Virginia Beach Custody Attorneys Balancing Your Concerns With Virginia’s Child Custody Laws

Because there is nothing more important to you than the welfare and happiness of your children, it is essential that you understand issues of child custody in Virginia and how Virginia courts make decisions related to parenting including legal custody, physical custody and visitation arrangements.

Understanding Virginia Child Custody Guidelines

There are several aspects of Virginia child custody with which to familiarize yourself. Get your questions answered about:

Sole or joint legal custody

Physical custody
Sole/primary custody
Shared physical custody

Generally speaking, Virginia legal custody refers to the status of who has the authority to make major decisions regarding your child's upbringing. Though this is a critical decision, the determination of legal custody doesn't dictate whether or how often a parent spends time with a child. Physical custody refers to where your child will live and with which parent your child will reside. Visitation determines how and when a parent without physical custody of a child sees a child.

Determining the Best Parenting Arrangement for Your Children

No matter what your reasons for being involved in a custody dispute, you want to protect your children from as much emotional upheaval as you can. Many couples attempt and successfully achieve a co-parenting arrangement based on a mutual concern for the well being of their children. This is your ideal goal. This amicable arrangement puts a focus on your children's needs and includes a collaborative approach to parenting.

Your parenting plan may include guidelines for child visitation. This refers to the arrangement for the parent who does not have primary custody to spend meaningful time with the child. In almost all custody and divorce cases in Virginia involving children, the parent who does not have physical custody of the children will be given child visitation.

If there is a history of child abuse or neglect, you can request supervised visitation. In rare cases, a court may grant "no visitation." If you are worried about your child's health or safety, be sure to talk to your Virginia women's custody and/or divorce attorney as soon as possible about these critical issues.

Child Support Enforcement in Virginia

Your top concern is the welfare of your children, and this includes their financial security. The divorce attorneys at Hofheimer/Ferrebee are extremely knowledgeable about Virginia child support laws. Our Virginia child support attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you are awarded the highest amount of child support possible so you can provide a comfortable, stable and healthy home environment for your children.

Contact a Virginia Child Custody Lawyer Who Specializes in Your Needs

You and your family deserve a positive outcome for your custody case. The Virginia divorce attorneys at Hofheimer & Ferrebee have close to 20 years of experience in matters of Virginia child custody, co-parenting and Virginia child support.

We understand that the health and happiness of your child is your #1 concern and we will work with you to address any fears and anxieties that you may have about your child's future. Our women's divorce attorneys will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you achieve the best possible child custody and child support arrangements for you and your children. Call our office today at (757) 425-5200 to schedule a one-hour consultation.

Second Saturday Monthly Divorce Seminars What Women Need to Know About Divorce

Next Divorce Seminar Scheduled for Saturday March 13, 2010 at 8:30 am

Blog Entries

Blog for Child Custody

Library for Child Custody:

How Do Courts Decide Child Custody and Visitation [PDF]
Description: In Virginia, as in most states, child custody and visitation determinations are made based upon
the idea of the “best interests of the child.” The court looks at specific factors with respect to the parents and the child in question. After analyzing the factors, the court’s task is to make a custody and visitation determination which serves the best interests of the child. In Virginia, these factors are:
How Is the Amount of Child Support Calculated in Virginia? (Part A)
Description: Are you interested in learning how child support is calculated in Virginia? Speak with an experienced Virginia divorce attorney! The Virginia Beach divorce lawyers at Hofheimer/Ferrebee represent women only. Contact us today to set up a legal consultation – (757) 425-5200.
How Is the Amount of Child Support Calculated in Virginia? (Part B)
Description: Are you facing a child support case in Virginia? If you have found yourself in a divorce situation, it may be necessary to hire an experienced Virginia divorce lawyer. The Virginia divorce lawyers at Hofheimer/Ferrebee represent Virginia women. Contact us today to set up a legal consultation – (757) 425-5200
Child Support Enforcement in Virginia (Part B)
Description: Are you having problems collecting your child support payments? If so, it may be necessary to hire an experienced Virginia divorce lawyer. The Virginia divorce lawyers at Hofheimer/Ferrebee represent Virginia women. Contact us today to set up a legal consultation – (757) 425-5200.
Child Support Enforcement in Virginia (Part A)
Description: Is your ex-husband neglecting to pay child support? You should contact an experienced Virginia divorce attorney to learn more about child support enforcement in Virginia. The Virginia Beach divorce lawyers at Hofheimer/Ferrebee represent women only. Contact us today to set up a legal consultation – (757) 425-5200.
Benefits and Challenges of Primary Physical Custody in Virginia (Part A)
Description: Primary physical custody has many benefits for the parent and child, but it also comes with challenges. If are going through a Virginia divorce and have children or shared assets with your spouse, it is important to have an experienced Virginia divorce attorney on your side to ensure that your interests are protected during the divorce proceedings. The Virginia divorce lawyers at Hofheimer/Ferrebee represent Virginia women. Contact us today (757) 425-5200.
Benefits and Challenges of Primary Physical Custody in Virginia (Part B)
Description: If you are seeking primary physical custody in a Virginia divorce, it’s essential you have the right Virginia child custody attorney on your side. The Virginia Beach divorce lawyers at Hofheimer/Ferrebee represent women only. Contact us today to set up a legal consultation - (757) 425-5200.
The Pros and Cons of Joint Physical Custody in Virginia (Part B)
Description: While joint physical custody can be beneficial for the children involved, it can also pose a series of challenges to both parents. Learn about your legal options today by contacting the Virginia child custody lawyers at Hofheimer/Ferrebee – (757) 425-5200.
The Pros and Cons of Joint Physical Custody in Virginia (Part A)
Description: Joint physical custody has both pros and cons for children and parents experiencing a Virginia divorce. The Virginia divorce attorneys at Hofheimer/Ferrebee exclusively handle divorce for women only. Contact us today -- (757) 425-5200.
What is Virginia Physical Custody? (Part B)
Description: During divorce proceedings in Virginia, the issue of physical child custody can be a source of tension between you and your future ex-husband. Learn about your legal options today by contacting the law office of Hofheimer/Ferrebee – (757) 425-5200.

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Frequent Questions for Child Custody:

How Do I Keep Her From Being Around The Children?

Videos about Child Custody:

Web Resources for Child Custody:

The Crisis in Family Law Courts
Description: A National Organization for Women ad hoc committee gathered and posted information, and provided recommendations for mothers navigating through family court systems.
Justice for Children
Description: Justice for Children is a national child advocacy organization. Their site contains valuable information on recognizing child abuse and other legal resources like amicus briefs and parental alienation syndrome data.
Battered Women, Abused Women and Child Custody Conference
Description: The Conference includes presentations, round-table discussions, and question & answer sessions with nationally-distinguished professionals whose work is focused on resolving the complex issues facing battered women as they strive to protect themselves and their children in and out of court during custody and visitation disputes. It is open to lay persons, and of special interest to advocates, social workers, psychologists, attorneys, judges, legal personnel, and others involved in the issue of battered women's and abused children's legal and civil rights violations by family courts, DSS, and other government systems.
Custody Prep for Moms
Description: A support site provided by those that have been through the process. Intended to help fit and loving mothers who wish to continue to be the primary caretakers of their children.

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