The Pros and Cons of Joint Physical Custody in Virginia (Part A)

The issue of child custody is typically one of the most difficult to resolve successfully in a Virginia divorce proceeding. If you and your estranged spouse choose to pursue joint physical custody in Virginia, there are a number of issues to consider.

What is Joint Physical Custody?

Joint physical custody is a custodial agreement where the child or children live with both parents in separate living arrangements, as specified in the Virginia Legislative Code. The agreement will specify what percentage of time the child will live with each parent based on the best interests of the child.

Benefits of Joint Physical Custody

In joint physical custody, both parents are responsible for providing a happy and safe home life for their child as opposed to primary physical custody-also known as sole physical custody-where that responsibility falls primarily on one parent. In joint physical custody arrangements in Virginia, the child is able to receive the emotional and financial support of both parents.

Many times when a child resides solely with only one parent, that parent becomes the disciplinarian while the other parent usually gets to be the "fun parent" who occasionally visits and treats the child to special activities and events.

In a joint physical custody arrangement, your child can benefit from having a healthy relationship with both parents - including parental guidance and discipline that may help to keep tensions or resentments between you and your former spouse from taking a toll on your child.

In matters of Virginia child custody, t would be in your best interest to consult with an experienced divorce attorney who understands women's issues in Virginia. It is important that the Virginia divorce lawyer you choose has handled cases similar to yours and that they understand joint physical custody.

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