If you are going through divorce with children, you know that settling custody is a challenging, emotion-filled experience that must be decided with your child’s best interests at heart.
When you work with our Loudoun County child custody lawyers at Melone Hatley, P.C., you get the partner you need to fight for what you believe is the best outcome for your child.
Our Loudoun County family lawyers will never leave you alone to take on something as important as this.
What Factors Impact Child Custody Decisions?
When you are facing child custody decisions, it’s important to be aware of the criteria courts use under VA. Code 20-124.3 In some circumstances, the court must use the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) if there is a question regarding the child’s residence Factors that may impact child custody decisions may include:
- The age of your child
- Any physical or special healthcare needs your child has
- The relationship your child has with each parent
- The age and physical condition of each parent
- The willingness and demonstrated ability to maintain a close relationship with your child
- The needs of your child based on siblings, peers, and other family members
- Any history of abuse
- Any reasonable preference of your child if the court determines that your child is old enough to make such statements
A judge will gather as much information as possible on your child’s needs and then make a decision based on the best interests of the child.
Our Loudoun County custody attorneys work closely with you to present robust and compelling evidence to support your custody goals. We want to ensure you present the very best opportunity for yourself and your child.
How Can a Loudoun County Child Custody Attorney Help You?
Working with a child custody attorney enables you to gain perspective on how your case is likely to be viewed by the court.
This is such a critical decision and one that involves multiple moving factors that you absolutely benefit from having the experience and knowledge a Loudoun County child custody and visitation lawyer brings to the table.
Some of the key benefits of working with an child custody attorney in Loudoun County include:
- Understanding the law: You learn the intricacies of child custody laws. This means you can make better decisions and statements that improve your chances of winning your case.
- Working to find a resolution: It is best to present to the court a valid custody plan that both parents agree on. Getting to that point can be challenging in itself, but we can work to facilitate it as much as possible.
- Reducing the impact on your child: A heated, drawn-out custody battle, especially when your child is being pulled both ways, can be painful and emotionally distressing. Minimize this risk by focusing on achieving the best possible outcome the first time.
- Minimizing the time needed to come to a resolution: With an experienced attorney, you gain more insight and better communication with the other parent. This often leads to a faster resolution of child custody matters.
- Exploring all models of custody that may work: Most often, both parents want to be in their child’s life, but finding a plan that works to meet everyone’s needs is challenging. Our attorneys can help you navigate the process by exploring a wider range of opportunities.
By working with a child custody attorney, you gain insight into your rights, the various options available to you under the law, and the opportunities that you can use to improve your outcome. We will always stay by your side throughout this process. Expect our custody lawyer in Loudoun County at Melone Hatley, P.C., to be there to fight for you.
Loudoun County Child Custody
Lawyer Near Me
703-995-9900What Can You Do to Win Your Child Custody Case?
While both parents want the best for their child in many cases, they do not often agree on what that is. When you hope to win your case, you need to present to the judge a clear, well-outlined plan that ensures the court can see that your child’s best interests are at the top of your priority list.
Based on your specific situation, we may recommend a few things to help you win your case, such as:
- Be willing to allow the other parent to be a parent. It is important to show the judge you still want your child to know the other parent. However, we do not encourage this in situations where it is not safe for any reason.
- Avoid manipulating your child in any way. Keep your opinions and thoughts about the other parent to yourself. Do not try to influence your child to choose one parent over the other.
- Create a clear plan for your child. If your child is younger, who will care for them while you work? Where will they live? Will they maintain their participation in sports and clubs, or do they need to go to a new school?
- Make it clear what your child means to you. Showcase the relationship’s importance to you, not as a right or as a demand for attention. Rather, show that you know your child and want to continue to build your relationship.
- Demonstrate your ability to care for your child’s needs. This includes where they live, financial aspects, education, social inclusion, healthcare needs, religious factors, relationships with extended family, and other areas.
The better you can present this information to the court, the more likely you are to prove to a judge that you have the best intentions with your child and have a clear plan for caring for all of their needs.
In the long term, this is what matters. Our Child custody attorney in Loudoun County will help you present your case in a way that clearly demonstrates your ability to meet all of your child’s expectations and goals.
Start with a Consultation with Our Child Custody Attorneys in Loudoun County
When it comes to getting the legal support you need during custody negotiations, you need a trusted advocate who is willing to fight for you.
Our Loudoun County custody lawyer at Melone Hatley, P.C., is ready to fight to protect you and get the best possible outcome. Call our office for a free consultation now.
