>Child custody is one of the most oft-contested family law issues. Few legal matters have the ability to create emotional distress for the parties involved like those which concern our children. Custody actions have to be handled with great sensitivity, keeping the child’s best interest at heart. Oftentimes, a parent can lose perspective on how custody disputes can affect the children involved, and will even use custody as a means of getting revenge on the child’s other parent. Representation from a skilled child custody lawyer is critical whenever any custody action or modification is under consideration in order for you to protect your rights as a parent and ensure that the child’s best interest is being respected.

The Law Offices of Claudia Zucker offer comprehensive legal representation to Fairfax County residents in all matters pertaining to child custody. In her many years of practice as a custody attorney, Claudia Zucker has earned distinction as one of Northern Virginia’s most respected custody lawyers. When you retain her services, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your children have a dedicated advocate in your corner who will do what it takes to fight for a favorable outcome in your custody case.

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

The Commonwealth of Virginia has adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, or UCCJEA, to establish certain limits on Virginia family courts and their ability to rule on custody actions. While there are a number of exceptions in place, Virginia family courts generally have jurisdiction over a child custody case when the child has lived in the state for at least six months, or when the child and at least one parent has significant connections to the State of Virginia. If you have questions about the UCCJEA or whether Virginia has jurisdiction over your custody action, it is important that you speak to a knowledgeable Fairfax County child custody lawyer who can help you make informed decisions about how best to proceed.

Custody for Non-Parents

Sometimes, someone other than the child’s parents, such as a step-parent, grandparent, aunt and uncle, or other party needs to obtain custody of a child. Custody is most often granted to non-parents in situations where parental custody is not in the best interest of the child (such as child abuse or other criminal activity in the home,) or when the custodial parent is incapacitated or otherwise unable to care for the child.

It can be difficult to obtain custody of a child that is not yours, but an experienced custody lawyer can help. In some cases, an emergency custody order can be granted while you work with your attorney to develop a more permanent solution. Child custody lawyer Claudia Zucker represents clients seeking non-parent custody throughout Fairfax County, Virginia, including Reston, Annandale, Springfield, Centreville, Burke, Chantilly, and more.

Custody Modifications

It is very common for existing custody orders to need modification, such as when a parent moves out of the state, or when there is evidence that the custodial parent is unfit to care for the child. Whether you are requesting a modification or you need defense against a modification that you feel is unfair or not in your child’s best interest, Fairfax County custody lawyer Claudia Zucker can help you assert your rights as a parent.

Contact Us Today

Don’t wait to speak to a knowledgeable child custody attorney about your needs. Call the Law Offices of Claudia Zucker at (703) 596-1005 today, and schedule your initial consultation. Consultations may be conducted by telephone, Skype, or in person.