Child Custody Advocacy At Williams Stone, PC
At Williams Stone, PC, we understand the tumultuous period of separation and divorce and its impact on your family dynamics. When you partner with our assertive northern Virginia child custody attorneys, we prioritize your family’s welfare. We aim to assist you with outcomes that align with your values and your children’s best interests. We are experienced with a full range of child-related disputes, including those involving:
- Divorcing parents
- Unmarried parents
- Grandparents’ rights
- Military personnel
- Modifications to custody or visitation
- Enforcement of visitation and child support
- Drug and alcohol abuse modifications
- Stepparent adoptions
- Paternity disputes
Our commitment to your family is to seek solid resolutions for parenting plans and custody arrangements that respect your child’s needs, prioritize a stable future and pave the way for thriving, healthy relationships with both parents.
Understanding Child Custody In Virginia
In Virginia, child custody relates to the legal and physical aspects of taking care of your children. Legal custody refers to the authority to make significant decisions for your child, including those related to health and education. We aim for a cooperative framework, where both parents engage constructively in their child’s life. However, when collaboration falters, we stand ready to assertively advocate for your child’s needs, even if it means pursuing sole legal custody.
Physical custody determines where the child resides. We will help you consider your work schedule and personal obligations while crafting a suitable living arrangement for your child.
Custody Types Explained
Virginia’s child custody laws define several arrangements, and we’re here to guide you through them with clarity and dedication:
- Sole custody: One parent takes on the comprehensive role of nurturing the child’s emotional, physical and moral growth.
- Primary physical custody: The child lives predominantly with one parent while the other maintains a consistent visitation schedule.
- Shared custody: Both parents provide a home for the child for significant periods, altering support obligations to reflect shared responsibilities.
- Split custody: In rarer cases, each parent may assume custody of different children, although the preference is to keep siblings together.
The Decision-Making Process
The courts consider several factors when determining child custody, all with the child’s comfort and safety as the paramount concern:
- The status quo: Judges often favor arrangements that maintain the children’s current stability.
- Primary caregiver role: The parent who has been most involved in day-to-day responsibilities is often seen as favorable for custody.
- Parent-child relationship: The depth of the bond between parent and child can influence custody decisions.
- Cooperation between parents: Demonstrating a willingness to collaborate peacefully can be a decisive factor in the court’s judgment.
- Child’s preference: When appropriate, the child’s wishes may be taken into account.
- History of violence or abuse: A parent with such a history is unlikely to be awarded custody, as the child’s safety is crucial.
Why Choose Us For Legal Help?
Choosing Williams Stone, PC, means opting for a team that embodies courage, integrity and dedication. We are direct in our communication, assertive in our representation and intelligent in our strategies. Our legal team stands ready to provide personalized legal guidance to families in northern Virginia, including those who are serving or have served in the military.
Call our office in Stafford at 540-643-9260 or send us an online inquiry to make arrangements for a consultation to learn more about the family law advocacy our lawyers provide.