Child custody in Virginia depends on the best interests of the child. According to the Codes of Virginia, the courts award joint legal, joint physical or sole custody to the parents with no predetermined bias towards any arrangement.
Virginia law also promises continuous contact with a minor child for both parents, barring any danger or harm to the child. Several factors determine the precise custody arrangement. Continue reading for a brief overview of these factors.
Relationship between the child and parents
The relationship between the child and each parent is essential to the court’s decision. Custody of the child depends on the parent’s ability to meet emotional, physical and intellectual requirements for the child’s development. An inability to do so might bar the parent from joint or sole custody and limit the relationship to visitations only.
Physical health of the child and parents
Physical health and age are important factors for both the parents and the child. If you cannot physically take care of your child because of your medical issues, or the child requires medical treatment you cannot provide, the court may give sole custody to the other parent.
Cooperation between the parents
The court wants to see a cooperative relationship between the parents. Divorcing parents might disagree a lot, but the well-being of their child should be an area of agreement. During custody determination, preventing the child from seeing their other parent or refusing to cooperate with your ex-spouse might count against you.
Divorce is difficult for children, even if it is for the best. Maintain communication with your ex-spouse and provide everything your child needs to make the transition easier.
