Child custody arrangements can become an extremely stressful aspect of a divorce proceeding. When it comes to child custody, there are many different ways that divorcing spouses approach the topic. Some parents are able to work out a parenting schedule and custody arrangement on their own and have their attorneys draft the relevant custody agreement, which the court approves. In other cases, the parents are unable to agree on a parenting schedule or a custody arrangement, and litigation becomes necessary. Frequently, those disputes are resolved by an agreement between the parties after mediation or further settlement discussions.Â
Litigating and negotiating child custody agreements and parenting plans can become expensive and stressful for the parents and children. Even though parents may have legitimate disputes concerning child custody and a parenting plan, it is important that the parents work to make the process as easy as possible for them and their children.Â
If you are going through a divorce or separation and need experienced child custody attorneys in Suffolk, the team at Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, is ready to help you.Â
When it comes to child custody in Virginia, there are two categories: legal custody and physical custody. Â
Legal custody concerns how decisions are made regarding the children’s education, medical care, religion, and extracurricular activities. Legal custody is typically shared by both parents, which means the parents have to discuss these issues with one another and work to reach agreements. In some cases, legal custody is assigned to just one parent, which means that this parent will make the above decisions for the children. Sole legal custody may be awarded in a case involving domestic abuse, for example.Â
Physical custody refers to the time the child will spend with each parent. One parent may have primary physical custody, which largely means the child spends the majority of their time with that parent. The trend today is for parents to split parenting time as equally as possible, subject to the needs of the children and practical realities existing in each individual case. By working with experienced child custody attorneys in Suffolk, you can design a parenting time arrangement that fits your family’s unique needs.
There are many different legal and physical custody arrangements possible. In some cases, the parents will come to a mutual decision on how child custody will be arranged. If the parents are unable to come to an agreement, the court will make a decision on their behalf.Â
Even in the most civil divorce, child custody can be an emotionally charged topic. The team at Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, has experience working through these issues while advocating for your rights as a parent. Â
Going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging and confusing times in your life, but when children are involved, the stakes are that much higher. At Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, we understand the fear of losing the battle for child custody. Our team of experienced child custody attorneys in Suffolk is ready to step in and help. Contact us today to learn more about our track record of excellence. We are dedicated to working on your behalf throughout the entire divorce process, so reach out today to schedule your initial consultation.