Child Custody Disputes in Norfolk Virginia
Norfolk VA Child Custody Lawyer
Child custody is one the the most sensitive subjects that people who are engaged in a divorce proceeding have to address. Even when both parties agree concerning who should have custody of the children it can be a heart wrenching matter, but when there is a child custody dispute, the situation becomes even more emotional. It is always best for the parents to work through the dispute and agree upon a solution that is best for the children that are involved, and their attorneys can help this process along. They can also bring in a third party mediator to assist, and in Virginia the court may recommend mediation to resolve child custody disputes.
Child custody in Virginia can be broken down into three categories: sole custody, split custody, and joint custody. When a parent is granted sole custody of a child or children, that parent has physical custody, and they are also legally empowered to make all decisions regarding the children. Split custody is the term that defines a situation when there are, for instance, four children and each parent has physical and legal custody of two of them. Joint custody can refer to both physical and legal custody. When parents have joint physical custody, the child or children live with each parent for different periods of time. Joint legal custody allows both parents to participate in decisions concerning the child, such as religious affiliations, what schools to attend, and so on.
In Virginia child custody dispute cases are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Before making a decision, the court will examine all the circumstances surrounding the matter and issue a ruling that is in the best interest of the child or children involved. If the children are old enough to fully understand the situation, the court may interview them and consider their preferences. It is important to note that in Virginia, child custody rulings are not final and permanent. If circumstances change, child custody and visitation rights can be modified, so parents do have recourse if they feel as though the initial decision is not proving to be in the best interests of the children.
