Sharing custody after a divorce or separation can be a challenging undertaking. Some people find it very difficult to co-parent without conflict. Others simply struggle to adjust to the limits on their time with their children. Parents who keep the focus on their...
Child custody
Who takes care of the kids? It matters in Virginia custody cases
Divorce and separation are emotionally charged events, and child custody is often the most contentious issue in a couple’s decision to split. In the state’s courts, the well-being of the child is paramount when determining custody and parenting time arrangements....
Can a child’s age influence custody decisions in Virginia?
When it comes to child custody decisions, the child’s best interests take center stage. A child’s age is among the factors considered when determining what’s best for them. As such, your child’s age will play a significant role in the court’s decision if you need to...
What is a primary caregiver?
When it comes to divorce cases and parental rights, the courts will sometimes identify a primary caregiver. This is the parent who spent the majority of their time caring for the child and helping to raise them on a daily basis. The parent may have been involved in...
3 essential tips when seeking to modify child custody orders
Seeking a custody order modification is a reasonable step toward ensuring the best interests of the child if the current arrangement does not seem to work as intended due to a substantial change in circumstances. It can seem like a daunting legal process, but it is...
Can teenagers refuse to spend time with one parent post-divorce?
The dynamics within a family are in a state of constant flux. The children may have a very different relationship with each parent at different stages of their development. Those dynamics will continue to shift as family members grow and circumstances change....
Custody rights are not always divided equally
Parents sometimes assume that child custody is just going to be split in half. If they are not granted sole custody of their child, then they believe that those rights will be divided equally between them and their ex. But this is not always the case. The court is...
Dividing Halloween with the kids when you’re divorced
Halloween may not be considered a major holiday by the courts when parenting plans are crafted, but the holiday can be a very big deal to the average kid – and their parents. Ideally, you and your co-parent can put your differences aside for a bit and work together to...
Tips for handling extracurricular activities as co-parents
Co-parenting is a journey filled with challenges and rewards, and one area that often needs special attention is managing your child's extracurricular activities. These activities, including sports, arts and educational programs, are vital to your child's development....
How one clause can give you more time with your child
Even when divorced parents share custody of their child, one or both often feels like they don’t have as much parenting time as they’d like. One way you can get more time with your child is to seek a “right of first refusal” clause in your custody agreement and...