Richmond Child Custody Lawyers

Barnes & Diehl has a tradition of experience and devotion to family law. Since 1978, our attorneys and legal staff have provided exemplary legal services for clients in RVA and throughout Virginia seeking a timely, cost-effective resolution to child custody issues. In addition, we pride ourselves on a compassionate family practice devoted to guiding parents through an intimidating legal system.

Our lawyers’ vast understanding and experience in Virginia family law is a major benefit to parents. We also represent grandparents seeking custody or visitation rights, and we handle post-judgment custody modifications.

Which Factors Do Virginia Family Courts Use To Determine Child Custody?

Virginia courts base custody determinations on the best interests of the child, addressing factors such as:

• The children’s ages and any special needs
• Each parent’s ability to care for the children
• The relationship between each parent and child
• The child’s relationship with siblings, family and peers
• Each parent’s role in the child’s life
• Each parent’s capacity to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
• The ability of the parents to effectively co-parent
• Any history of domestic violence or abuse
• The child’s preference, if they are old and mature enough
• Any other factors the court deems relevant and important

There is no greater fear for a parent than the prospect of losing contact or involvement with a child after a divorce. Financial considerations and personal feelings between partners may also come into play, causing one or the other to use a child custody agreement to punish a former partner for perceived wrongs during the marriage.

It is our goal at Barnes & Diehl to assist you in reaching a fair settlement with your former spouse that maintains your relationship with your child and avoids potentially harmful issues in the future.

What Is The Difference Between Legal Custody And Physical Custody?

Legal custody refers to the authority to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing. Physical custody, on the other hand, determines where the child lives and who provides day-to-day care.

In many cases, parents may share legal custody while one parent has primary physical custody. Courts may also award joint physical custody if it serves the child’s best interests. Addressing these distinctions can be complex, especially in a contested child custody dispute. That’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced family law attorney to protect your rights and your child’s future.

What Are The Different Types Of Child Custody In Virginia?

Virginia recognizes several types of child custody, including:

• Sole custody: One parent has primary responsibility for the child’s care and decision-making. The noncustodial parent may still have visitation rights, but they do not share in major decisions.
• Joint custody: Both parents share responsibilities. This can include joint legal custody, joint physical custody or a combination of both, depending on the child custody arrangement approved by the court.
• Full legal custody: One parent has the exclusive right to make major decisions about the child’s education, health care and well-being. This may be awarded in cases involving a child custody dispute or concerns about one parent’s ability to co-parent effectively.

In any child custody matter, courts prioritize the child’s well-being and stability. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand which type of custody best fits your situation and advocate for your parental rights.

Enforcement And Modification Of Decrees

A custody attorney from Barnes & Diehl will draft, review and file all necessary motions according to your legal goals and the laws of Virginia. When an issue arises, we are able to respond quickly to file for emergency and restraining orders and can address post-judgment issues related to remarriage, relocation and adoption.

Criminal Defense For Domestic Abuse Charges

Child custody issues often involve substantial acrimony between former partners, leading to false or retaliatory accusations of domestic abuse, sexual assault or child molestation on the part of one parent seeking to gain an advantage in child custody proceedings.

Our criminal defense group is skilled at investigating these claims and has a substantial and successful record of favorable resolutions. Visit our criminal defense page for more information.

Contact A Lawyer For Guidance And Support

Barnes & Diehl maintains convenient offices in the Richmond metro, in Chesterfield and Henrico, to better serve clients in Richmond and throughout Virginia seeking quality legal advice during a child custody action.

Call us at 800-626-9310​ or email us to contact a child custody attorney from one of our RVA offices today for a consultation and review of your rights and the timely conclusion of serious family law issues.