Child Custody & Visitation Lawyers
Child custody & visitation are hotly debated topics during a divorce. Every parent cares about and loves his or her children. Parents want to have an active and meaningful role in their children’s lives. In the midst of a divorce or separation, it often becomes very easy for one or both parents to lose sight of those basic truths – and of the best interests of their children as well.
Serving clients in Fairfax County and throughout the surrounding jurisdictions of Northern Virginia since 1981, Wexell Milman’s experience and focus on family law matters can help you minimize the harmful effects of separation and divorce by keeping you focused on achieving your objectives as they relate to your minor child or children.
Serving the Best Interests of the Child
Virginia’s “Best Interest of the Child” statute is found at Section 20-124.3 of the Code of Virginia. In all child custody or visitation disputes, the Court must decide what is in the best interests of the child based upon consideration of these factors:
- The age and physical and mental condition of the child
- The age and physical and mental condition of each parent
- The relationship existing between each parent and each child
- The needs of the child
- The role which each parent has played in the upbringing and care of the child, and the role each will play in the future
- The likelihood of each parent actively supporting the child’s contact and relationship with the other parent and of cooperating in matters affecting the child
- The reasonable preference of the child, if of reasonable intelligence, understanding, age, and experience to express such a preference
- Any family history of domestic violence or abuse
- Other factors as the court deems necessary and proper
When children are involved, families are best served when the parents are able to resolve issues and avoid a courtroom battle. The child custody & visitation lawyers at Wexell Milman in Fairfax County are well versed in the various custodial arrangements available to parents, and we will discuss what works best for you.
At the same time, we recognize that there are situations in which an acceptable compromise on child custody & visitation issues cannot be reached through negotiation or mediation. In these cases, you can feel confident in the ability of our child custody & visitation lawyers to effectively protect your interests during a divorce trial. We have experience in handling local and interstate child custody litigation, at both the trial and appellate level.
Call the Child Custody & Visitation Lawyers at Wexell Milman Today
For answers to specific questions you have about child custody & visitation in Fairfax County – including temporary child custody orders (pendente lite orders), parenting plans, sole or joint legal custody, visitation rights, or the modification or enforcement of existing custody agreements or orders – call Wexell Milman at 703-385-3858 to schedule a consultation or contact us online