Norfolk Child Custody Attorney
The process of a child custody dispute can be challenging and emotionally draining. As a Norfolk child custody attorney, Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC is committed to guiding you through this complex journey. Our understanding of the unique nuances of Virginia’s child custody laws and our familiarity with the local legal system make us a reliable partner in your pursuit of the best possible outcome for your family.
Why Virginia Child Custody Cases Are Different
Virginia places the child’s best interests at the forefront of any custody decision. However, the court also considers another set of factors when determining what constitutes the child’s best interests. These factors range from the age, physical and mental condition of the child and each parent, to the role each parent has played and will play in the upbringing and care of the child.
Working with a family law attorney who understands these specific factors and how local courts typically interpret them can make a significant difference in your case.
Types of Child Custody in Virginia
In Virginia, there are two primary types of child custody arrangements. Understanding these is crucial in making informed decisions about your child’s future.
- Joint custody implies that both parents share the responsibility of raising the child, even if they do not necessarily share equal time with the child. This arrangement encourages cooperation and shared decision-making, but it may not be suitable in situations where the parents have a contentious relationship.
- On the other hand, sole custody means that only one parent has the authority to make major decisions about the child’s life. While this arrangement provides consistency for the child, it can limit the non-custodial parent’s involvement in the child’s upbringing.
Physical Custody vs. Legal Custody
Physical custody primarily refers to the living arrangements of the child. It determines with whom the child will reside. This could either be one parent (sole physical custody) or both parents in a shared arrangement (joint physical custody). In a joint physical custody situation, the child typically spends equal time living with both parents. The main aim here is to minimize disruption to the child’s routine and ensure their emotional well-being.
On the other hand, legal custody is about decision-making authority. It concerns who has the right to make significant choices on behalf of the child. These decisions can span various areas, including but not limited to the child’s education, healthcare, and religious instruction. Like physical custody, legal custody can be sole or joint. Even if one parent has sole physical custody, both parents can have joint legal custody, allowing them to collaboratively make decisions.
Navigating through these various custody arrangements can be a complex process. With the guidance of a Norfolk child custody attorney like Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, you can better understand these options and their potential impact on your child’s well-being.
Contact Our Norfolk Child Custody Attorney Today
At Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, we prioritize your child’s best interests and work diligently to help you navigate the intricacies of Virginia’s child custody laws. As your trusted Norfolk child custody attorney, we are committed to providing clear, comprehensive information to help you make the best decisions for your family during this challenging time. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation.Â
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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