If you're facing a child custody dispute in Fredericksburg, Virginia Strentz Greene & Coleman, PLC, is here to guide you through the legal process and help you make informed decisions as a parent.
There are many factors involved when the state is considering how to establish custody after a separation. If you're facing a child custody dispute in Fredericksburg, Virginia Strentz Greene & Coleman, PLC, is here to guide you through the legal process and help you make informed decisions as a parent.
In Virginia, custody is defined through two lenses: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody gives a view of how the child’s time will be spent. It can take many forms, but it usually is a time-sharing agreement between the parents. On the other hand, legal custody defines who is making life decisions for the child, like choice of school, religious considerations, or medical decisions.
Shared physical custody is an arrangement where one parent has more than 90 days per year with the child. The parents need to be able to work together closely and get along very well in order to share physical custody.
Primary physical custody in Virginia is when one parent has the primary residence of the child. This is more the norm than shared physical custody. Primary Physical Custody is clearly when one parent has served and continues to serve as the main caregiver for the child. In this situation the visitation for the visiting parent would be clearly under 90 days per year.
Usually, a Virginia judge wants to order joint legal custody so both parents have a say in how their child is raised. However, there are circumstances where the court considers sole legal custody including a history of poor decision-making for the child, an irreconcilable and non-communicative relationship between the parents, mental illness, or substance abuse.
When deciding child custody arrangements in Fredericksburg, VA, courts consider various factors to determine the best interests of the child. Some common factors include:
Child custody laws in Virginia can be overwhelming, especially during emotionally charged family disputes. That's where a skilled Fredericksburg child custody lawyer can make a difference. At Strentz Greene & Coleman, PLC, our legal team is dedicated to advocating for our clients and safeguarding the best interests of your child.
Don't wait to get legal guidance for your custody case. Contact Strentz Greene & Coleman, PLC, today to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable Fredericksburg child custody lawyer who will fight for your parental rights and your child's well-being. Let us guide you through the legal process with compassion. Your family's future is our priority.
