Juvenile Law Attorney

Lawyer Addressing Family Law Matters in Richmond and Several Other Nearby Cities and Counties in Which a Juvenile Court Is the Appropriate Jurisdiction

Life has a way of changing our circumstances and forcing us to adapt. When you have children, you may need to address their changed situations as well as your own. Divorced or unwed parents may have child custody, visitation, and child support orders in place, and the new changes in circumstance may make it challenging to uphold those orders. Fortunately, court orders like these are modifiable as long as your request is based on material and substantial changes. In Virginia, the Juvenile Courts can handle these matters.

As with any kind of post-divorce modifications, you will need to take steps to protect your best interests. Changes to orders involving your children must meet their best interests as well. You need a skilled attorney advocating for you, one who focuses on family law and understands how to address the issues you are facing effectively. At Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, we have helped Virginia families for over 45 years with their legal troubles. We handle cases throughout the Richmond area, including Chesterfield County, Powhatan County, Henrico County, Hanover County, Goochland County, and New Kent County. Working together, we can create a strategy that reflects your goals and your family's unique circumstances.

Qualifying Changes in Circumstance for Child-Related Modifications in Virginia Juvenile Courts

Your custody and support arrangements may have worked well for a while, but new developments could make them outdated. The grounds for modification requests must be acceptable to Virginia courts, and they may include:

• Parental relocation that makes regular visitation challenging
• Criminal activity that threatens the safety of children
• Incarceration
• Military deployment
• A significant change in income for either parent, such as losing a job or getting a promotion with a pay raise
• A parent cohabiting with or getting married to a new partner
• Health concerns for parents or children
• Domestic violence
• Changed parental work schedules
• Changes in children's health or needs

You may want to request a higher or lower child support payment. You may believe that you should have full custody of your children. You might be concerned for your children's safety and welfare during visitation with the other parent, and you may take steps to protect them. As always, any modifications need to serve the best interests of your children. Our lawyer knows what the Courts look for, and we will provide the guidance and advice you need.

Resolving Your Issues in Virginia Juvenile Court

As with other family law disputes, you and the other parent can resolve your issues in different ways. Negotiating with the other party using collaborative law may work well for your situation, or you may use mediation with attorneys, with or without a mediator (a neutral third party to help in reaching agreements). If these methods are unsuccessful, you may need to let the Court decide. Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, understands that to be effective, the method you use needs to be tailored to your objectives and circumstances. We will explain your options, supporting and guiding you as you make your decisions.

Virginia Juvenile Court Protective Orders for Domestic Violence or Child Abuse

Unfortunately, some children are at risk of harm due to domestic abuse. They may be the victim of child abuse, or they may witness physical or verbal abuse while under the care of a parent. Although your court orders may provide the other parent with custody and visitation rights, your duty is to protect your children. If warranted, the Juvenile Court may issue protective orders that prevent the offending parent from contacting or being near your children. When your children's safety is at stake, it is best to work with a skilled lawyer who can help you obtain and enforce protective orders.

Call Our Juvenile Court Lawyer Serving Richmond, VA and the Surrounding Cities and Counties

As you address concerns related to custody, support, visitation, and domestic orders involving your children, you need a strong advocate to help you protect their best interests. Call Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, at 804-282-9226 to discuss your legal issues today. You can also contact us by sending a confidential online message.