PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY CHILD CUSTODY ATTORNEY

Disputes over child custody and visitation can be stressful and emotional affairs, and at times it can seem like no solution will satisfy both parents. The state gives no preference to either mother or father when deciding on custody actions. The Virginia family courts’ first priority during custody actions is the best interest of the child, but sometimes a parent will try to sway the court’s decisions by painting the other as unfit to care for the child. Having legal representation from an experienced Prince William County custody attorney can help ensure that your rights as a parent are being respected and the best interest of your child is protected.

Since 1992, child custody lawyer Claudia Zucker has been putting her legal knowledge to work for residents of Prince William County, VA. Her years of experience and her track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for her clients has made her one of Northern Virginia’s most respected custody lawyers. When you retain the services of the Law Offices of Claudia Zucker, you can rest assured that you and your children are being represented by a dedicated advocate who will stand in your corner.

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

The Commonwealth of Virginia has adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which establishes certain limits on the Virginia family courts in their ability to rule on custody actions. Generally speaking, Virginia courts have jurisdiction when the child has lived in the state for at least six months, or when the child and at least one parent have significant connections to the State of Virginia. In cases where Virginia family courts do not have jurisdiction, it is usually held in the last state the child lived in for a continuance six month period.

There are a number of exceptions to the UCCJEA, and if you have questions about whether the Virginia family courts have jurisdiction in your custody case, it’s important that you speak to a knowledgeable child custody attorney.

Modifying Existing Custody Orders

Sometimes, modifications to custody rulings or time-sharing agreements must be made. These might include a parent moving out of the state, or when there is evidence that it is not in the best interest of the child for the custodial parent to retain custody. Modifying an existing custody action can be complicated, and sometimes parents will request modifications as a means of getting revenge on his or her ex. If you need to request a modification for an existing custody order, or if your child’s other parent has requested a modification that you don’t think is fair, child custody lawyer Claudia Zucker can help ensure that your child’s best interest is being protected.

Custody for Non-Parents

In some situations, step-parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or other parties may need to obtain custody of a child. In order for the court to grant custody to someone other than the child’s parents, they must have sufficient evidence that doing so would be best for the child. This might mean that the child’s custodial parent is incapacitated or otherwise unable to provide proper care, or when there is evidence of child abuse or other criminal activity in the child’s home. In some cases, an emergency custody order may be granted while awaiting a more permanent solution. While it can be a struggle for non-parents to obtain custody, a skilled family law attorney can make the process less daunting.

Contact Us Today

Serving clients throughout Prince William County, including Woodbridge, Manassas, Bristow, Dale City, and Gainesville, child custody attorney Claudia Zucker is ready to put her experience to work for you and your family. Call the Law Offices of Claudia Zucker at (555)555-5555, and schedule your initial consultation. Consultations can be done by telephone, Skype, or in person.