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Virginia Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Litigation for Virginia on
Q: Is a text message considered in the presence of someone?

If the decree says the parent can't say disparaging remarks in the presence of a child about the other parent, is a text message to the child considered in the presence of?

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Sep 6, 2017

I do not practice family law. Sorry.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: Custody Modification

If my husband's prior divorce and child custody with his ex wife was done in Virginia Beach but neither live there, where are they required to do the custody modification if there needs to be modification? Mother and child live in NC and we live in MD. We have heard 1) it is required that they... View More

Michael Christopher Miller
Michael Christopher Miller
answered on Aug 21, 2017

A state that issues a custody order has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify that order so long as a parent or child subject to the order continues to reside in the state.

When everyone has moved from the issuing state, the state where the child has lived the past six months can...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support for Virginia on
Q: I need advice bc my husband is talking to a lawyer secretly today. He withdrew all our money from our bank account,

Tells me he is going to take my cell phone and car, and he has installed cameras in our house bc he says now that I "neglect" our child. He gives me an allowance of $100. We had 300,000 in our savings. He is abusive (verbally, mentally, physically) and I have him on video admitting it, so... View More

Wayne E. Holcomb
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Wayne E. Holcomb
answered on Jul 14, 2017

In short, you need to contact a family law lawyer immediately. There are many, many ways to discourage and/or to stop this type of abusive and disrespectful behavior, but we need to get started quickly because often the courts are backed up. With you having access to almost no money, a few weeks... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: My daughter lives in another state and the mother will not allow me to see her. what can I do?

The child was born in Tennessee when we were married. We are divorced and she remarried and moved to Virginia and I moved to Georgia.

Regina Irene Edwards
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Regina Irene Edwards pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 3, 2017

You need to contact an attorney in Virginia to help you.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: I now resides in virginia with my 14yr old Her father is in New York I would like full costidy where do I file

I receive child support and makes all decision for our child.father is not on the picture at all

Michael Christopher Miller
Michael Christopher Miller
answered on Jul 3, 2017

If there is no existing custody order, you file in the child's "home state." The home state is where the child has lived for the past 6 months.

If there is an existing custody order, return to that court. If a person subject to that existing order still resides in the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: Hello! I have joint custody of my son with his father which lives in MD, Read below... What should I do next???

My 11yr old son was beaten by his father that claims it was a spanking! My son called me and told me of everything that took place, I also have pictures of my son injuries. Charles Cty State Attorney charge him with four abuse and assult charges, I have letters and video of my son crying and having... View More

Michael Jeremiah Seck
Michael Jeremiah Seck
answered on Jun 15, 2017

The corporal punishment issues will arise in Virginia and Maryland. However, you can always file for a modification of custody in Virginia provided certain elements are met. You should contact an experienced family law attorney to help you though these complex matters. Please feel free to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Virginia on
Q: My god son's mother and I want joint custody of our son but his dad won't give us his address so he can be notified

His father had never been in his life , he refuses to take a DNA test. We can't move on without his information. What should we do

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Jun 15, 2017

He can be served by a private process server, or he could be served by publication in a newspaper if the situation is appropriate for that. Talk to a local family law attorney for specific suggestions based on the full facts of your case.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: When the other parent is granted temp custody, do they still have to pay support until the final hearing?
Michael Jeremiah Seck
Michael Jeremiah Seck
answered on Jun 13, 2017

The Court can make a temporary award of child support in addition to the temporary custody ruling. Absent there being a court order requiring the payment of temporary child support there is no obligation to pay support. You would only have to pay support if the court has ordered a support amount.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: My sister is getting ready to have a baby in a month and she wants to sign full custody over to me how easy is that

Both parents are willing to do it

Michael Jeremiah Seck
Michael Jeremiah Seck
answered on Jun 12, 2017

With both parents agreeable to you having custody of the child you have several options. Adoption, an agreed custody order or guardianship are just a couple of the options available to you. Each of these options have advantages and disadvantages.

Contact an experienced Virginia Family...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law, Child Custody and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Can a court from Different state subpoena me to provide copies of my lease agreement. I'm in VA, court is in OK?

