Vienna, Virginia Custody Lawyers

Supportive Child Custody Attorneys for Parents in Vienna

During a divorce, you and your co-parent will have to figure out how to allocate child custody. The two of you may be able to reach an agreement outside of court, or you may end up taking the dispute to court. In any case, a child custody agreement must serve the child's physical and emotional needs. With the assistance of a knowledgeable Vienna custody attorney, you can negotiate a long-term parenting arrangement that serves your family's needs.

At Salvado Law Offices, we stand as advocates for the well-being of children as well as the rights of parents. We can provide you with strong representation and counsel throughout a child custody dispute.

Best Interests of the Child

To guide any decisions about child custody, Virginia courts refer to the "best interests of the child." But what does this mean, exactly? Rather than any single deciding factor, the courts will take multiple things into consideration, such as:

• The child's age and health
• The health of each parent
• The relationship the child has with each parent
• The child's relationships with any siblings, friends, or extended family
• How involved each parent has been in raising the child
• The willingness of both parents to support the child's relationship with the other parent
• The level of conflict between the parents

Understanding the factors that may affect a child's best interests is critical for resolving custody disputes. At Salvado Law Offices, our family law attorneys can propose a solution that promotes the continued health and happiness of your child, voicing any concerns you may have to the judge.

Types of Custody

In Virginia, child custody is divided into physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody decides who the child will live with at different times. When addressing issues related to physical custody, a schedule will be created for parenting time or visitation. Legal custody, on the other hand, addresses how parents will make important decisions on the child's behalf.

In most cases, parents can share joint physical and legal custody. However, if there is a clear and credible concern for the child's safety, one parent may be awarded sole custody rights. This option is usually reserved for cases involving abuse or neglect in the household, but it may also be appropriate if one parent has a dangerous criminal history or is physically or mentally incapable of raising a child.

Drafting a parenting plan is not an easy process by any means. At Salvado Law Offices, our lawyers are here to help you work out a long-term agreement for custody.

Custody Modification

After a custody order is finalized, there may be good cause to alter it in response to a change in circumstances. A parent moving with their child is a common reason to propose a modification of physical custody, as it may require a new schedule for visitation.

In other cases, a parent may petition for an urgent modification of custody if the other parent's conduct, such as a substance abuse issue, puts the child at risk. At Salvado Law Offices, we can represent you in a petition for or against a modification of custody, making a case based on your child's well-being.

Meet With a Vienna, VA Child Custody Attorney Today

If you are going through a divorce with children, an attorney can be of great assistance, representing you in a court of family law. At Salvado Law Offices, our Vienna custody lawyers have an in-depth understanding of parents' rights, allowing us to skillfully negotiate for a resolution that will serve your family's needs.

At the end of the day, most parents simply want what is best for their children. We can help you put solutions in place that will allow you to achieve this goal. If you have any questions about the legal services we offer, call us at 301-933-1814 today or contact us online to set up an initial consultation.