Can a custody order be modified after it's established?

Yes, custody orders in Virginia can be modified when there has been a material change in circumstances since the original order was entered and a modification would be in the child's best interests. Material changes might include relocation, changes in employment or work schedule, health issues, remarriage, or evidence that the current arrangement is negatively affecting the child. Laura works with parents seeking modifications by helping identify relevant changes, gathering supporting evidence, and advocating for arrangements that better meet their children's current needs.

How does the court decide visitation schedules?

Virginia courts determine visitation (also called parenting time) based on what schedule will best foster the child's relationship with both parents while providing stability and routine. While there is no standard visitation schedule in Virginia, common arrangements include alternating weekends, weekday visits, shared holidays, and extended time during school breaks. The court considers factors such as the child's age, school schedule, each parent's work schedule, the distance between parents' homes, and the child's activities when establishing visitation. Laura helps parents develop customized visitation proposals that account for their family's specific circumstances and children's developmental needs.

How does Virginia handle custody for military families?

Virginia has specific provisions addressing custody issues faced by military families. The Virginia Military Parents Equal Protection Act allows for temporary delegation of visitation rights during deployment, electronic communication to maintain parent-child relationships during separation, and expedited hearings for custody matters involving service members. The law also prevents courts from using a parent's military service as the sole factor in custody decisions. As a Virginia Beach child custody lawyer familiar with our area's significant military population, Laura provides specialized guidance for service members and military families navigating custody matters, helping them develop arrangements that accommodate the unique challenges of military life while protecting parent-child bonds.

What happens if a parent violates a custody order in Virginia?

Violations of a custody order in Virginia can result in serious legal consequences, including contempt of court proceedings, potential modifications to the existing custody arrangement, and, in some cases, financial penalties. If a parent consistently fails to follow the court-ordered custody schedule or interferes with the other parent's court-assigned parenting time, the aggrieved parent can file a motion with the court seeking enforcement. Laura assists clients in documenting violations, preparing appropriate legal responses, and pursuing remedies that protect the child's best interests while maintaining the integrity of the existing custody order.

Virginia Beach Child Custody Lawyer | Child Visitation Attorney in Virginia Beach, VA

Child Visitation Attorney in Virginia Beach, VA Advocating for Fair Visitation Rights in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and Throughout Southeastern Virginia

As a dedicated Virginia Beach child custody lawyer, Laura L. McQuesten understands that custody proceedings are critically important to your family's future. In Virginia, where custody is determined by the "best interests of the child" standard, her comprehensive knowledge ensures your parental rights are protected while prioritizing your children's wellbeing.

Founded in 2023, The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, helps families navigate complex custody matters with sensitivity and strategic advocacy. Laura's deep understanding of local court preferences and Virginia custody standards enables parents to pursue arrangements that preserve parent-child bonds and provide lasting stability.

Comprehensive Family Law Services in Virginia Beach

At The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, our child visitation attorney in Virginia Beach, VA, offers a full spectrum of family law services to Virginia Beach residents. Laura's extensive knowledge of Virginia family law and her dedication to personalized representation ensure that clients receive legal guidance through even the most complex legal situations.

We offer the following family law services in Virginia Beach:

Whatever family law challenges you face, Laura L. McQuesten provides the skilled representation and compassionate support you need to navigate the legal process successfully. Contact our office today to discuss your specific situation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Understanding Child Custody in Virginia Beach

Child custody in Virginia consists of two distinct components: legal custody and physical custody.

Legal custody refers to decision-making authority regarding a child's education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and other significant matters.

Physical custody determines where the child primarily resides and the schedule for parenting time.

Virginia courts can award either type of custody solely to one parent or jointly to both parents, depending on what arrangement best serves the child's interests.

Virginia's "Best Interests of the Child" Standard

Virginia law requires courts to base custody decisions on the best interests of the child rather than the preferences of either parent. When determining custody arrangements, courts consider numerous factors outlined in Virginia Code § 20-124.3, including:

The age and physical/mental condition of the child and each parent
The relationship existing between each parent and child
The child's needs, including relationships with siblings, peers, and extended family
Each parent's role in the child's upbringing and their ability to support the child's relationship with the other parent
Each parent's willingness to actively support the child's contact and relationship with the other parent
Each parent's ability to cooperate and resolve disputes regarding matters affecting the child
The reasonable preference of the child, if the court determines the child is of sufficient age, intelligence, and maturity
Any history of family abuse or sexual abuse
Other factors the court deems necessary and proper to consider

Our Virginia Beach child custody lawyer helps parents understand how these factors apply to their specific circumstances and develop strategies to demonstrate how their proposed custody arrangement serves their children's best interests.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Virginia

Virginia courts can order various custody arrangements based on a family's unique circumstances:

Sole legal custody: One parent has exclusive decision-making authority regarding the child's upbringing, education, healthcare, and other significant matters.
Joint legal custody: Both parents share decision-making responsibilities and must consult with each other on major decisions affecting the child.
Primary physical custody: The child primarily resides with one parent, while the other parent typically has visitation rights.
Shared physical custody: The child spends significant time living with both parents, though not necessarily equal time.
Split custody: In families with multiple children, different children primarily reside with different parents.

