Custody Lawyer in Chesapeake

When it comes to your children, you need a custody attorney who understands your needs and is knowledgeable in all legal aspects of custody cases in Virginia. The following are reasons for choosing the child custody attorneys with Melone Hatley, P.C., when seeking legal representation for your custody case.

• Experienced and aggressive: The child custody lawyers at Melone Hatley, P.C., have years of experience evaluating and mediating custody cases. We take a no-nonsense approach and can be aggressive when necessary to help you obtain the best solution for your family.
• Highly rated by clients: Our clients appreciate the thorough and efficient legal services we provide, including the realistic and practical advice we give to help clients in all child custody matters as well as other practice areas, including estate planning.
• Big law firm in a boutique setting: Our attorneys bring big law firm experience into a boutique setting so we can better serve each client individually.
• Individualized approach: Every child custody case is unique, and we focus on providing an individualized approach to meet a client’s specific needs and goals.
• Client-centered: Our law office takes a client-centered approach to all child custody cases. We focus on client service, loyalty, and dedication and work side by side with each client to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Great law office locations: For convenience, the firm offers several locations throughout the state for clients to meet with our attorneys. These locations include Virginia Beach, Fairfax, Reston, and Loudoun. See our lawyer directory for each office.

How is Child Custody Determined in Chesapeake, Virginia?

When a divorce occurs, child custody becomes a primary issue and can be stressful and difficult for all involved. In determining custody, Virginia law will consider what is in the best interests of the child, as provided for under Virginia Code Section 20-124.3.

In cases where the parents are unmarried, Virginia law considers the children to be of the mothers. Establishing paternity requires that the father sign a birth certificate. Should the father seek to assert rights to the child, it is best they consult a family law attorney.

Types of Child Custody in Chesapeake, Virginia

There are different types of physical and legal custody that parents may seek in Chesapeake, Virginia as well as options for sole custody or joint custody. It is also important to note that custody goes primarily to the parents of the children in question and that the laws do not consider grandparents a priority.

Types of custody include the following:

Temporary Custody

The child lives with the parent temporarily until the court has a chance to instate permanent custody. Temporary custody is generally established during the pendent lite hearing or in an agreement among the parties involved.

Joint Legal Custody

Both parents are granted equal rights to make major decisions involving the child, which may relate to health, education, and overall welfare.

Sole Legal Custody

One designated parent will make all the major decisions regarding the child’s health, education, and overall welfare. The noncustodial parent will have no rights when it comes to making such decisions for the child.

Sole Physical Custody

The child resides full-time with one of the parents in one location, while the other one may have legal custody or visitation rights.

Primary Physical Custody

The child lives with a designated parent the majority of the time.

Shared Custody

The parents share time with their children on a more equal arrangement.

Understandably, as time goes on, children grow up, and circumstances can change. As such, there are times when you may need to make a change to a custody agreement.

The Hampton Roads parent seeking the change to a granted custody agreement must file a motion with the courts. A judge will evaluate this motion, taking into consideration the same factors as the court did when initially deciding on custody. The judge will also determine the potential impact of the change or modification and measure it against the best interests of the child.

If you determine that a change is necessary or beneficial, hiring an experienced family law attorney is a good idea. Prior to filing for a change, your attorney can evaluate your circumstances and help prepare a concise reason the request is in the best interest of the child. Your attorney can also serve as an intermediary between you, your spouse, or your spouse’s attorney.

Are You Putting Your Family First?

Child custody cases are often difficult to navigate, leading to emotionally charged moments and legally challenging ones as well. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we put your family first and help you find the best custody arrangement for your circumstances. We also offer free, helpful resources, including eBooks and advice videos, to help you through these difficult times. Whenever you are ready, call our office at 800.479.8124 , or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment.