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Virginia Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: Man pays child support; has no $ for lawyer to see his daughters in fairfax county, va. What can he do?

Pays child support as appointed by court; has contacted ex via phone and text and no response. He lives in Fluvanna County, VA and children live in Fairfax County, VA.

Sharon R. Moss
Sharon R. Moss
answered on Nov 27, 2017

Is there a custody/visitation order in place? If not, he can file for custody/visitation so that he may get an Order.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Virginia on
Q: I have joint legal but not physical custody of my son! Pay child support and found out child is not living with him!

Has been lying about living with grandparents and son is going to a different school in a different state. I currently have my son but don’t want to send back to grandma’s house because she does not have legal custody, do I have to?

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Nov 25, 2017

Although you might think this is a criminal situation, it is a family law issue. (This section of the website is for those with questions regarding criminal offenses.) I will try to transfer your question to that area of law.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: When does VA have Jurisdiction over a custody order from MD ?

I have moved to VA 7/2017 with my child. The order was registered in VA 10/2017. It has now been 6 months since I’ve moved. Which state has jurisdiction?

Michael Christopher Miller
Michael Christopher Miller
answered on Nov 22, 2017

As long as no parent or child continues to reside in MD, then jurisdiction can transfer to VA after the child has resided in VA for six months.

Even if the child has lived in VA, if the other parent continues to resides in MD, then MD retains jurisdiction, i.e., everyone must move from the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Virginia on
Q: Custody/support:

My brother in law went to court. They said his 15yr old doesn’t have to visit unless he wants too. However, he is to still pay FULL child support. He has recently been laid off as his job shut the doors and he has 2 children at home both younger (10,5). They are using my sisters income for his... View More

Sharon R. Moss
Sharon R. Moss
answered on Nov 21, 2017

Even though your brother may not see the child, he still has an obligation to support his child. If he has lost his job through no fault of his own, he can petition the court for a modification in child support based on his new circumstances. The court will want to see evidence that he is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: What are my custody options if the other parent is moving out of state

I currently have a joint custody and every other weekend visitation court ordered agreement in place. A week ago, the other parent informed me that in a week they would be moving out of Virginia to Georgia. What are my custody and visitation options considering the current agreement already in... View More

Sharon R. Moss
Sharon R. Moss
answered on Nov 16, 2017

You have the right to file with the Court to try and enjoin the other parent from moving the child out of Virginia. Depending on the current court order, just because you are not the primary residential parent, the other parent doesn't automatically have the right to relocate out of state with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: How to retrieve a MD-resident child from a VA-resident parent who isn't turning over the child?

In the state of VA, in the event the (northern) VA residing parent will not turn over the child to the other parent during a pickup in VA, what actions must take place to retrieve the child? The child and the custody order is resident (and formed) in Maryland (Baltimore county) where I (the parent... View More

Michael Christopher Miller
Michael Christopher Miller
answered on Nov 8, 2017

For the short term, you could likely bring a certified copy of the Maryland order to the other parent's residence, and call the police. Hopefully, the order is specific enough that the police implement the plain language of the order.

For the long term, register the Maryland order in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: How can I get visitation rights to my children, I had to sighn over custody to my mother and brother

My mother has custody of my 2kids and because of her age my brother also took custody, not shore how that works maby jointcustody, , but I visit my children and buy there school cloths and things they need, when needed. How ever I can't take my kids anywhere with me because my brother always... View More

Maciej B. Zebrak
Maciej B. Zebrak
answered on Nov 3, 2017

First you have to file a Motion to Amend Visitation with the Court that entered the final custody and visitation Order. In order to be able to amend a custody and visitation Order, you will need to prove that a material change in circumstances occurred that warrants a modification of visitation,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: How old does a child have to be to make a decision of his own on who. He wants to live with mother or father
Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Oct 26, 2017

The rule of thumb is that the court starts to consider the child's opinion around age 12. However, the child's preference is only one of many factors the court takes into consideration. In other words, just because the child wants something doesn't mean the court is going to do that.

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: Does VA have a guardianship law for minors? Infants parents are going through hard times but don't want to lose custody.

The infant has been in my care for a little while and I want to make sure that I can legally take her to the doctor when needed. Both her parents have agreed to give me guardianship but they do not want to lose their rights as parents.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: How can i call and talk to a lawyer for free about a custudy case?
Maciej B. Zebrak
Maciej B. Zebrak
answered on Oct 20, 2017

Find a lawyer/law firm, and ask whether there is a consultation fee. There are lawyers/ law firms that provide free initial consultations.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: Hello, my ex has recently gotten married. My concern is that his new wife very openly uses marijuana.

