The end of a marriage can be painful for many people. Emotions may go on a roller-coaster ride at the prospect of a divorce, yet the number of couples breaking off their matrimonial vows continues to be an issue that is addressed in Virginia courts.
Getting a fair result in a child custody dispute
Child custody in Virginia has two aspects, physical custody and legal custody. Parents entrusted with physical custody of the child get to keep the child with them and parents entrusted with legal custody have the right to take important decisions in relation to the child, including the child's education and lifestyle choices. In case where parents do not have shared physical custody, the non-custodial parent is granted visitation rights to meet the child for limited duration from time to time. The best interests of the child are always the prime consideration of the court in issuing any child custody order.
Virginia parents demand tougher child support enforcement
According to a recent news report, parents in Virginia are demanding that the state's Division of Child Support Enforcement take a tougher stance against parents who are defaulting in child support payments. The parents sent numerous e-mails to a local news station following a report that DCSE was no longer using harsh measures to collect past due child support. The report stated that DCSE has reportedly abandoned its 'Top 10' list publicizing the names of the worst offenders, and case workers are recommending job counseling for delinquent parents rather than putting them behind bars. When questioned, an assistant director of the DCSE denied the allegation that they have gone soft, stating that they have evolved their working procedure.
Establishing paternity; a major step in obtaining child support
Every child deserves to know his or her mother and father and get love and affection from both parents. Ideally, both parents are present during the child's upbringing. However, separations do happen, and when a child resides with only one parent, child support may be necessary for meeting day-to-day expenses.