My tenant in my rental home is going through a child custody battle. She lives in my rental property in SC. I live in Virginia and I received a Subpoena for a copy of our lease agreement from a lawyer/court in Oklahoma. I thought you could only subpoena court records within the same state/county? I... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jun 9, 2017

Just confirming: The Subpoena is issued by the Oklahoma court and not from a Virginia court based on an Oklahoma request? Look closely at the caption: Are any of the captions from a Virginia court? If not, Oklahoma has no jurisdiction in Virginia, so compliance with the Oklahoma subpoena cannot be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: Is there a law for Virginia that dictates which parent has to do the driving to meet for visitation with joint custody?

I am the father and have joint custody with liberal visitation.

We have been doing the same schedule for over 4 years.

Her reason for wanting me to drive all the distance is for personal convenience, nothing to do with the well being of the child.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Jun 2, 2017

There is no default rule for who provides transportation. Absent a requirement in a custody/visitation order, this is something that would have to be decided between the parties.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: Is there a law for Virginia that dictates which parent has to do the driving to meet for visitation with joint custody?

We get overnight Tuesday, Wednesday til 7:30pm and every other weekend.

We have been doing the same set schedule for 4 years of meeting halfway.

The mother is only wanting to make the change for convenience (has nothing to do with the well being of the child)

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on May 31, 2017

I think your question is one for a divorce attorney to answer. It is not a generally a civil litigation question.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: my ex-has everyother weekend and for the summer he gets 2 16 day vacation does that mean he still gets everyother weeken
Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Jun 2, 2017

Can't say without seeing the court order. Often it will contain language that says "summer visitation supersedes regular visitation" or "in addition to regular visitation, dad shall have 2 weeks in the summer." You may want to talk to a local family law attorney if it is unclear.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Virginia on
Q: I am a non-parent whom was granted temporary custody of an infant do I have a fighting chance to gain permanent custody

The birth mom was gonna abort and she used drugs and didn't get any prenatal care for baby and then she was putting child up for adoption because she was too far along and then decided on family adoption. Do I have any chances of being able to keep the child permanently and now the grandmother... View More

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 18, 2017

This is not a question that can be answered with a simple reply on the internet. There is a lot going on with this case, and you need to speak to a local family law attorney to plan your case accordingly. There are many instances where a relative or non-relative can obtain custody of a child, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: If i just established paternity and the father wants joint custody but isn't on the birth c will he get it?

he isn't on her birth certificate and he has not been in her life at all and said he wasn't going to be if things doesn't go his way

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 8, 2017

Sure, he can obtain joint legal custody. He can also obtain joint physical custody if the parents live together. If paternity is established and there is no custody order, he has joint legal custody as a matter of fact. Talk to a local family law attorney for more information pertaining to the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Virginia on
Q: Can my sons girlfriend stop him from seeing their daughter? She won't tell him who has her when she is at work?

And lets her new boyfriend take care of the baby when she is working.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 4, 2017

It depends on what the current custody/visitation order says. If there is not an order, it sounds like one of the parties should consider filing a petition to have the court set the parameters for how and when visitation should occur, as well as who else can be involved in childcare. Help your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: My daughter is using drugs and the babies father is no where to be found how do I get custody of my grandchild?

My daughter has been in jail several times and is using drugs again the baby's father is no where to be found how do I go about getting custody?

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 2, 2017

You can file a petition for custody in an appropriate jurisdiction, and you may be able to request an expedited hearing due to the dangers involved for the child. Consider speaking to a family law attorney soon about the specifics of your situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: Can I see record of me being placed into custody as a child with my grandparents due to child abuse when i lived in Va?
Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 2, 2017

It may take some leg work, but you could start by finding out what local court placed custody with your grandparents. Then you would have to request your own records from that court, and you may have to do so in person because of the confidentiality requirements of those type of proceedings.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: If a guardian ad litem is involved during a custody case and the parents come to agreement is the case still active?

We have come to an agreement and the judge already signed off on the order stating so.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 2, 2017

If the judge signed a final custody/visitation order, then the GAL's appointment has likely ended (unless the judge extended the GAL's appointment in the final order). If necessary, the GAL may have some post-trial motion to make, but that is rare if the parents have come to an agreement... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: Do step parents have the right to keep a child during visitation while the biological parent is at work?

In this case the father is working 80-90% of the visitation hours and as the mother, I'd like the right to keep my child since I am available to do so.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on May 2, 2017

The father has the right to make arrangements for childcare during his parenting time UNLESS the custody/visitation order provides for a "right of first refusal" to allow the non-visiting parent to take the child back in the event the visiting parent is unavailable. Consider talking to a... View More

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