Herndon, Virginia Child Custody Attorneys

Skilled Child Custody Lawyers for Parents in Herndon, VA

As a parent, your child likely means the world to you. However, a child custody dispute can raise questions about your parental rights, as you and your co-parent may have conflicting ideas about how to allocate parenting time or responsibility for important decisions. With the help of a Herndon, Virginia child custody attorney, you can stand up for yourself during negotiations.

At Meyer & Bowden, PLLC, our family law attorneys are here to help you do right by your child while honoring your wishes as a parent. With over 50 5-star reviews to our firm, we have built up a reputation for superb representation in contested matters.

How Is Child Custody Handled in Virginia?

Virginia courts determine child custody based on two primary components known as physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody addresses where the child will reside, while legal custody concerns decision-making authority over education, health care, and religious upbringing. Courts favor arrangements that allow both parents to remain active in a child's life, provided that each parent can offer a stable environment.

The guiding principle is the best interests of the child. Judges evaluate factors such as the emotional bond between parent and child, each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs, the child's age and physical health, and any history of family violence or substance abuse.

In many cases, parents reach a mutual agreement through mediation or negotiation, crafting a parenting plan that outlines parenting schedules and decision-making responsibilities. When parents cannot agree, the court will hold a hearing, consider evidence, and issue an order tailored to protect the child's welfare.

When Is a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Needed in a Custody Case?

A guardian ad litem may be appointed when the court believes that a child's interests are not clear. Situations that often trigger a GAL appointment include allegations of abuse or neglect, domestic violence between parents, or severe conflict that impedes communication.

The GAL is typically an experienced attorney or trained volunteer whose sole duty is to investigate the child's circumstances, interview family members, and make recommendations to the court.

The guardian ad litem will submit a written report outlining their findings for the judge's consideration. Although a GAL adds an additional layer of review, their involvement can be invaluable in ensuring that decisions reflect the child's unique needs and best interests. Working with a skilled custody attorney can help you anticipate GAL involvement, prepare your case, and advocate effectively for your child.

Who Pays Child Support in a Virginia Divorce?

In Virginia, child support is the shared responsibility of both parents, regardless of physical custody arrangements. The parent with the higher income often pays support to the other parent, based on guidelines established by statute. Courts calculate support by considering each parent's gross income, the number of children, health insurance costs, child-care expenses, and the standard of living the children would have enjoyed had the marriage remained intact.

Parents can agree to a support amount through a settlement agreement, locking in terms that reflect unique family circumstances, such as shared health-care premiums or extracurricular costs. Once approved by a judge, the agreement carries the same enforceable weight as a court order. Modifications are possible if there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss or relocation.

Contact a Herndon Child Custody Lawyer Today

At Meyer & Bowden, PLLC, we recognize how difficult and emotional child custody disputes can be. Our Herndon team combines compassionate advocacy with in-depth knowledge of Virginia's custody laws. You can trust us to protect your child's best interests at every turn. Call 703-722-8692 or contact our Herndon, VA child custody attorneys to schedule a consultation.