Virginia Child Abduction Case Resolved

Even when you find yourself in an unsatisfactory child custody arrangement, it's important not to take the law into your own hands and relocate your child without the court's permission. In fact, a Virginia woman was recently caught in Texas after being on the run for almost 10 years because of a Virginia child custody dispute.

Virginia Child Custody Dispute & the Lucas Family 

In April 2000, Tammy Lucas was awarded custody of her 7-year-old son, Damon, during her divorce proceedings. Her soon-to-be ex-husband, James Earl Lucas, was granted visitation rights. However, Ms. Lucas wouldn't allow Mr. Lucas to see their son as stipulated by the court, so the court turned Damon's custody over to Mr. Lucas. Rather than comply with the order, Ms. Lucas ran away with Damon.

Ms. Lucas was arrested in March, 2010, after a man whom she occasionally dated became suspicious about Ms. Lucas and her son‘s behaviors. Ms. Lucas kept her son out of public schools and was considered to be overprotective. Damon was also called by several different names. The man looked at information kept by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and discovered that the woman he had been dating might be Tammy Lucas.

Tammy Lucas is now under arrest and waiting extradition to Virginia. Damon, who is now 16, has been reunited with his father.

Contacting a Virginia Child Custody Lawyer 

Virginia child custody laws are designed first and foremost for the welfare of children. Even if you don't agree with your initial Virginia child custody arrangement, there are legal avenues you can take to appeal that decision and change your child custody order.

At this vulnerable time, it's critical that you have exceptional legal representation that not only understands the specifics of your case, but is dedicated to your best interests and that of your family.

The Virginia child custody attorneys at Hofheimer/Ferrebee represent Virginia women in child custody disputes. We are committed to helping you seek the best possible child custody arrangement for you and your children. Contact us today to schedule a legal consultation - (757) 425-5200.