Legal Help for Child Custody,
Visitation, Child Support
If you are faced with the prospect of losing your child in a bitter custody battle, or if you need help establishing, enforcing or modifying child support, you will want to have the right person by your side. Contact the Burroughs Law Office, P.C. in Virginia Beach today for your free assessment consultation.
Best Interests of the Child and Child Custody
Judges consider many factors when determining who should receive custody of a child. These factors are intended to establish what is truly in the child's best interest. In some cases it only takes one factor to tip the scales in favor of one parent over the other.
The factors that the judge should consider in deciding what is in the child's best interests include:
- The age and physical and mental condition of the child and the child's developmental needs
- The age and physical and mental condition of each parent
- The relationship between each parent and the child, the parent's positive involvement and ability to assess and meet the child's needs
- The child's needs including important relationships such as with brothers and sisters, grandparents, and other relatives
- The role which each parent has played and will play in the upbringing and care of the child
- Each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent, their willingness and ability to maintain a close relationship with the child, and their ability to cooperate in matters affecting the child
- The child's preference
- Any history of abuse
- Any other factors the judges feels it is necessary to consider
Other factors the judge may consider include where the child(ren) will reside, which parent will be in a better position to manage the daily affairs of the child, how siblings will be affected, and whether either parent is involved in a new relationship.
Whether you are petitioning for custody or want the court to reconsider a decision based on new information, you should seek the advice of a competent lawyer in your area.
Child Support
Attorney Lawrence D. Burroughs II negotiates, mediates or litigates to achieve an appropriate result regarding child support payments. Whether you are seeking to establish, modify or enforce child support payments, we will be there for you. We also help with issues of spousal support or alimony.
You are best served by an honest assessment of your circumstances. We will let you know where you stand and what your rights are. To schedule a free consultation, call 757-216-1986 or toll free 1-877-743-0448 or contact us by e-mail.
