Northern Virginia Family Law Firm Knowledgeable About Child Custody and Mental Health Issues
Arlington, Virginia Child Custody Attorney Possesses Two Decades of Experience
A child who suffers from a mental illness may have unique child custody needs that some parents – whether they also suffer from mental illness or not – are unable to meet. If a child requires counseling sessions or specialized mental health treatment but a parent is unable to provide transportation to treatment or is unable to ensure that the child will follow treatment plans, this ma negatively affect that parent’s child custody case.
Best Interest Determination
Virginia courts consider the best interests of the child when determining custody, and this includes ensuring that the child will receive care and treatment for any illness, whether it is physical or mental. Court decisions regarding child custody are typically made by determining which parent will:
- Assure the child’s safety.
- Remove them from conflict.
- Provide emotional stability and adequate parenting.
- Ensure that the child has the ability to have a meaningful relationship with both parents.
- Offer adequate economic support.
A best interests custody determination is an educated prediction of how parents and children will evolve, not just an interpretation of past events, but if one parent is better able to meet the needs of a child with mental health issues, the court will definitely take that into consideration when custody is determined.
Contact an Experienced Virginia Family Law Attorney Today
Are you looking for legal advice regarding a parental relocation consent agreement? Claudia Zucker has been representing Virginia clients in family court for more than two decades. You may contact her online or call (703) 596-1005 to schedule your initial consultation today.
