Child Custody

Child custody is a matter of great importance to our experienced attorneys. In Virginia, the matter of child custody is determined by the courts interpretation of “the best interest of the child.” In making the “best interest” determination, Virginia courts take into consideration sixteen factors: the present residence of the child, which parent has had the latest and longest custody of the child, which party has provided the most nurturing and close involvement in the child’s life, which party can provide the most stable living environment for the child, which party in possession of the family home (if any), which party readily shows the most ability to put first the needs of the child, if either party has engaged in new and illicit romantic relationships, if the parties are gainfully employed, which party has shown the ability to provide consistency and structure in the life of the child, which party is most likely to provide healthy contact with the other parent, which party can be most readily described as the “primary caregiver” in the child’s life, which party is most likely to provide a safe environment for the child, which party is most likely to allow the child to remain in contact with extended family, which party can provide the best physical living environment for the child, how well the child generally performs in school etc. with each party, and, in cases where the child has reached a certain age, the child’s preference.

When a child’s custody arrangement cannot be agreed upon between the parents or family members, the case then must be decided after a full hearing of the evidence before the court, and are thus often time and resource consuming. Such litigation often involves expert testimony, Guardian Ad Litem evaluation and recommendations, and myriad different forms of evidence being considered by the court. When proving each and all of the above factors, it is of the highest importance that the best course of argumentation and strategy be considered. Our experienced advocates provide just such a seasoned and nuanced approach to child custody matters to best advocate your and your child’s best interest.

We welcome your call to our firm if you are in need of advance and representation. Call 757 463 4900 for a consultation with a Dickerson and Smith attorney today.