As a parent, your child’s well-being is your top priority. When you are faced with a divorce or the end of a romantic partnership, one of your primary concerns is what it will mean for your child and your relationship with them. You might be worried about how your child will cope with moving back and forth between your home and their other parent’s, or if you and your co-parent will be able to work together to take care of your child. You might also be worried about your child’s safety while in the care of the other parent if that parent struggles with substance abuse, mental health issues, or is abusive.

Custody is one of the most hotly-contested issues in family law. There is some irony in that, because it is also usually best for children when parents can resolve custody and visitation issues with a minimum of conflict. At Premier Family Law Group, you can work with a child custody lawyer who understands your situation—both as an attorney and as a parent—and help you do what’s right for your family. To learn how we can help you protect your kids and your time together, contact Premier Family Law Group today.

Custody and Visitation Guidance from a VA Child Custody Lawyer

Custody and visitation issues are scary for parents in part because it feels like a loss of control. You’ve always been the one to make decisions for your child, on your own or with your partner. Now a court could get involved, and the person who used to be your partner feels like your opponent. You’re not sure what to expect from the legal process, and there’s a lot on the line.

The good news is that in Virginia, courts encourage parents to reach their own agreement about legal custody (who makes important decisions for the child) and physical custody (where the child resides). After all, no judge can know your family and its needs as well as you do.

If you and your co-parent can agree on legal and physical custody arrangements, the court will generally approve your agreement so long as it appears to be in your child’s best interests. You may also be able to reach an agreement with the help of your lawyers or through mediation. In fact, most parents are able to reach a child custody agreement that works for their family without the court’s intervention.

However, if you cannot agree on custody and visitation, for whatever reason, the court will determine the custody arrangements based on what it finds to be in the best interest of the child.

Because your child’s needs are so important to you, and because custody can be difficult to modify later, it is critical to work with a child custody lawyer. Having an experienced child custody lawyer is even more important when custody is contested, and it is critical when you have concerns about your child’s safety with the other parent, such as in situations involving domestic violence or substance abuse.

THE Northern Virginia Child Custody & Visitation Law Firm

Child custody lawyers David Zangrilli and Kristina Cruz have dedicated their legal careers to helping families through challenging transitions, including navigating child custody and visitation. With almost 40 years of family law experience between them, they established Premier Family Law Group to offer parents in Fairfax County and throughout Northern Virginia the effective representation they need when it matters most.

Premier Family Law Group gives clients the best of both worlds: the personal attention of a small boutique family law firm, with the skill and experience for which larger law firms are known.

The Premier Family Law Group Difference

At Premier Family Law Group, we aren’t just child custody lawyers —we’re parents, too, and we understand what your child means to you. When you are dealing with custody issues, you want answers, because knowledge is power. We deliver.

We help you understand Virginia child custody law and how it applies to the facts of your situation. We help you explore your legal options, and explain the likely outcomes of each one. We provide strategies of how to act while the case is pending to put you in the best light if your case ends in trial.

We know the local courts, attorneys and judges, and give you insight on how the parties involved can impact your case. Like you, our child custody lawyer team is focused on what’s best for your child, and we have a long track record of success in negotiating custody and visitation agreements that work for our clients and their children.

We are experienced litigators as well as creative negotiators. Our team has a reputation for thorough preparation and in-depth knowledge of every case. Our opponents know we won’t hesitate to go to trial if needed to protect our clients’ interests—which is the best possible leverage in negotiation.

Contact an Experienced Virginia Child Custody Lawyer

To learn more about child custody in Virginia or to get advice regarding your custody matter, contact Premier Family Law Group to schedule a consultation. 571-336-5263