How Is Child Custody Decided In Virginia?

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How Is Child Custody Decided In Virginia?

Virginia attorney James H. Wilson, Jr., explains how child custody and visitation cases are decided in Virginia, both originally and for modifications.

Free Legal Aid provides useful information about child custody. In addition to the video here, be sure you check out other resources.

Child Support and Visitation in Virginia

In Virginia, the courts follow Virginia Code Title 20, Section 20 as a basic layout of the rules for determining the amount of support that is to be paid.  Virginia uses the Income Shares method to determine child support, which means that the level of support is determined by the income of both parents.

Child Custody in Virginia

According to Virginia law, the best interests and welfare of the child are determined by the court's consideration and evaluation of the following factors:

The age and physical and mental condition of the child and parents
The relationship existing between the child and each of the parents
The needs of the child