Virginia courts generally favor arrangements that provide children with meaningful relationships with both parents, provided such arrangements are consistent with the children's best interests and safety. Child visitation attorney in Virginia Beach, VA, Laura L. McQuesten works closely with parents to develop customized custody proposals that reflect their family's specific needs and promote their children's wellbeing.

A Distinguished Approach to Child Custody Representation

The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, distinguishes itself through an exceptional combination of legal excellence and child-centered advocacy. Recognized as an Elite Lawyer with perfect 5.0 ratings on Lawyers.com and AVVO, Laura has earned prestigious accolades, including Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers, the Pro Bono Hero award from the Virginia State Bar, and recognition in Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch and Rising Stars by Super Lawyers—credentials that underscore her remarkable legal capabilities and commitment to families.

As a Virginia Beach child custody lawyer, Laura provides deeply personalized guidance that goes beyond standard legal representation. Her approach involves carefully listening to each family's unique circumstances, applying Virginia custody law, and developing tailored strategies that prioritize children's well-being while protecting parental rights. Whether addressing divorce-related custody, modifying existing arrangements, or navigating complex issues like relocation, Laura offers individualized solutions that reflect the nuanced realities of each family's situation.

Comprehensive Support for Your Child Custody Case in Virginia

Child custody matters in Virginia encompass numerous legal considerations that require careful attention. Laura's extensive knowledge of Virginia family law allows her to provide comprehensive support across all aspects of custody, including:

Initial custody determinations during separation and divorce
Negotiation of detailed parenting plans and custody agreements
Strong courtroom advocacy when litigation becomes necessary
Modification of existing custody orders when circumstances change
Enforcement actions when custody orders are violated
Relocation cases when a parent needs to move with the child
Interstate custody matters involving the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
Special considerations for military families facing deployment or transfer
Emergency custody proceedings when children's safety or welfare is at risk
Representation in custody matters involving substance abuse, mental health concerns, or domestic violence
Addressing complex visitation issues, including supervised visitation or graduated reunification

Laura's dual background as both an attorney and mediator offers valuable flexibility in approaching custody matters. As a Virginia Beach child custody lawyer, she provides forceful advocacy when necessary to protect your parental rights and your children's interests, while her mediation skills also facilitate constructive co-parenting solutions when cooperation is possible. This versatility allows her to adapt her approach based on the unique dynamics of your family situation, always keeping your children's well-being at the forefront.

Client-Centered Representation for Child Custody Matters

At The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, we recognize that custody matters involve both legal considerations and profound emotional dimensions. Our approach to custody cases reflects this understanding, combining strategic legal advocacy with sensitivity to the human aspects of these difficult situations. When you work with our firm, you benefit from:

Clear explanations of Virginia's custody laws and how they apply to your situation
Honest assessments of the strengths and challenges in your case
Proactive development of evidence demonstrating your parenting capabilities
Creation of detailed, workable parenting plans that address your family's specific needs
Regular communication and accessibility throughout the legal process
Practical advice for navigating co-parenting challenges
Focus on minimizing conflict and protecting children from adult disputes

We understand that custody matters represent some of life's most significant challenges. If you're facing a custody dispute or need to establish, modify, or enforce a custody arrangement, schedule a consultation with our child custody attorney in Virginia Beach, VA, to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. With knowledgeable guidance and dedicated advocacy, you can work toward custody arrangements that protect your relationship with your children while supporting their healthy development.

A Child Custody Lawyer With Deep Roots in the Virginia Beach Community

Through extensive relationships within the Hampton Roads legal system, Virginia Beach family law attorney Laura L. McQuesten has cultivated a network of connections with judges, court personnel, and family law attorneys that provides an unparalleled advantage in child custody cases. Her intimate knowledge of local court procedures and judicial preferences ensures strategic advocacy that reflects the nuanced local legal landscape.

Laura's commitment to this community transcends her legal practice, most notably through her leadership role on the board of Virginia Beach Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). This involvement reflects her broader dedication to supporting vulnerable children, a passion that directly influences her approach to custody matters. Through her comprehensive understanding of the community's unique characteristics—including its significant military population and diverse family structures—she is well-equipped to develop custody solutions that genuinely address the specific needs of Virginia Beach families.

Contact a Child Visitation Attorney in Virginia Beach, VA, From The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC

Protecting your relationship with your children requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of Virginia's custody laws and procedures. The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, provides the knowledgeable guidance you need to navigate custody proceedings successfully and advocate for arrangements that serve your children's best interests while preserving your parental rights. Contact our Virginia Beach child custody lawyer today at 757-720-7516 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward securing your family's future.

Virginia Beach Child Custody Lawyer