Divorce is certainly never an easy situation. For many, this is one of the absolute worst times in their lives. When children are involved, decisions that are made now will far-reaching consequences.
Virginia family courts focus on ensuring that the child has frequent contact with both parents. It is helpful to understand the differences between the types of custody and visitation. A Custody Lawyer in Warrenton can explain how this would affect a particular family.
Legal Custody
- Sole Legal Custody means that important decisions affecting the child are made by only one parent. This would include deciding which schools the child would attend, religious affiliation and health care decisions.
- Joint Legal Custody gives both parents the right to make these important decisions. One parent could have Sole Physical Custody while both parents shared Joint Legal Custody.
Physical Custody
- Sole Physical Custody means that the child lives most of the time with one parent. However, the non-custodial parent usually receives liberal visitation rights, including overnights. An experienced Custody Lawyer in Warrenton will understand how to obtain the best agreement.
- Joint Physical Custody or Shared Custody means that the child spends approximately equal time with each parent. The child may spend part of each week with each parent or the year may be divided.
- Bird’s Nest Custody means the child lives in one location and the parents rotate in and out during the week.
Visitation
- Unsupervised Visitation is the most common type. Parents take the children out or to their homes during scheduled visitations.
- Supervised Visitation is ordered by the court. A responsible adult is required to be present during parent/child visits. The responsible adult can be someone designated by the court (such as a social worker) or possibly a grandparent or other relative. If Supervised Visitation is deemed necessary, the particulars should be discussed with an experienced Custody Lawyer in Warrenton to try to work out the best interests of the child.
- Virtual Visitation refers to parent/child internet visits, including email, instant messaging and video visits.
Gayheart & Willis are experienced in working with Virginia courts to resolve custody issues. Each Custody Lawyer in Warrenton is dedicated to working for the best possible outcome for their client. They understand the uniqueness and importance of each case in the lives of all involved.
