McLean, Virginia Child Custody Lawyers

Compassionate Attorneys Helping Resolve Child Custody Disputes in McLean, VA

Going through a divorce with children can be difficult to navigate. Depending on the level of conflict between the parents, there might not be a clear path forward without heated arguments about who your child should live with and who should have greater authority in the child's life. If you are ending your marriage or breaking up with your partner, a McLean family law attorney can advocate for your rights as a parent and make a case for your child's best interests.

At Salvado Law Offices, we have the knowledge and proven experience to help you resolve issues related to child custody. When you work with our firm, we will keep you informed of all your options, making sure your voice is heard in important discussions.

Joint Custody vs. Sole Custody

If you and your spouse can cooperate for the sake of your child, you may be able to work out a mutual agreement for joint custody. This is the court's preference most of the time, and a judge may order you to attend mediation to negotiate a parenting agreement with your spouse before going to court.

In a joint custody agreement, you and your spouse might divide parenting time (physical custody) based on geographic considerations, like where the child's school is located. Some parents opt for a 50/50 split, but this is not practical for every family. In some cases, one parent may have the majority of the physical custody while sharing legal custody with your spouse, giving both of you input in important decisions in your child's life.

Sole custody is less common in Virginia, but it may be awarded when it becomes clear to the court that only one parent is fit to shoulder the responsibility of raising the child. This usually applies to cases where one parent has low involvement in the child's life or in situations where one parent has a history of abusing or neglecting the child.

A family law attorney at Salvado Law Offices can advocate for your preferred custody arrangements, fighting for your child's best interests.

What Will a Judge Consider in a Child Custody Ruling?

A judge must give final approval to any legal or physical custody arrangements, even if both parents agree on how these matters should be handled. This is because the courts have a duty to act in the child's best interests.

When considering what is best for the child, a judge may hear out the child's preference about who they want to live with. As the child becomes older and more mature, their preferences may be taken more seriously. At age 16, a child can petition for a modification of custody on their own.

A judge will also consider factors related to the child's environment. A judge is unlikely to approve a physical custody arrangement that would uproot the child's life, such as moving far away from their friends, family, and hometown. Furthermore, if the parents are consistently caught up in high-conflict arguments, a judge may try to shield the child with a custody arrangement that limits contact between the parents.

At Salvado Law Offices, our attorneys can help you push for a solution that promotes stability in your child's life. Nobody knows your child better than you, and we can make sure your concerns are heard when presenting your arguments to a judge.

Meet With a McLean Child Custody Attorney

Figuring out a healthy custody arrangement is one of the biggest hurdles you may face as a parent during your divorce. At Salvado Law Offices, our family law attorneys can provide you with sound legal counsel and representation in a divorce with children. To schedule a consultation with our legal team today, call our offices at 301-933-1814 or reach out to us online.