Divorce and Child Custody

Divorce and Child Custody

If you’re going through a divorce and you have children, you should reach out to a divorce divorce lawyer in Fairfax VA as soon as possible. The terms of your divorce will decide whether you spend enough time with your kids, and whether you’ll have a hand in making sure they grow up right. Don’t leave it to chance: Reach out to May Law, LLP to find out how we can help, and read on to learn more about how child custody works.

What Does Child Custody Entail?

Emotions run high during a divorce, but it’s important to keep the best interest of your children in mind. Child custody determines which parent a child will spend the most time with, and it’s typically awarded to whatever parent can provide the best upbringing. While one parent is awarded custody, the other parent is usually given visitation rights and made to pay child support.

What Does it Mean if I’m Awarded Custody?

If you’re the custodial parent, you bear most of the responsibility for the upbringing of your child or children. This means the kids will stay with you for the majority of the time, and while they live with you, you’ll have to provide food, shelter, and everything else a parent takes care of. You’ll be responsible for getting them to school and extracurricular activities, and you’ll also be responsible for ensuring they receive proper medical care if they need it.

What if I have Visitation Rights?

If your spouse is awarded custody of your children, you’ll receive visitation rights instead. Visitation rights mean you’ll be able to see your kids on a set schedule, depending on the terms of your divorce. If you have visitation rights, you’re generally not responsible for the upbringing of your children, but you’ll probably have to pay child support until your youngest child turns 18 or completes their senior year of high school – whichever comes last.

What is Joint Custody?

In some rare instances, parents who are divorced can agree to raise their children together. While a child will spend some days with one parent and other days with the other parent, both parents are equally responsible for raising their kids and ensuring they get the proper care and support they need as they grow up. Joint custody is only granted if both parents agree that they can set aside their differences for the good of their children, and both parents need to live within a close enough proximity as well. It’s always a good idea to get in touch with a divorce lawyer in Fairfax, VA to see if joint custody is possible.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer?

Whether you’re looking for more information about how you can make joint custody work, or you’re desperate to keep your children safe with you instead of an abusive spouse, you can contact May Law, LLP for the help you need. At May Law, LLP, we understand that your divorce is already stressful, and despite the heightened emotions and difficult choices you might be facing, you still need to do what’s best for your children.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to an attorney who cares. Contact May Law, LLP today and see how a divorce lawyer in Fairfax, VA can help.