The Virginia courts and laws determines the visitation and custody of children under 18 keeping the best interests of the child in mind. If the issue of custody of the child has been settled by the parents, the judge, in most situations, changes the decision into an official court order after reviewing it.
The factors that are significant when concluding the child’s best interests are his requirements (that include emotional needs) and whether the parent would be able to fulfill them, his relationship with his parents and siblings (if any), his age, and any physical and/or psychological condition that affects the child. The age, behavior, physical and mental condition of each parent and the past role each parent played in the upbringing of the child is also considered when making the decision to ensure that the chosen parent is able to effectively take care of the child. Children, generally above the age of 12, can also wish to express a preference. Additionally, wrong influence of a parent, a history of family abuse and other additional important factors determined by the court can also affect the verdict. Making a decision based on the child’s best interest ensures that the child is raised in an environment where his emotional development, mental health, security and happiness is taken care of.
Virginia Child Custody Laws involves the physical and legal responsibility for a child under the age of 18. Legal custody can be joint or sole and it gives the privilege to be the child’s primary caretaker and make decisions concerning the child’s overall wellbeing such as education, medical care and religious training. Physical custody involves the residential aspect of a custody and determines the parent with whom the minor is going to live following the divorce. In Virginia it is also possible for both parents to have some form of physical custody if it’s in the best interest of the child.
The custodial parent gets control of the child, whereas the non-custodial parent can make use of the laws in Virginia that allow visitation between children and non-custodial parents. Depending on the ruling of the court, the noncustodial parent is allowed unsupervised or supervised time with the child if one parent has sole custody of the child. The noncustodial parent may also get the rights that allow the child to stay overnight or throughout the weekend, however, they cannot make any of the decisions regarding the child’s welfare. In case the marriage isn’t legal binding, Virginia child custody laws also acknowledges putative fatherhood and declaring paternity helps the court determine custody awards and visitation rights.
The court of law in Virginia operates in accord with the code established under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. This ensures that the registry of legal custody agreements are a part of the national enforcement system and can be utilized in case there is failure to follow custody agreements or a parent leaves Virginia with the children without any notice.
If you need the help of a Virginia child custody lawyer in Fairfax, City of Fairfax, Prince William (Manassas), Fauquier (Warrenton), Loudoun (Leesburg), Caroline, Stafford, Spotsylvania (Fredericksburg), Chesterfield, Henrico, Arlington, Richmond, Alexandria, call our law firm immediately for help and speak to a lawyer about your options.
The SRIS Law Group can help you best possible outcome based on the facts of your case. If you wish to consult an SRIS Law Group, P.C. Virginia child custody attorney, call us at 855-696-3348. B
