When a couple makes the decision that their marriage has come to an end and it time to file for divorce, this is only the beginning of what could be a very long, drawn-out and volatile battle over assets, property and custody of the children. In most divorce cases involving children from a marriage, both parents usually want to be granted custody rights.
If you want to improve your chances of being about to maintain custody in your Virginia Beach divorce, you are going to need an experienced Virginia Beach divorce attorney representing your interests.
Protecting Your Children
Our firm provides legal representation in all types of divorce and family law cases. We have a comprehensive understanding of divorce law and are specifically well-versed in the laws pertaining to child custody and support issues. When a judge seeks to award custody, he or she will need to take a number of factors into consideration before being able to determine what is in the child’s best interests.
The judge will want to review the child’s relationship with each parent, his or her physical and emotional needs, as well as any mental requirements or disabilities which must be addressed. The child’s wishes as to who he or she wants to live with will also be considered. Whether the child is involved in any after-school program, is a member of a local sports team or has had time to build relationships with friends and others in his or her area, will also be used to determine custody. Ideally, the judge wants to avoid causing any major disruptions to the child’s life. While you and your spouse may be getting a divorce which can cause a lot of chaos in your life that does not mean the lives of your children have to be thrown into chaos as well.
Let Us Guide You Through This Process
In many instances, the judge will allow one or both parents to submit a parenting plan for review. Parents who are able to come to an agreement as to the terms of custody will generally have much more say and freedom in the upbringing of their child. An attorney from our firm can help you draft such a plan, assist in the negotiation of the terms of custody between you and your spouse, and represent your interests before the judge. Do not unintentionally give up your parental rights by neglecting to retain legal counsel.
Call the David McCormick Law Group today to find out more about the legal services our firm offers or to find out what we can do for you.