Being a parent is one of life’s greatest gifts. Even when parents split up, they usually want the best for their children. Even if the parties believe they can amicably settle custody issues, having an experienced Dale City child custody attorney guidance can be invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected now and in the future.
When parents cannot agree on custody issues, a strong child custody attorney becomes essential. At Collins Family Law, our attorneys help protect your custodial rights and ensure the court understands all facts relevant to your child’s best interests. If you have a child custody issue, we want to help. Call us at (703) 755-7343 or visit our contact page to schedule a confidential consultation. Please be advised that there is a $300 consultation fee for new clients as part of our intake process.
Why Choose Collins Family Law?
- Our Dale City family law attorneys genuinely care about you, which shows through our empathetic support and commitment to building your strongest case.
- We will help you understand all custody options and how they may impact your family now and in the future.
- We understand your case is unique and deserves a customized approach to meet your family’s needs.
- Our team of attorneys are dedicated to achieving a fair resolution that protects your rights and best interests and those of you and your children.
What You Need to Know About Virginia Child Custody Laws
If you have a Virginia custody concern, you need to know the types of custody recognized by the courts and how the courts determine what custody plan is in your child’s best interest.
Types of Custody in Virginia
Virginia courts recognize two types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody includes the right to make decisions for the child’s religious upbringing, education, medical care, and other important issues. Physical custody determines where the child resides and decisions relative to daily life.
Legal custody may be granted to one or both parents. When parents have joint legal custody, they both decide on important issues regarding their child. In some cases, however, the court gives legal custody to one parent solely.
Physical custody may be awarded jointly where the child resides with both parents but may spend more time with one than the other. Sole physical custody can be granted when deemed appropriate. If sole custody is awarded, the court may grant visitation rights to the other parent to maintain a relationship with the child.
The court tries to ensure that your children have ongoing contact with both parents when possible and encourages parents to share custody of the children when appropriate. The court may also grant custody or visitation to other family members when in the child’s best interest.
How the Court Determines Custody
Virginia Code §20-124.3 provides that the courts must prioritize the child’s best interests when determining custody. When making this determination, they will consider the following factors:
- The child’s age and mental and physical condition.
- The physical and mental condition and age of each parent.
- The relationship between each parent and child and the parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs.
- The needs of the child considering their relationships with other family members.
- The ability and willingness of each parent to actively support the child’s contact and relationship with the other parent.
- The ability and willingness of each parent to maintain a close and continuing relationship with the child.
- The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of reasonable intelligence, understanding, age, and experience, to express such a preference.
- Any history of abuse that occurred in the ten years before the date the petition is filed.
- Other factors the court deems necessary and proper to the determination.
Why You Need a Dale City Child Custody Lawyer
- Having an experienced Dale City child custody lawyer can help reduce stress so you can better focus on caring for your children and yourself.
- A good child custody lawyer often helps improve the communication between you and your former partner after a divorce in Dale City, Virginia.
- You will understand the relevant child custody laws and how they apply to your case.
- Being represented by an experienced child custody lawyer can often help you resolve custody issues more quickly.
- Your chances of achieving the custody arrangement you desire are much more significant when you are represented by an experienced Dale City child custody attorney.
Contact Our Dale City Child Custody Lawyers Today
At Collins Family Law P.C., we have the experience, resources, and skills to protect your rights and help you reach a fair resolution of your child custody case. If you are facing child custody issues, we can help you. Schedule a confidential consultation today by calling (703) 755-7343 or completing the short consultation request form on our contact page.