For Legal Advice and Representation Regarding Child Custody and Visitation
Contact Virginia Family Law Attorney John R. Powell
A marital breakdown is often a heartbreaking and painful process. Although spouses have come to a point in the relationship where it is difficult to agree on much of anything, usually parents are able to agree that their children deserve a stable, healthy living arrangement.
Every parent wants stability and peace of mind for their children — and for themselves in relation to the children. The younger the children are at the time of a divorce or separation, the more likely it is that some a joint custody arrangement may be feasible. In the case of teenagers often it is obvious where they belong — in most cases, wherever or however they can remain with existing school, friends, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities will make the most sense for parents and children alike.
Pursuing the Best Interests of the Children
In the case of school age children, perhaps between ages 6 and 12, the resolution of the child custody and visitation dilemma may not be so clear-cut. Regardless of the difficulty, lawyer John R. Powell urges clients to seek resolutions outside of court, in settlement negotiations and/or mediation.
Fathers' rights are taken for granted in Virginia family law courts in the 21st century. Unless there is serious abuse or some other major problem such as chemical addiction of one parent, judges are likely to award joint custody in most cases. Where primary physical custody with one parent or the other makes more sense, family law judges will want answers to questions such as the following:
- Which parent has been helping with homework consistently?
- Which parent has been taking care of the daily needs of the children?
- Have child psychologists or psychiatrists been consulted?
- Is a relationship with a grandparent a stabilizing factor in a child's life?
- What is in the best interest of the child?
Contact Us Today
For legal counsel regarding parenting time — child custody and visitation — in Virginia, contact the McLean law offices of John R. Powell by phone at 703-584-7716 or by e-mail. Learn how to proceed in the most sensible manner in the challenging matters of child custody and visitation when you and the other parent are divorcing, separating, or were never married.
