Virginia Family Law Services

Child Custody and Visitation

As a child custody attorney I can help you navigate the legal system when determining your child’s lifestyle, education, and general welfare-due to separation of the parents.  As a parent, you have the legal right to make decisions regarding your child.  When parents of a child no longer live together or operate as a cohesive unit, a decision will need to be made regarding your child’s well-being.  Either through mediation or a court hearing, a determination of joint or sole custody of the child will need to be decided. Some parents allow their children to divide time equally between both homes, but when that is not possible, one parent may become the custodial parent, making the legal decisions for the child.  Under these circumstances, the non-custodial parent usually establishes a visitation schedule with their children.

If you have just become separated from your child’s parent and custody has not been established, or if you have a custody and visitation agreement that is no longer meeting the needs of your family, I can help you navigate the Court system and establish a mediated agreement.  If the family cannot agree to custody and visitation, we can prepare your story to present to the Judge, leading to a Court order all family members will need to follow.

Juvenile law

Juvenile law applies to children under the age of eighteen.  Juvenile matters often are a result of family issues, problems at school, or crimes.  In Virginia, troubled children often enter the court system when a parent or guardian files a CHINS petition in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.  A CHINS petition may be filed for a child who is either in need of services or supervision, depending on the unique circumstances of the child’s behaviors.  A child may also enter the Juvenile Court system due to truancy at school, by committing a crime, or as a victim of a crime or parental neglect.  The purpose of the juvenile courts in Virginia is to focus on rehabilitation of the child, often implementing services or requirements that will enable the child to become a contributing adult in society.  A juvenile lawyer will help the child understand the court system, prepare and present a defense to the judge when needed, and understand Court Orders and expectations after the proceedings.

You may already be struggling at home with a child and are not sure where to get help, or have already had a court appearance. It is not too late to call and set up a consultation concerning your family’s needs. We can work together towards a successful outcome.

 Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts of Virginia

The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (JDR Court) has jurisdiction over cases involving juveniles and adults.  Families involved in disputes of support, visitation, custody of a child and offenses against family members are within this Court’s Jurisdiction. Juveniles charged with a crime appear in this Court.  In Virginia, the Court Service Unit serves the court and facilitates the rehabilitation or treatment of those who come before the court.  Often times, when rehabilitation is successful, the matter can be resolved without a conviction on the Child’s record.