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We Protect Your Parental Rights In Child Custody Cases

If you and your spouse are divorcing, you will no longer be married, but you will still be parents. It is important to find a way to work together as parents after the divorce. Writing a parenting plan is a good start.

The parenting plan specifies how the parents will share time with the children. Custody and visitation typically work better when parents create a plan tailored to their family. Lawyers or custody mediators may help them write an effective parenting plan that addresses a child’s current and future needs. Learn how we can help your family. Please call Whitestone Young, PC, at 703-591-0200 or contact us online for an appointment with our Fairfax child custody attorneys.

Custody Determinations In Virginia

All child custody and visitation decisions are based on the best interest of the child. Whether the case is an initial determination, a relocation or a modification, the best interest standard applies.

The court considers the following 16 factors when determining child custody in Virginia:

  • The present residence of the child
  • Which parent has had the latest and longest custody of the child
  • Which party has provided the most nurturing and close involvement in the child’s life
  • Which party can provide the most stable living environment for the child
  • Which party is in possession of the family home, if any
  • Which party readily shows the most ability to put first the needs of the child
  • Whether either party has engaged in new and illicit romantic relationships
  • If the parties are gainfully employed
  • Which party has shown the ability to provide consistency and structure in the child’s life
  • Which party is most likely to provide healthy contact with the other parent
  • Which party can be most readily described as the primary caregiver in the child’s life
  • Which party is most likely to provide a safe environment for the child
  • Which party is most likely to allow the child to remain in contact with extended family
  • Which party can provide the best physical living environment for the child
  • How well the child generally performs in school with each party
  • The child’s preference, if the child has reached a certain age

We will discuss how these factors may apply to your case and advocate for your rights during the process.

Contact Our Northern Virginia Visitation Attorneys

To schedule an appointment, please call 703-591-0200.

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