Williamsburg Child Custody Attorney: Protecting Your Family
Advocating for Your Child's Best Interests in Williamsburg
At Woodmere Law, P.L.L.C., we understand that your child is the most important thing in your life. When navigating a divorce or separating from the other parent of your child, the issue of child custody is one of great concern. Because of this, our Williamsburg child custody attorney works with clients to protect the best interests and well-being of their children. With more than a decade of legal experience, Attorney Paul Freeman can answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you find personalized legal strategies for you, your child, and your family.
Contact Woodmere Law, P.L.L.C. online or by phone at (757) 300-0309 for help with your child custody matter. Our experienced child custody lawyer near you is available 24/7 and offer free, confidential consultations.
How is Child Custody Determined in Virginia?
The biggest factor that determines which parent gets custody of the child is the role that you played in raising the child and your future role in raising the child. The judge also looks at the following factors:
- The mental state and age of the child
- Age and mental state of each parent
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s needs
- Child’s best interests
- The willingness of the parent to support the child’s contact with the other parent.
- The willingness of the parent to have a close relationship with the child
- History of family abuse
Who has the Right to Custody of the Child?
Unless there is a court order, both parents have equal rights to a child. Regardless of the parents' marriage, there are still equal rights between each parent. In Virginia, there is no preference for the mother or the father having more rights to the child than the other parent. It is now much more common for judges to grant shared physical custody or joint legal custody.
Exploring Different Child Custody Arrangements in Virginia
Like other states, Virginia observes several different types of child custody. These include:
- Joint Legal Custody: when both parents are granted equal rights and authority to make medical, educational, religious, and other decisions on behalf of their child
- Joint Physical Custody: when both parents share physical custody of the child; note that joint physical custody does not necessarily mean that the child will spend the exact same amount of time with each parent
- Sole Custody: when only one parent is granted the authority to make decisions on behalf of the child, as well as physical custody of the child; the non-custodial parent may petition the court for visitation
When determining how custody will be awarded, the court always rules in favor of what it deems the “best interests” of the child. The court will look at various factors—such as the child’s existing relationships with both parents, both parents’ ability to care for the child, the child’s need for stability, and, when appropriate, the child’s wishes, amongst others—when ordering a custody arrangement.
How do You Prove Best Interest of the Child?
You can prove best interest of your child by enrolling them in school, being involved in their education, have participated in extracurricular activities, and have made other parenting decisions demonstrating an interest in nurturing your child. When both parents are involved, the judge will also look at whether or not one parent is willing to foster a loving relationship with the other parent. Due to this, it is in a parent's best interest to rebuild trust with your ex so you can show your intentions to the judge. Judges strongly favor keeping a child in an arrangement that the child is familiar with, such as allowing a child to remain in the same school or neighborhood. Even if a parent is allowed sole physical custody, the other parent usually has the right to visitation. This is because child custody laws in most states favor custody arrangements that allow both parents to maintain a close and loving relationship with their child.
Can a Father Get Full Custody in Virginia?
A father in Virginia can get full custody if he can first petition the court services unit of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for custody, which consists of just filing basic information such as putting where the parent and their child live however in case of a previously implemented order then the parent has to file a Motion to Amend or Review Order in the same court that issued the previous custody order, additionally the parent will once again be required to serve the other parent with the necessary legal paperwork. The court will then have a psychological evaluation of both parents. The court will make a decision after.
Williamsburg Child Custody Support: How We Can Assist You
If you are currently going through a child custody battle or if you need help working with the other parent of your child in order to come to an agreed-upon custody arrangement, our child custody attorney near you at Woodmere Law, P.L.L.C. can help. Our Williamsburg child custody lawyer can also assist you in seeking visitation rights or requesting a modification of an existing child custody order.
We have extensive experience in this area of law, and we understand what you are going through. Our goal is to help you work for a swift, favorable resolution that meets your needs and the needs of your child. We offer compassionate, personalized representation, and we are not afraid to serve as your aggressive advocate whenever needed.
Give our skilled child custody lawyer near you a call at (757) 300-0309 to find out how we can help you with your case. Your initial consultation is completely free.
Our Satisfied Clients
-
“He told me exactly what I needed to do in order to receive the best possible outcome on my court date”
- AnonymousMr. Freeman helped me out with a speeding ticket. Although this was a less serious crime compared to other cases he receives, he still treated my case as if it was just as important. He told me exactly what I needed to do in order to receive the best possible outcome on my court date. He has a very welcoming personality and he is loved by everyone who meets him. You can see this is true with every encounter he has with members of the court, policeman, clients, etc. Because of this, I felt that I already had an advantage with the judge, which was calming in a rather stressful situation. Because of everything Mr. Freeman told me to do & his prestigious reputation, my ticket got dismissed!
-
“Mr. Freeman made me feel much more relaxed about the charge and helped me a lot!”
I was charged with littering, which, to my surprise, is a misdemeanor. I was very anxious over this, and really nervous, but Mr. Freeman made me feel much more relaxed about the charge and helped me a lot! From moving my court date and guiding me through the process, to the final court date, he was attentive and reassuring. Then, the day of court, I was literally in the court room for all of one minute while he got the charges dropped. I will definitely be using him in the future should I ever need more legal help, and I definitely would recommend him to anyone! Bonus: He's also got a great sense of humor!- Brooklin -
“We were very much impressed and very much appreciative to have Mr. Freeman”
Mr. Freeman helped my family beat a previous case that was pretty serious. We were very much impressed and very much appreciative to have Mr. Freeman handle such a case for us and we will always continue to seek Mr. Freeman for help for any and all future cases when needed. Mr. Freeman has the brains and answers to all of our questions and with quick responses. Great lawyer and I recommend him to any and all who needs a great lawyer.- Anonymous -
“I highly recommend him!”
Paul was great! He was aggressive, tenacious and compassionate. I highly recommend him!- Anonymous -
“He genuinely take the time to understand those he serves. His honest feedback was trustworthy.”
- Risa
Mr. Freeman was professional, courteous, and knows the law! He represents. This is rare among attorneys who are profit orientated. He genuinely take the time to understand those he serves. His honest feedback was trustworthy. If you have a criminal matter and are not sure who to have represent you, call his office for a consultation & bring all your paperwork & an honest account. He will fight for you! -
“He is professional and personable.”
Our family has used Mr. Freeman's services a few times in the last couple of years. He is professional and personable. We will continue to call on him when needed. We highly recommend this practice and him.- Denise R. -
“Paul Freeman was extremely helpful.”
Paul Freeman was extremely helpful. I told him my legal goals and he told me what to do to realize them, and he was right. If I ever need legal help again, I'll call Paul. Great advice, great results. He knows the law.- Louisa V. -
“What a great experience for a not so great step in my life.”
Divorces are not fun but Paul made my journey very easy and organized. He was very helpful and provided me meaningful suggestions to ease me through the process. His paralegal was great in communicating with me and responding to my emails promptly whenever I had questions. I could not have asked for a better team. What a great experience for a not so great step in my life.- Peep S.