Child Custody Lawyer in Stafford County

Child custody is a common and emotionally charged concern in divorce cases. Post-decree child custody modifications and child custody cases that arise outside of marriage and divorce are also common and are just as legally complex. If you’re facing a child custody concern, it’s time to consult with our experienced Stafford County child custody lawyers at Bristle Schulze.

Child Custody Cases in Stafford County

Your child custody case in Stafford County will be heard at the Stafford Judicial Center, which is located in Stafford. The court that hears your case, however, will depend on whether it is a standalone child custody case or a term of divorce. Standalone cases are heard by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and the Circuit Court hears cases that are part of divorce proceedings. Both are located in the Stafford Judicial Center.

Child Custody Addresses Legal and Physical Custody

In Virginia, child custody is addressed in terms of both legal and physical custody.

Legal Custody

Legal custody determines how you and your ex will handle primary decisions regarding your children’s upbringing, including those that relate to the following:

• Their education and daycare
• Their medical care
• Their travel and participation in extracurriculars
• Their religious education

Virginia courts favor joint legal custody in which both parents share decision-making authority.

Physical Custody

Physical custody establishes the parenting time schedule. Often, one parent assumes the primary parental role while the other has visitation.

Evaluating Your Case

Every child custody case is determined in response to the unique circumstances that apply, and the children’s best interests are always the focus.

Primary best interest factors include all the following:

• Each child’s age, developmental stage, overall health, and needs, including any special needs
• Each parent’s age and overall health, as well as each parent’s ability to adequately address their children’s needs
• The depth of the relation between each parent and the children
• Each parent’s commitment to supporting the other’s close and ongoing relationship with the children and to effective co-parenting
• Any concerns that relate to child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
• The reasonable preferences of those children who are considered mature enough to be involved

Resolving Child Custody Cases

Your rights as a parent are of primary concern, and you would likely prefer to retain the authority to set your own terms. If you and your children’s other parent can negotiate mutually acceptable child custody arrangements, the court’s intervention won’t be required. Toward this end, you’ll look to your seasoned child custody attorney for their trusted legal guidance, and the path forward may include mediation.

Turn to Our Experienced Stafford County Child Custody Attorneys for the Help You Need

Our knowledgeable Stafford County child custody lawyers at Bristle Schulze dedicate our imposing practice to skillfully pursuing favorable case outcomes for our valued clients. We’re here for you, too, and we welcome the opportunity to help. Learn more by reaching out and contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 703-454-0701 today.