Arlington, VA Child Custody Lawyer

Supportive Virginia Family Law Attorneys for Child Custody in Arlington, Virginia

Divorces are difficult enough on their own, but when children come into the picture, the legal process becomes much more complicated. As a parent, you may have strong feelings about how custody should be addressed. As you make decisions about child custody and fight to protect your parental rights, you will also want to take your child's needs into account. A skilled family law attorney can advocate on your behalf inside and outside of court, working towards a favorable parenting agreement that promotes your child's well-being.

At Salvado Law Offices, we have been serving clients in legal matters for over 30 years, which has enriched our attorneys with a comprehensive understanding of the law through a great deal of hands-on experience. When you work with our firm, we will pursue an effective, long-term solution for your family's needs.

How Is Custody Awarded in Virginia?

Virginia recognizes just how important it is for both parents to be involved in their child's life. As such, the state generally prefers that parents work together in a divorce to figure out a stable custody arrangement. Unmarried parents who separate will also need to resolve child custody concerns and reach agreements on how they will work together to raise their children.

In most cases, parents are given joint custody, which allows parents to share both legal custody and physical custody. The former category refers to decision-making responsibility over important areas of the child's life, such as schooling, healthcare, and religion. The latter category refers to the child's primary residence, which may involve living with one or both parents. Though parents are encouraged to collaborate on these decisions, the decisions will ultimately be made in the child's best interests per state law.

Sole custody is rare, but it may be ordered if a judge decides it is best for the child's development. A parent may have sole physical custody, legal custody, or both. However, the state still recognizes the right of the other parent to maintain a relationship with their child, and they may be permitted some form of structured visitation.

Child Support in Virginia

Child support is typically awarded to the custodial parent with the majority of the physical custody over the child. The courts will look at both parents' incomes before making a determination on how much support should be paid. The child's needs regarding food, clothing, schooling, housing, and other important matters will also be taken into account. Child support payments typically continue until the child graduates from high school or turns 19, but exceptions for continuing payment can be made for a child with a profound physical or mental disability.

Note that in cases where both parents earn a similar income with roughly equal parenting time, child support may not be deemed necessary by a judge.

If child support is not paid as required, the parent responsible for paying could face serious penalties, including jail time. At Salvado Law Offices, our lawyers can help you enforce an order of child support and collect the support your child is owed. There are certain circumstances in which the court may allow for a modification of an existing child support order, such as an unexpected layoff, a debilitating injury, or a substantial change in income for either parent. At a judge's discretion, an order of child support can be temporarily paused or reduced.

Meet With an Arlington Child Custody Attorney

Figuring out a sensible, healthy arrangement for child custody can be challenging. A child custody attorney in Arlington can help you work out a solution with your child's well-being in mind. At Salvado Law Offices, we are ready to lend our aid in complex custody disputes, providing compassionate representation and informed counsel throughout the process.

Our attorneys have been ranked within the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and we fight for a favorable outcome in every case. To schedule a consultation with our legal team, call our offices at 301-933-1814 or reach out to us online.