Child Custody and Visitation

Child Custody Lawyer in Fairfax, VA

Joint Legal Custody

Joint Legal Custody is a type of custody where both parents are required to consult with each other for all major decisions affecting the life of the child. Generally, one parent has the child for most of the time during the year (custodial parent) and the other parent has visitation rights (non-custodial parent).

Sole Legal Custody

Under such type of custody, the custodial parent is generally not required to consult with the non-custodial parent before making any major decisions for the child’s life. However, a court order can still impose a condition on the custodial parent to consult with the non-custodial parent. Non-custodial parent enjoys the visitation rights with the child under this type of custody situation as well.

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Best Interest of the Child

In determining custody, the courts consider the “best interest of the child”. Pursuant to the Virginia Code § 20-124.3, the court has to consider the following factors before making any decision in all custody and visitation matters:

The age and physical and mental condition of the child, giving due consideration to the child’s changing developmental needs;
The age and physical and mental condition of each parent;
The relationship existing between each parent and each child, giving due consideration to the positive involvement with the child’s life, the ability to accurately assess and meet the emotional, intellectual and physical needs of the child;
The needs of the child, giving due consideration to other important relationships of the child, including but not limited to siblings, peers and extended family members;
The role that each parent has played and will play in the future, in the upbringing and care of the child;
The propensity of each parent to actively support the child’s contact and relationship with the other parent, including whether a parent has unreasonably denied the other parent access to or visitation with the child;
The relative willingness and demonstrated ability of each parent to maintain a close and continuing relationship with the child, and the ability of each parent to cooperate in and resolve disputes regarding matters affecting the child;
The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of reasonable intelligence, understanding, age and experience to express such a preference;
Any history of family abuse as that term is defined in § 16.1-228 or sexual abuse. If the court finds such a history, the court may disregard the factors in subdivision 6; and
Such other factors as the court deems necessary and proper to the determination.

Child Custody Lawyers Fairfax

When you are parting ways with your partner, you aren’t parting with your children. Every parent wants the best for their children and this makes child custody cases to be heated, emotionally charged, and important part of the divorce process. Our child custody lawyers in Fairfax are also parents and understand everything you are going through.

When you decide to work with us, the lawyers will guide you through the process and ensure that you reach an agreement that is ideal for all of you.

Child custody options and guidelines

Courts in Fairfax can order a wide range of custodial arrangements for children. The most common ones being joint legal custody, sole custody, and shared legal and physical custody. Our child custody attorneys in Fairfax will help you in choosing the right custody arrangement that will be ideal for all of you.

Plenty of factors are put into consideration in making a decision on the type of child custody that you will be given. These factors include:

The preferences of the child (normally if they are over the age of 13 and mature)
The wishes of the parents
History of violence by either of the parents
The recommendation by an expert witness
The relationship between the child and each parent
The mental and physical health of the parties involved

Complex child custody issues

Certain personal situations make a child custody case more complex. One parent might be relocating out of state, one parent might be alienating the other, one parent might kidnap a child, and there might be battles pertaining to guardianship.

When you are facing these complex situations, our child custody lawyers will step in and help curb the issue. They will analyze the source of the problem and provide you expert advice on what you should do. If you have to alter the custody agreement, the attorneys will help you do it in the most stress-free method possible.

Creative Juices

At Mehnaz Khan Law, PLLC, we encourage parents to be imaginative when making child custody and visitation agreements. Our family lawyers will help you come up with plans that allow you to create routines that fit both the parents and children.

For this to be possible, both parents have to cooperate. If the parents aren’t in good talking terms, the Fairfax child custody attorneys will work as mediators and help you reach an agreement that all of you are comfortable with.

Your family’s bright future

At Mehnaz Khan Law, PLLC we understand that you are going through a hard time and we are here to help. Our highly experienced Fairfax child custody lawyers have the compassion and mastery that will help you achieve positive results that will safeguard your children and at the same time protect your relationships with them.

Is there an area of child custody that you don’t understand? Trying to change the nature of the custody order? Not sure about parenting time? Simply contact us and a lawyer will be available for you to help you secure your family’s future.

So, let’s talk! Call us now to schedule a meeting with one of our experienced family lawyers. Your call is important to us, and your peace of mind is priceless.

For your free initial consultation

We are here for all your Family Law needs. We serve throughout the Northern Virginia area.
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Disclaimer: Mehnaz Khan, Esq. is a debt relief agency. We help clients file bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. Although most of the information contained in this website is legal in nature, nothing herein shall be construed as a legal advice or establishment of an attorney client relationship.

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