Deciding to pursue a child custody case is a significant step that can impact your entire family. That’s why it’s essential to understand the different types of custody arrangements available in Virginia.
No matter how you arrive at this situation, knowing the differences in potential legal arrangements as you gear up for a custody battle will only help protect you and your child’s best interests. If you have more questions after reading this guide, give our Manassas child custody lawyers a call at (703) 755-7343.
Types Of Custody In Virginia
There are two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody.
Legal custody determines who gets to make the decisions on things like the child’s education, religion, and medical treatment. In most cases, parents share joint legal custody.
Physical custody determines where the child lives, whether that is primarily with one parent or in a shared physical custody situation.
Sometimes, while a case is pending, the court will order temporary custody arrangements. These “pendente lite” orders are designed to give stability until a final custody order is entered.
What Factors Impact Custody in Virginia?
The child’s best interest is the key deciding factor of a parental custody agreement. These factors include the child’s age and needs, each parent’s role in the child’s life, the willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any history of abuse or neglect.
Custody decisions can feel overwhelming, but understanding the types of custody in Virginia can help you prepare for the road ahead. Every case is unique, and courts look at the specific circumstances of each family.
And if you need help understanding your child custody case, the Manassas family law attorneys at Collins Family Law are here to help you. Contact us to schedule a case review with our team today.