Child Custody & Visitation
Child Custody Lawyer in King George, VA
Child custody decisions in King George are made by the King George County Circuit Court at 9483 Kings Highway, King George, VA 22485, applying the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Virginia courts weigh ten statutory factors, from each parent's role in the child's life to the child's relationship with siblings and extended family. Shawna L. Stevens has more than 20 years of local courtroom experience and represents parents in initial custody determinations, contested litigation, and modification proceedings in King George.
Serving King George County, Virginia (22485), Fredericksburg, and surrounding counties.
Shawna L. Stevens
Family Law Attorney • King George County, Virginia
Virginia Law: Child Custody & Visitation in King George
The King George County Circuit Court applies Virginia statutes in every child custody matter:
- Va. Code § 20-124.3 (best interests factors)
- Va. Code § 20-124.2 (custody and visitation)
- Va. Code § 20-108.2 (child support guidelines)
Shawna L. Stevens brings more than 20 years of experience in the King George courts.
How Shawna Handles Child Custody & Visitation Cases in King George
Physical & Legal Custody
Virginia distinguishes between physical custody, meaning where the child lives, and legal custody, meaning who makes decisions about education, healthcare, and religion. Courts can award sole or joint arrangements for each. Shawna can help you understand what arrangement best serves your child and how to present that case clearly to the court.
Visitation Schedules
A well-structured parenting plan reduces future conflict and protects your relationship with your children. Shawna drafts parenting plans that address regular schedules, holidays, school breaks, and communication protocols, in plans courts respect and that work in practice.
Custody Modifications
A custody order can be modified when there has been a material change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common triggers include a parent's relocation, a significant change in the child's needs, or a change in work schedules. When a move crosses state lines, which court can decide or change custody is governed by the UCCJEA; see Virginia's UCCJEA and interstate child custody jurisdiction. Shawna handles modification petitions in the King George County Circuit Court.
Contested Custody Litigation
When parents cannot agree, custody is decided by the circuit court after a hearing. Shawna builds the case thoroughly, gathering evidence of each parent's involvement, addressing any negative factors, and presenting the factual record the court needs to make its decision under the statutory best interests factors.
The King George County Circuit Court
Your case will be heard at King George County Circuit Court, located at 9483 Kings Highway, King George, VA 22485.
King George is home to Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, where military family law matters, including military divorce and USFSPA pension division, arise regularly. Shawna L. Stevens has appeared before this court for more than 20 years.
Questions About Child Custody & Visitation in King George
How does the King George County Circuit Court decide custody?
The court applies the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Judges weigh ten statutory factors including each parent's role in the child's upbringing, the quality of the parent-child relationship, each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent, and the child's age and developmental needs.
Can my child decide which parent to live with?
Virginia does not set a specific age at which a child can choose. Courts may consider the reasonable preference of a child of sufficient age and maturity as one of the factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A child's preference is not determinative; the judge weighs it alongside all other best interests factors.
What is the difference between sole and joint custody?
Joint legal custody means both parents share decision-making authority for major decisions. Joint physical custody means the child spends substantial time with both parents. Sole custody means one parent holds primary authority. Virginia courts can award any combination; joint legal custody with primary physical custody to one parent is common.
What if the other parent lives in or moves to another state?
Which state has authority to decide or modify custody is governed by the UCCJEA home-state rule, not simply where the child currently is. A Virginia court can change another state's order only in limited situations. See Virginia's UCCJEA and interstate child custody jurisdiction for how that works, which matters often for Dahlgren and other military families.
How do I modify an existing custody order in King George?
To modify a custody order, you must show a material change in circumstances since the original order and that the proposed modification serves the child's best interests. You file a petition in the King George County Circuit Court, which will schedule a hearing. Shawna handles the full modification process, from the initial petition through the hearing.
Talk to a King George Child Custody Lawyer
If you are facing a child custody matter in King George County, Virginia, contact our Fredericksburg office to schedule a confidential consultation.
Phone: (540) 310-4088
Email: [email protected]
Address: 307 Lafayette Blvd, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401