Joint Custody In Virginia: Six Potentially Sensitive Issues To Consider
As a parent, one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce or separation in Virginia is how it could impact your children. Joint custody allows both parents to be active and involved in their child’s life, but negotiating these arrangements takes work. Our Loudoun County child custody attorney outlines six potentially sensitive areas to consider.
Important Issues To Consider When Negotiating Joint Custody Arrangements In Loudoun County
When getting a divorce through the Loudoun County Family Court or in cases involving single parents, child custody is one of the most contentious issues. Joint custody is generally encouraged under the Virginia Code and considered in the child’s best interests, provided both parents have a loving relationship with the child and refrain from behavior that could put them at risk.
When negotiating parenting time in Loudoun County child custody proceedings, the following are important issues to consider:
- The Amount Of Time Spent In Each Parent’s Home
Joint custody does not necessarily mean parenting time is split 50/50. Work or school schedules and the distance between each parent’s home will determine the amount of time the child spends with them during the week and on weekends.
- The Rights to Holidays and Birthdays
Dividing parenting time can leave you feeling as if you are missing out on spending important times with your child. Holidays and birthdays are particularly difficult to negotiate. Some parents prefer alternating each year, while others have the child spend time with both parties.
- Extended Visits Over School Breaks
Depending on your child’s age, you may need to negotiate extended visits during holiday breaks and when your child is off school for the summer. Each parent’s work schedule plays a significant role in these arrangements.
- Pickup And Drop-Off Arrangements
In some cases, parents have no problem picking up and dropping children off at each other’s homes. If the situation is more contentious, you may want to pick a restaurant or other public place.
- Legal Custody of The Child
In addition to physical custody, you will need to determine whether one or both parents have legal custody of the child. This gives them the right to make important decisions on behalf of the child, such as regarding their education, religious upbringing, and the type of medical care they receive.
- Communications Between Parents
One of the biggest problems in joint child custody arrangements in Loudoun County is how the parents communicate with one another. Setting limits and taking advantage of the latest parenting apps can aid in communications.
For Trusted Legal Help, Contact Our Child Custody Attorney
Child custody is a sensitive issue, and negotiations between parents can quickly get contentious. Schwartz Kalina, PLLC. provides the trusted legal help you need to protect your rights and your child’s best interests. To discuss your case with our Virginia divorce attorney, give our office a call or contact us online today.
Sources:
vacourts.gov/courts/jdr/loudoun/home.html
law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter6.1/section20-124.2/
thebump.com/a/co-parenting-apps
