Determining which custody arrangement will work best for your family can be difficult, especially when you do not live near your child’s other parent. Generally, when both parents live close to each other, shared physical custody and joint legal custody are both possibilities.
Shared physical custody essentially means that the child will live with both parents at different times throughout the year. Physical custody arrangements need not be 50-50, but as close to 50-50 as possible is ideal. Possible arrangements may include:
- Alternating weeks: Parent A has the child for one week, while Parent B will have the child the following week. Parents may also decide to switch every two weeks.
- 3:4:4:3: The child will live with Parent A for three days of the week, while Parent B has the child for four days of the week. Parent A will then have the child again for four days the following week, while Parent B will have the child for three days.
- 2:2:3: The child lives with Parent A for two days, Parent B for two days, then Parent A again for three days. The following week, Parent B will have the child for two days, Parent B for two days, and Parent B for three days.
Factors used to determine custody
Virginia courts will consider several factors when reviewing a custody and visitation plan. Courts can consider any factor it deems necessary to make its determination, but here are a few of the factors that may be considered:
- Age and health of the child, as well as each parent.
- Existing relationship between child and each parent.
- Existing relationships between child and other family members and peers.
- Each parent’s role in raising the child.
- Willingness of each parent to participate in child’s upbringing and willingness to cooperate with the other parent.
- A history of family abuse (if any).
When a child has two parents who love and care for them, courts want to make sure that both parents stay involved in the child’s life even after a divorce. If you and your spouse are deciding on child custody arrangements, it is important to always keep the focus on the best interests of your child.
