Child Custody Attorney

Respected Attorney Protecting Your Interests in Child Custody Matters in Richmond and Several Other Nearby Cities and Counties in Virginia

In many cases, concerns related to child custody are among the most difficult issues that will need to be resolved when parents separate or divorce. Disputes often arise between parents as each parent realizes that his or her time with the children will be impacted. The decisions regarding the children’s upbringing may be shared or limited depending on the circumstances. Custody matters involve strong feelings and emotions, which can make these difficult decisions more challenging. We can help you navigate these issues and find reasonable solutions.

You need a lawyer you can trust to advocate for your and your children's best interests. You need a lawyer whose advice and counsel are based on extensive experience and focused legal knowledge. Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, has comprehensive experience helping families develop creative, customized, and mutually acceptable child custody and visitation plans. We work with clients throughout the area, including the City of Richmond, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Hanover County, Powhatan County, New Kent County, and Goochland County. We know how to prepare for the problems you may face and how to address them proactively before they arise. When you work with us, you will always receive your attorney's personal attention and respect.

Tailoring Your Virginia Child Custody and Visitation Plans to Your Unique Circumstances

Your family's circumstances should determine the best child custody and visitation arrangements for you, not a generic, one-size-fits-all template. Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions for your children, such as those involving religion, healthcare, and education. Physical custody addresses where your children will reside. Virginia recognizes various types of custody arrangements:

• Temporary: Short-term arrangements may be put in place for your children during your case until final custody decisions are made.
• Primary physical custody: The children may live with one parent most of the time, and that parent will be the primary childcare provider. The other parent will usually have the right to regular visitation.
• Shared physical custody: Children may spend significant time with both parents, although not necessarily an equal amount.
• Sole legal custody: This type of custody gives only one parent decision-making rights.
• Sole physical custody: Children may live with one parent full-time, and the other parent may have visitation of some kind only. There may be no visitation, or visitation may be supervised.
• Split physical custody: When multiple children are involved, the schedule of parenting time or visitation for each child may be different.
• Joint legal custody: Both parents will share decision-making rights. Tie-breaker status may be awarded to one parent for situations when parents are unable to agree.

Multiple unique factors need to be considered carefully when making custody decisions, and you need an attorney who understands these factors and how to address them effectively.

Factors to Consider in Virginia Child Custody and Visitation Agreements

With your information and your input, your attorney will craft plans that consider many factors. Some of these factors may include:

• Your children's ages and special needs
• Each parent's work schedule, financial and mental stability, and ability to provide the children with appropriate care and supervision
• Any factors that indicate that one parent may be unfit
• The living situation of each parent
• The distance between parental residences
• The children's wishes, depending on the age and maturity of a child
• Each parent's ability to foster a healthy relationship for the child with the other parent

If one or both parents are active-duty members of the military, special considerations must be given to address the possibility of relocation or deployment.

Why it Is Best for Parents to Work Together to Reach Child Custody Agreements

If you and the other parent cannot agree on matters related to your children, litigation may be needed. However, decisions made by a Judge may not appeal to either parent. You will still be bound by the Court's orders. Whether through mediation or collaborative law negotiations with the other parent, arriving at a viable agreement outside of court can be faster, less stressful, less expensive, and less emotionally damaging for your children.

Call Our Child Custody Attorney Serving Richmond and Other Surrounding Communities

A distant, unapproachable attorney is the last thing you need as you plan for your children's future during your separation or divorce. At Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, we are well-known and respected for our personal approach, our dedication to our clients, and our experience. Call 804-282-9226 or contact us online to arrange your initial consultation today.