A child custody and visitation plan generally specifies how much time each parent will spend with the child during the year and what decisions each parent is allowed to make on behalf of the child. If the child’s parents can come to an agreement through mediation,...
Child Custody
Child custody: Working with your ex
Some people who go through a divorce can look forward to never having to talk to their ex again. Divorcing parents don't have that luxury, particularly if their children are still young. Typically, these parents must continue to work with each other to coordinate...
What are some common joint custody arrangements?
Divorced couples often have a difficult time sharing physical custody of their kids. Even if the court awards you and your ex joint custody, it can be difficult to make sure a child spends exactly half of the year with one parent and half of the year with the other...
How do I work out child custody, visitation and support in Virginia?
Custody, visitation and support is about the time schedule that divorced parents work out and the way that their legal rights and responsibilities are divided between them. In Virginia, the court that handles the matters associated with custody, visitation and support...
The basics about child custody and visitation in Virginia
If you find yourself facing a child custody or visitation dispute in a Virginia family court, emotions may be running high and you may feel overwhelmed with the legal process. After all, this type of dispute involves your children and, for the most part, parents...
How does sole or shared custody impact child support?
In Virginia family law cases, the issues that must be addressed might be viewed as separate. Some people might look at child support and child custody as being in different categories, but they are deeply connected. Parents must be aware of how the support order...
The role of a guardian ad litem in your custody case
Custody litigation can be complicated and contentious. Although ideally you and your co-parent will come to your own agreement on custody, the reality is that in some situations that is simply not possible. A court may appoint a guardian ad litem (“GAL”) in certain...
Do grandparents have visitation rights?
Child custody disputes are among the most emotionally complex issues in family law because they involve the competing interests of so many people. These cases aren't just about the rights and responsibilities of the parents, but also about the best interests of the...
When can you seek to modify a child custody order?
You might think that the worst is behind you once you resolve your child custody dispute. Whether you negotiated a resolution or litigated an outcome, the court’s order is binding, which may give you some relief. After all, the parties should know the expectations and...
Can I fight back against parental alienation?
Parental alienation has become a hot topic in psychology and the law. Fairfax County parents on either side of a child custody dispute can learn more about the issue. What is it? Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates their child for the detriment of...