Child Custody & Visitation
Child Custody Lawyer Orange County VA | Shawna L. Stevens PLLC
Child custody decisions in Orange County are made by the Orange County Circuit Court at 110 N. Madison Road, Suite 300, Orange, VA 22960 — applying the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Shawna L. Stevens PLLC represents parents in initial custody determinations, contested litigation, and modification proceedings in Orange County.
Serving Orange County (22960), Fredericksburg, and surrounding counties.
Shawna L. Stevens
Family Law Attorney • Orange County, VA
Virginia Law: Child Custody & Visitation in Orange County
The Orange County Circuit Court applies Virginia statutes in every child custody lawyer 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 PLLC brings over 20 years of experience applying Virginia family law in the region.
How We Handle Child Custody & Visitation Cases in Orange County
Physical & Legal Custody
Virginia distinguishes between physical custody — where the child lives — and legal custody — who makes decisions about education, healthcare, and religion. Courts can award sole or joint arrangements. We help you understand what arrangement best serves your child and how to present that case in the Orange County Circuit Court.
Visitation Schedules
A well-structured parenting plan reduces future conflict and protects your relationship with your children. We draft plans that address regular schedules, holidays, school breaks, and communication protocols.
Custody Modifications
A custody order can be modified when there has been a material change in circumstances. Common triggers include a parent's relocation, a significant change in the child's needs, or a change in work schedules. We handle modification petitions in the Orange County Circuit Court.
Contested Custody Litigation
When parents cannot agree, custody is decided by the circuit court after a hearing. We build your case thoroughly — gathering evidence of each parent's involvement and presenting the factual record the court needs to rule in your favor.
The Orange County Circuit Court
Your case will be heard at Orange County Circuit Court, located at 110 N. Madison Road, Suite 300, Orange, VA 22960, part of the 16th Judicial Circuit of Virginia.
Orange County is a growing community in the Piedmont region southwest of Fredericksburg. Clients in Orange County receive the same level of personal representation and local court familiarity Shawna has provided to families across the region for over 20 years.
Questions About Child Custody & Visitation in Orange County
How does the Orange County Circuit Court decide custody?
The court applies the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, weighing more than a dozen statutory factors including each parent's role in the child's upbringing, the quality of the parent-child relationship, and each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent.
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 many factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A child's preference is not determinative.
What is the difference between sole and joint custody?
Joint legal custody means both parents share decision-making authority. 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.
How do I modify a custody order in Orange County?
You must show a material change in circumstances and that the modification serves the child's best interests. You file a petition in the Orange County Circuit Court, which will schedule a hearing.
Talk to an Orange County Child Custody Lawyer
If you are facing a child custody lawyer matter in Orange County, Virginia, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.
Phone: (540) 310-4088
Email: [email protected]
Address: 307 Lafayette Blvd, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Related: Divorce • Child Support • Modifications • Protective Orders • Separation Agreements
Serving the entire Fredericksburg region — Child Custody Attorney in Fredericksburg, VA