include things like, each parents’ ability to meet the child’s needs, where each parent lives in relation to the child’s school and support network, the child’s age, physical and mental health, and other needs, the role that each parent plays in raising the child, and the willingness of each parent to co-parent and maintain a relationship with the other parent. The judge may also consider any other factors that they believe may be relevant, such as a history of domestic violence or substance abuse by one parent. If you have questions about how this standard is applied and whether it will support your getting physical custody, it is best to consult with a divorce attorney.
If you are going through a divorce or need to have custody determined with regard to a shared child, you likely have a lot of questions and concerns. The experienced Virginia child custody attorneys at the Virginia Family Law Center are here to help. Contact the Virginia Family Law Center today to schedule a consultation.
At Virginia Family Law Center, we protect clients’ rights and help them understand the legal processes they are working through. Schedule your 30-minute telephone consultation with an experienced lawyer by filling out the form below.