I say “openly” because she was interviewed by a journalist where she stated her regular drug use during her pregnancy and for medicinal reason (article has her name and a photo of her holding two bags of marijuana) they live in NC now. Can I withhold visitation of our daughter if the wife is... View More

Maciej B. Zebrak
Maciej B. Zebrak
answered on Oct 20, 2017

Only if there is a specific provision in your custody and visitation order (if you have one) regarding drug use as it relates to visitation. What you can do is file a motion to amend custody/visitation (again if you have a custody and visitation order) and present evidence to the court regarding... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: i have full custody of my daughter. the father is not in her life but he pays child support for the last 3 months.

he has been in out of her life. can he get visitstion rights??

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Oct 16, 2017

It is possible if shown to be in the child's best interests. Speak with an attorney in your area if a petition for visitation is filed.

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: I took pictures of my boyfriend's daughter. He gave me permission and it was on his time. Can his ex press charges.

My boyfriend and his daughter went to the creek a few days ago with my family and I took a few pictures of everyone. I had my boyfriends permission to take the pictures and put them on my Photography page. Which my Photography page is a hobby. I did not advertise his daughter in any way and there... View More

Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Oct 11, 2017

You said you took photos of everyone at a creek. Based on what you have said, I can't think of any criminal charges anyone can press. However, this is a public website which can be read by everyone, so don't post any more details regarding this situation. If this is causing you this... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: what are chances of domesticating an order from Virginia, if one parent still resides in Virginia?

Non Virginia parent has Custody, other Visitation. Non Virginia parent was Court

Ordered to move from Virginia.

Michael Christopher Miller
Michael Christopher Miller
answered on Oct 6, 2017

100%. Just register with the other court.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Virginia on
Q: What paperwork do I need to get done to send my 2 year old to Tennessee with his great aunt for a year?
Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Oct 5, 2017

It depends on the facts of the case, such as whether both parents agree to the placement. It may be as simple as executing a special power of attorney, or the relative may need to file a custody petition in an appropriate court. You may want to consult with a family law attorney in your area.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: Am I able to cross examine the petitioner their Witness and the mother of the child? During a motion for visitation?

I have a protective order against the mother and the petitioner. My court date is this Wednesday and I need to know if I am ready for this hearing. It's my motion for visitation that I believe that I've been alienized by the mother and the grandmother. For my child.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Oct 3, 2017

Parties have a right to cross-examine witnesses if they are called to testify. You may want to seek an attorney's assistance as a lawyer will know the appropriate ways to conduct cross-examination and help defend your case.

0 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: Will I go to jail if I take my children to my homestate

My husband wants to leave me if and when he does Ill be homeless Unless I go back to my home state which is 1000+ miles away. We have 2 children that are in the middle of this. Hes threating me if I take them to my homestate that he'll have me thrown in jail for kidnapping. Im not leaving my... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: Should we file a show cause?

Husband has joint legal and physical custody. We have her 3 weekends a month and spilt holidays and 3 weeks on 1 week off in summer.. We live 3 and half hours from mom by the way.

His daughter has been having anexity and had panic attack first day of school. Mom and dad decided she needs... View More

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Sep 27, 2017

I suggest listening to your attorney who is familiar with the case. Unlike attorneys online, that person has read the court order and is in the best position to advise you. If you want a second opinion, consult with another attorney in person or by phone/email so the attorney can review the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Divorce for Virginia on
Q: what is a non constestent divorce an what do it tells when there is kids invovled
Maciej B. Zebrak
Maciej B. Zebrak
answered on Oct 20, 2017

An uncontested divorce is a divorce where the spouses have no disagreements over any issues related to the marriage. This means that the spouses have divided all of their marital property/assets, debts, and spousal support. If child custody, visitation, and child support are in dispute, those... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Divorce for Virginia on
Q: Do I need to have a court ordered custody agreement in order to file for divorce in VA?

Plaintiff = mother (me)

Defendant = biological father

I am suing for an uncontested divorce, and would like to keep the custody of our children open rather than have a court ordered agreement. Is that possible?

Michael Christopher Miller
Michael Christopher Miller
answered on Sep 15, 2017

No. You can file for divorce based upon a one-year period of marital separation, and ask only that the court grant the divorce and terminate the marriage with nothing more.

Note however that you may be forfeiting rights of property division, spousal support, etc. The JDR court will be able...
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