Fredericksburg Child Custody Attorney

What Our Firm Can Do for You & Your Family

Determining which parent should receive physical custody of the children is one of the most hard-fought and emotional aspects of any court proceeding. Our Fredericksburg child custody lawyer understands this and provides compassionate and supportive guidance to clients throughout the divorce process. We are dedicated to helping families navigate these challenging times by creating lasting solutions that prioritize the child's welfare and family harmony.

Attorney A. Lewis Lowery, Jr. is committed to delivering personalized and responsive service. Whether you need an in-person office visit or have questions or concerns that you want addressed on nights and weekends, we are available to assist you.

Call (540) 999-1886 to schedule a consultation with our Fredericksburg child custody lawyer.

What Is Child Custody?

Custody refers to the responsibility for making decisions regarding the upbringing of a child, and it may be awarded to either parent or shared by both parents. The person who has custody of the child makes decisions regarding the child's education, health care, and upbringing. Attorney Lewis Lowery is a highly experienced child custody lawyer in Fredericksburg who can advocate for your rights and the rights of your child. Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for parents beginning the custody journey, as they directly impact the child's future and well-being.

Who Gets Custody of the Kids?

Whether clients are attempting to negotiate child custody rights through a property settlement agreement or are allowing the court to make the determination, it is important to understand the various types of custody. The process involves comprehensive evaluations of family dynamics, parental abilities, and potential living arrangements to align with the child's best interests.

Legal Custody Details

• Sole legal custody refers to the right of one parent to exclusively make all decisions about the general welfare of the child.
• Joint legal custody refers to the right of both parents to make decisions regarding the general welfare of the child.

Physical Custody Options

• Sole physical custody refers to the exclusive right of a parent to have the child live with him or her. It is often necessary to create a detailed visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent to maintain ongoing relationships.
• Joint physical custody is when the child splits time between both parents’ homes on a more permanent basis than mere visitation.

The best approach is for the parties to attempt to work out a property settlement agreement that addresses the issue of child custody. Hiring an attorney with experience in these kinds of negotiations can go a long way toward ensuring that the child’s best interests are met and both parents are satisfied with the arrangements.

If the parties cannot agree on a child custody and a visitation plan, the court will make the determination on its own. This is not an ideal situation since a judge – an uninvolved third party – has the power to make important decisions. As with most family law matters involving children, the judge is guided by what is in their best interest. You need a dedicated child custody and visitation lawyer on your side to ensure that your child's best interests are clearly presented to the judge.

How Is Child Custody Determined in Virginia?

When parents cannot agree on an arrangement, the court will make the decision. In making its decision, the court will look at the best interests of the child when determining the custody arrangement. In Virginia, the court gives significant weight to the parents' agreement regarding the custody and visitation of their children. However, the court will not simply rubber-stamp the parents' decision but will make its own decision based on the child's best interests. It is important for parents to present a coherent and child-focused plan to the court during these proceedings.

In determining the child's best interests, the court will look at the following factors:

• the child's relationships with parents, siblings, and other significant persons;
• the child's age and health;
• the child's attachment to parents;
• the child's preference if the child is of sufficient age to express a preference;
• the parents' wishes;
• the child's adjustment to home, school, and community;
• whether a parent has abused the child or a member of the child's household;
• whether a parent is or will be absent due to military service;
• the child's needs for a stable home;
• whether a parent is or will be absent due to employment;
• the child's developmental stage;
• the child's mental and physical health;
• the child's need for a parental figure;
• the child's cultural and social needs;
• whether the child's safety would be endangered;
• the child's relationship with each parent;
• the child's adjustment to home, school, and community;
• the child's developmental needs;
• the child's age;
• the child's wishes if the child is of sufficient age to express a preference;
• any other factor that is relevant to the child's best interest.

Child custody matters can be highly contentious and emotionally charged, and it is important to work with an experienced custody attorney in Fredericksburg who can advocate for your rights and the best interests of your child. At A. Lewis Lowery, Jr., Attorney at Law, PLC, we are here to help you find the right balance and approach tailored to your unique family situation.

