Child custody is determined by Virginia family courts on the basis of the best interest of the child. Deciding which parent may provide the child with the best chances for emotional, financial and educational development is hard to assess since there is no pre-existing formula that can determine what the child may truly need.
Child-support failures in Virginia can bring federal charges
As in every other state, the welfare of minor children in a divorce is the foremost concern of Virginia legal authorities. State laws mandate that a court establish the custody arrangements for these children and require their support by one or both parents. In the typical case, one parent becomes the custodial parent and the other the financially supporting parent. In most disputes over how child support collection is enforced, custodial parents are encouraged to contact state authorities. In certain cases, however, the federal government can be called on to prosecute the worst offenders.
Best practices ensuring custody rights of military parents
Parents in Virginia who are in the military and fighting for custody of their child might be apprehensive that a court may reject their custody application because of the nature of their service. Military personnel on active duty might be required to stay away from their families for months while they are deployed elsewhere.
Virginia laws on child custody and visitation arrangements
Many minor children of estranged parents suffer emotionally while their parents are going through the divorce process. Laws in Virginia mandate that courts make prompt decisions on child custody and visitation right issues, keeping the best interest of the child in mind first.