Virginia Child Custody Forms

The legal definition of an unfit parent is when the parent through their conduct fails to provide proper guidance, care, or support. Also, if there is abuse, neglect, or substance abuse issues, that parent will be deemed unfit.

Children 14 and older must be asked what they want. Their preference usually is given great weight, unless it is unreasonable. How does the Judge decide about visitation? Virginia law requires a Judge to assure regular and frequent contact of the child with both parents.

Custody of the parties' children will be decided by the court based on what is in the best interests of the children. If the parties agree to a custody arrangement, the court must still make its own determination as to whether the arrangement is appropriate and in the best interests of the children.

In writing your own custody and support agreement, you should use language that reflects your willingness to cooperate with the other parent. The tone should be positive and indicate that both parties are willing to comply with the terms of the document. If written this way, a judge is more likely to approve its terms.

In order to file for custody, you must first file a petition for custody with the Court Services Unit in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court of your county. A general outline of a petition may be found here, but you must include in the petition facts that will factor into the judge's decision.

Custody of the parties' children will be decided by the court based on what is in the best interests of the children. If the parties agree to a custody arrangement, the court must still make its own determination as to whether the arrangement is appropriate and in the best interests of the children.

Virginia law gives no preference to either the mother or the father. Virginia law requires a judge to assure regular and frequent contact of the child with both parents.However, more and more often judges are granting shared physical custody, as well as joint legal custody.

Although the law specifically permits children at least 14-years-old to express an opinion, there is no specific age when a judge will listen to a child's opinion. California statutes also permit a child younger than 14 years old to testify regarding a custodial preference, unless the court decides it's not in the