Can Child Custody in Virginia Be Modified?

In Virginia, child custody orders are not permanent. The court can modify the order based on a substantial change of circumstances, such as a change in the child's or a parent's circumstances, or a change in the child's best interests. This flexibility allows for accommodations to changing family dynamics or the evolving needs of your child.

Creating a Co-Parenting Plan with a Fredericksburg Visitation Lawyer

When it comes to child custody arrangements, it's important to prioritize the well-being and best interests of your children. One way to ensure a smooth transition and maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship is to create a detailed co-parenting plan. This plan outlines the responsibilities and schedules of each parent, as well as how decisions regarding the children will be made.

Our experienced child custody attorney in Fredericksburg can help you draft a comprehensive co-parenting plan that addresses important factors such as:

• Parenting time schedules
• Holidays and special occasions
• Communication methods between parents
• Education and healthcare decisions
• Financial responsibilities

By working together to create a co-parenting plan, you can establish clear guidelines for co-parenting and minimize conflicts in the future.

Protect Your Child's Best Interests with A. Lewis Lowery, Jr., Attorney at Law, PLC

When it comes to child custody matters, the well-being and best interests of your child should always be the top priority. At A. Lewis Lowery, Jr., Attorney at Law, PLC, we are dedicated to providing personalized and responsive legal services to help you navigate the complexities of child custody cases. Our focus remains on advocating for fair and appropriate arrangements that respect your child's needs.

Our experienced child custody attorney serving Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties can assist you with:

• Establishing child custody arrangements
• Modifying existing custody orders
• Enforcing custody agreements
• Resolving disputes through mediation or litigation

With our compassionate approach and commitment to personalized client service, you can trust us to advocate for your child's best interests and protect your parental rights.

Our Custody & Visitation Lawyer in Fredericksburg Has the Experience to Help You

Retaining an experienced Fredericksburg child custody lawyer who is knowledgeable about the factors a local judge must consider is critical when the parties cannot agree. Our firm has the litigation and mediation experience necessary to protect and advocate for clients’ parental interests and ensure that the appropriate amount of child support is granted to the custodial parent. We are committed to offering strategic guidance tailored to achieving favorable outcomes for you and your family.

Contact a Fredericksburg child custody lawyer online or call us at (540) 999-1886 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody & Visitation in Fredericksburg

What Should I Bring to a Child Custody Consultation?

When preparing for a child custody consultation, it’s beneficial to bring any relevant documents and information that can provide context to your situation. This includes previous custody orders, communication records between you and the other parent, school records, and any documentation of previous legal actions related to your family or child. If possible, bring a list of key points you wish to discuss during the consultation, including your goals for custody and any current challenges you’re facing. This organized approach will help your custody attorney fully understand your case and offer informed advice on how to proceed.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Custody?

To improve your chances of obtaining custody, focus on demonstrating your involvement and commitment to your child’s life. This can include maintaining a consistent schedule with your child, attending school events, and being involved in their extracurricular activities. Document your involvement and any positive changes made in your lifestyle that benefit your child. Additionally, showcase a willingness to cooperate with the other parent in ways that prioritize the child’s best interests. Consulting with a knowledgeable custody and visitation attorney can also help you navigate the complexities of court proceedings and potentially strengthen your custody position.

What Happens If the Other Parent Violates the Custody Agreement?

If the other parent violates the custody agreement, it’s important to document each incident carefully. Note dates, times, and specific details of any breaches, such as missed scheduled visits or actions that contradict the agreement. After compiling accurate records, consult with your child custody attorney to discuss the best legal options available. Depending on the situation, this could involve mediation or returning to court to request enforcement or modification of the existing order.

Contact A. Lewis Lowery, Jr., Attorney at Law, PLC today to learn more about how we can help you navigate the child custody process with compassion and insight.