Parents` residences and possibility of visits How far do parents live from each other? How much do they live off members of the child`s extended family? Which parent lives closest to the school and the child`s social environment? Under Virginia law, there is no presumption or conclusion of the law in favor of a parent. There are certainly things you can do to improve your chances of convincing the court to give you more time with your children. Conversely, there are definitely things you can do that will hurt your battle for the guard. If there is a dispute over the identity of the child`s father and the child`s mother will not agree to sign a PDO, the father can have a DNA test done (“paternity test”) on himself and the child to determine whether or not he is the father of the child. This may require legal action. The person claiming paternity can file a motion to establish paternity and ask the court to order a DNA test. If the DNA test determines paternity, the father can apply to the court for custody and access rights. If there is no significant hostility, most judges believe that it is in the best interests of the child to have both parents present. When you read your custody order, you will hear and read a lot of “the best interests of the child.” In many States, there may be common factors that judges take into account when determining what is in the best interests of the child. In Virginia, the factors a judge will consider in determining what is in the best interests of the child: For situations where the caretaker is unable to have children naturally, caregivers may consider another way of having children, and minor guardianship issues may arise. Alternative methods may include artificial conception and surrogacy, the non-biological guardian must obtain a court order, as well as the consent of the woman who must give birth to her minor.

Custody of the children of the parties is decided by the court on the basis of what is in the best interests of the children. If the parties agree on a custody agreement, the court must still decide for itself whether the agreement is appropriate and in the best interests of the children. In all cases involving custody or access to a child, the court may grant custody or access to any party with a legitimate interest in doing so, including, but not limited to, grandparents, in-laws, former in-laws, blood relatives and family members, provided that such party intervened in the action or is otherwise duly litigated. The concept of `legitimate interest` must be interpreted broadly in order to take account of the interests of the child`s nest. B. In determining custody, the court shall take into account primarily the best interests of the child. The court reviews and may grant legal, physical or exclusive joint custody, and there is no presumption in favour of any form of custody. The Court shall ensure, where appropriate, frequent and sustained contact with both parents of minor children and encourages parents to participate in the responsibility of their children`s upbringing. In the relationship between the parents, there is no presumption or conclusion of the law in favor of both.

The court shall take due account of the primacy of the parent-child relationship, but may, after proof by clear and convincing evidence that the best interests of the child would be served, so that any other person with a legitimate interest may grant custody or access. Virginia Custody Attorneys provide answers to frequently asked questions regarding Virginia Custody and Virginia Custody Laws. In Virginia, the court can appoint an ad litem guardian in proceedings challenging custody and access to a child. An ad litem guardian is a lawyer appointed to represent the interests of the child. How custody of your child is determined depends on the best interests of the children. The judge is required to consider a list of factors, including: Change of custody If a parent attempts to change the custody decision, it is their responsibility to show the court why it should be changed. The court follows the old notion of “If it`s not broken, don`t fix it.” This is based on the idea that stability is best for the child unless you can show that there is something in the environment that negatively affects the child`s well-being. It`s not as easy as it sounds.

Environmental factors must not only make your home as good as the parents who have custody of it, but also better. To do this, you must demonstrate that there has been a material change in the circumstances and that it is in the best interests of the child to make the change you are proposing. If the two houses are considered equal, the custody remains as is. Remember that a temporary or suspended custody order is not a final order. You would not have to prove a material change in circumstances for custody to be changed in the “permanent” custody order. The court that made the original custody and access order retains jurisdiction to decide on amendments, unless the parties and the child no longer have a close relationship with the court and the court waives its jurisdiction […].