Child Custody, Visitation and Support Attorney
When children are involved in divorce, emotional and financial issues become much more complicated. Whether you are considering a divorce, in the earliest stages, or facing a complex dispute involving custody and/or child support during or post-divorce, it is important to take immediate action to protect your rights and the best interests of your children. At The Law Office of Rita Ros-Planas, I offer over 24 years of experience in family law and custody issues and can effectively protect your immediate and long-term interests.
For advocacy you can trust to protect your rights and the best interests of your children, call me directly at 757-491-1331 or contact me by e-mail to schedule an initial consultation.
Child custody
In every determination involving children, the primary concern is the best interests of the child. When making child custody and visitation determinations, the court will look at who the primary caretaker is and has been, and who can best communicate with teachers, doctors, and other professionals regarding the child's best interests.
Practically speaking, at the time of the divorce, the judge will ask with whom the children have been living and whether they are doing okay. If the current physical custody arrangement is working, that is a strong factor that the judge will consider. I can best explore all of your options to help you assert your rights in court.
Visitation (AKA Parenting time)
In protecting your rights to visitation, it is important to work with an attorney who understands the need for creativity and flexibility to address the needs of the entire family. When I started practicing in family law, the standard visitation arrangement was to allow fathers to see kids every other weekend. Twenty years ago, I was one of a handful of lawyers who fought for the right of non-custodial parents to see their children during the week requesting that Wednesday night visitation be added to the court orders and child custody agreements. This is now the standard in this area. Parents without primary physical custody may also have custody of the children every other holiday, school breaks and a longer period of time in the summer. The custodial parent also needs to feel the children are taken care of by the other parent and will appreciate a "break" from parental obligations.
For more information about factors found in the Virginia Code regarding child custody and visitation, click here
Child support orders and obligations
Child support is governed by state statute ("guidelines"). In Virginia, the court will take the gross income of father and mother, the number of children, the cost of childcare and health insurance, and other factors and calculate the recommended amount of child support based on a formula. As your attorney, I will ensure that the court has accurate numbers to be entered into the formula to ensure you collect what you are owed, or so that you are not liable for unmanageable obligations.
For more information about factors found in the Virginia Code regarding child support, click here
Call 757-491-1331 or contact me by e-mail to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake lawyer. Se habla español. Our law office offers plenty of free parking for clients.
