The Maddox Law Firm, P.C. – Virginia Child Custody Lawyers
At The Maddox Law Firm, P.C., we understand the anxiety and fear that accompanies dealing with Virginia’s child custody and visitation laws. That is why we strive to provide a professional family law service in a caring environment. We are providing the information below to familiarize you with some child custody and visitation issues. In many cases, fear stems more from the unknown and the uncertainty regarding the laws and how they will be applied to your specific case. While we cannot totally eliminate that fear, we can temper it by providing you with some of the information regarding child custody and visitation law. If you have any questions regarding the information below, or any other family law issues, please contact one of our Virginia child custody lawyers today.
Whether you are seeking child custody or child visitation rights, or whether you are seeking to prevent an abusive spouse from unsupervised visits, or whether you are seeking a modification of your child custody or visitation orders due to a significant change of circumstances, you want an experienced family law attorney representing your legal interests. We understand your plight, we understand Virginia law, and we understand the process. Contact one of our Virginia child custody lawyers today, and discover how to put our experience to work for you. Whether you are seeking child custody or child visitation rights, or whether you are seeking to prevent an abusive spouse from unsupervised visits, or whether you are seeking a modification of your child custody or visitation orders due to a significant change of circumstances, you want an experienced family law attorney representing your legal interests. We understand your plight, we understand Virginia law, and we understand the process. Contact one of our Virginia child custody lawyers today, and discover how to put our experience to work for you.
Child Custody and Visitation - An Overview
Parents who are divorcing have much to consider. Uppermost in their minds is often child custody. Child custody and visitation/parenting time can come in many forms. Joint custody and sole custody; legal custody and physical custody; custody evaluations and modifications: all are terms with which a divorcing parent will become familiar. Knowledgeable advice and skilled representation from an experienced family law attorney can assist you in your pursuit of a fair custody arrangement.
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Creating Parenting Plans that Work
A parenting plan is an agreement between parents who are either divorced/divorcing or never married, and it outlines the custody of their children. It takes into account arrangements such as who has the children on which days; who makes major decisions about the children's education, health, etc.; and what to do if any party's situation significantly changes. Parents who agree on a parenting plan rather than let the court decide are more likely to comply with custody arrangements.
Sitting down with the spouse you are divorcing to work out a parenting plan may seem like the last thing you want to do, but this approach holds many advantages. You are the people who know your children best: their needs, their schedules and their preferences. By working together to create a parenting plan that satisfies the needs of your new family structure, you will avoid the possibility of a court's less nuanced solution. A court can only know what you tell it about your family's particularities, but you and your spouse are already exceptionally familiar with the territory. A family law attorney can help you create a plan that is right for you and your family.
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Divorce Education
Each year, about 1 million American children see their families changed through divorce. The ongoing health and mental well-being of these children often depends upon how their parents interact following the end of the marriage. An experienced family law attorney can inform, guide and support you throughout the divorce and custody process.
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Custody and Visitation Dos and Don'ts
One thing divorce does not change is your being a parent. Whether you develop a traditional visitation schedule or a flexible co-parenting plan, whether the arrangement is temporary or permanent, you can help make the time you spend with your children happy and productive. When questions regarding custody and visitation arise, an experienced family law attorney is the ideal source for competent counsel.
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Custody Evaluations: What You Should Know
If you and your former spouse have been unable to reach an agreement regarding child custody, the family court judge deciding your case may order a custody evaluation. A custody evaluation is a process in which a mental health professional, usually a psychologist, evaluates you, your children and your spouse in order to make a custody and visitation recommendation to the court. Courts tend to give considerable weight to the recommendations of the evaluator. A family law attorney can explain custody evaluations and answer your child custody questions.
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Child Custody and Visitation Resource Links
ABA Custody Criteria Report
The American Bar Association offers this table with current custody criteria for all 50 states.
US State Department: International Child Abduction
This Web page is a US Department of State guide for people whose children have been parentally abducted and taken across an international border.
Children's Rights Council
The CRC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the idea that both parents should be involved in their children's lives; the CRC provides free drop-off/pick-up centers for custody transfers.
Human Rights Campaign: Custody
HRC's Web site provides information for gay and lesbian parents who are fighting for custody of their children.
Office of Child Support and Enforcement
The Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Administration for Children and Families helps to locate parents and enforce child support obligations.
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