Child Custody Lawyer Norfolk
Child custody matters, whether they arise during a Virginia divorce, are related to a post-divorce modification, or involve a child born outside of marriage, are important matters that directly affect your parental rights. Because child custody is an exceptionally complicated area of the law and because your child custody concern is too important to leave to chance, having an experienced child custody lawyer in Norfolk on your side is in your best interest.
Your Child Custody Arrangements
In Virginia, child custody arrangements are divided into both legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody determines who will take on the responsibility of making primary decisions that guide your children’s lives. Physical custody concerns itself with how you and your children’s other parent will share your time with the kids. Let’s take a closer look at both of these important aspects of child custody.
Legal Custody
Legal custody addresses big-picture parenting decisions like the following:
- Where do your children attend school?
- Where do your children live?
- The medical care your children receive
- The extracurricular activities your children participate in
- Your children’s religious education
Legal custody can be joint, which means that you will make these primary decisions together, but one of you may be awarded tie-breaking authority and, as such, will make the final decision if you reach an impasse in the decision-making process. Further, legal custody can be sole, but there is also the option of dividing this decision-making authority according to the category of decision that is being made.
Finally, more basic parenting questions, such as what to serve the kids for lunch and where to pick up supplies for an upcoming art project, must be resolved by the parent who has the children at the time they arise.
Physical Custody
Physical custody addresses the matter of determining when your kids will live with you and when they will live with their other parent. You can get as detailed and as creative as you wish when it comes to hammering out this schedule between yourselves, but if you need the court’s intervention in the matter, you’re very likely to receive one of its standard parenting time schedules. All told, there are two basic classifications when it comes to physical custody, including:
- One parent takes on the role of the primary custodial parent, which means that the children live with him or her the majority of the time (while the other parent has a parenting time schedule).
- Both parents divide their time with the kids more evenly.
When the courts make decisions related to child custody, they are always based on the best interests of the children involved.
It’s Time to Consult with an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer in Norfolk
The very capable child custody lawyers at Mahoney & Richmond, PLLC, in Norfolk, Virginia, understand the gravity of your child custody case and are committed to skillfully advocating for its most favorable resolution. Your parental rights are important, and we’re here to help – so please don’t wait to contact us for more information today.
What Our Clients Are Saying
5 Stars!
I worked with Nicole Thurston, Joy, and Nancy and they were all amazing to work with. They went above and beyond to help me fight in my custody battle and my son is now doing excellent. They cared about the outcome of our case showed how much they cared. He has straight A's, on the Principal's list, and getting college offers and letters from congressmen to congratulate him for his success. We would not have gotten this far it was not for this legal team fighting day and night to give us the best possible outcome. Thank you all for everything you have done for our family. Sincerely, Tamara
Nicole handled my divorce, she was professional and detailed. If I had a question it was usually answered the same day. In court, she was very professional, had all details, and was fully ready to represent me. I could not have asked for a better attorney to represent me!
I am very impressed with Andy's capabilities - he is a talented young lawyer.
Reeves is a fine lawyer, with a great sense of humor.
Mr. Richmond deals with his clients compassionately and with legal precision. You can have confidence that he is looking out for you and trust his judgment and advice. Take his advice seriously. Mr. Richmond does a good job communicating with his clients, keeping them informed along the way.
Andrew Richmond is a great lawyer and extremely smart.
I did my research on divorce and family law attorneys before contacting anyone. A trusted friend had used Nicole and her team's services previously and highly recommended her. Entering the MNR Law offices I met their receptionist. Her smile both lightened the mood and removed some of the stress from the streets. I found the conference room to be well lit, supplies readily available, and the conduct of the staff I encountered to be well above everyday professional courtesy. Nicole was the first attorney I met with and after our initial meeting, discussing options, criteria, contractual obligations, and services that would be contracted for, I confidently chose her to be my legal counsel. The contracts were explained in detail and reviewed prior to initiating our financial transactions, and I feel I received more than what I contracted for. I paid for professional services; what I got included personalized service, the respect, and distinction of being an individual. My concerns were thoroughly vetted and understood from a personal level and translated to what I wanted and needed on a professional legal level. The team prepared the battlefield and for potential contingencies, ready to execute, ready to win. We faced the opposition…
5 stars!
I recommend them completely!
Very pleased with their professionalism and seriousness with my case.
Listen, I did the circuit of family lawyers in Virginia Beach and Andy is, hands down, the most honest, capable, genuine, and reliable lawyer around.
Reeves Mahoney did an outstanding job as my attorney during a recent contested custody battle. Knowledgeable, honest, and direct, I appreciated Reeves’ sage counsel during an incredibly difficult and anxious time. Reeves and his team provided excellent guidance and successfully navigated me through the heretofore unfamiliar minefield of family law. Reeves is one of the finest, if not the finest family law attorneys in Hampton Roads and enjoys a stellar reputation in the family law system.
Nicole was amazing to work with for my son's adoption finalization. She was extremely personable, always responded quickly to any questions, calls, or emails, and extremely nice! She made the final stages of our adoption journey amazing!
I am very thankful for all of your services. I don’t know how I would have gotten through this without you all. Your help was priceless.
I will never regret seeking (Reeves Mahoney’s) counsel … You’ve given me a lot of great advice and insight and that I’ll never regret any penny that I paid to gain that. … I just wanted to let you know that you provided a great service to me today and I will be eternally grateful.
Nicole knew exactly how to handle to my situation, doing so rapidly; conformed to my wishes, no drama. Amazing advocate: excellent skills explaining complex legalese in everyday terms. Great sense of humor: explains difficult topics; diffuses stressful situations. Guide & confidant. Earned my trust & maintained it throughout. Quality of service was outstanding! Value is phenomenal Follows up on questions & requirements, often same day, with quality details in clear & concise communications
Andy and his paralegal, Nancy, are wonderful. I had an entire custody reversal made, which I have come to understand is a rarity. Andy is clearly knowledgeable about family law and well respected by the court.
Andrew T. Richmond 
Reeves W. Mahoney
Nicole M. Thurston
Jessica N. TrotmanVirginia Beach Location
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