Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Child Custody legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Virginia Child Custody Questions & Answers
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...
View More

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...
View More

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.

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 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

View More Answers

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.

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: 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...
View More

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...
View More

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
PREMIUM
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
PREMIUM
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.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.