Child Custody & Visitation
Child Custody Lawyer Stafford VA | Shawna L. Stevens PLLC
Child custody decisions in Stafford are made by the Stafford County Circuit Court at 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554 — applying the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Virginia courts weigh more than a dozen 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 PLLC represents parents in initial custody determinations, contested litigation, and modification proceedings in Stafford with over 20 years of local courtroom experience.
Serving Stafford County, Virginia (22554, 22556), Fredericksburg, and surrounding counties.
Shawna L. Stevens
Family Law Attorney • Stafford County, Virginia
Virginia Law: Child Custody & Visitation in Stafford
The Stafford 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 PLLC brings over 20 years of experience in Stafford courts.
How We Handle Child Custody & Visitation Cases in Stafford
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 for each. We help you understand what arrangement best serves your child and how to present that case effectively.
Visitation Schedules
A well-structured parenting plan reduces future conflict and protects your relationship with your children. We draft parenting plans that address regular schedules, holidays, school breaks, and communication protocols — 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. We handle modification petitions in the Stafford 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, addressing any negative factors, and presenting the factual record the court needs to rule in your favor.
The Stafford County Circuit Court
Your case will be heard at Stafford County Circuit Court, located at 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554.
Stafford is one of the fastest-growing jurisdictions in Virginia, with a significant active-duty and veteran military population near Quantico Marine Corps Base. Shawna L. Stevens PLLC has appeared before this court for over 20 years.
Questions About Child Custody & Visitation in Stafford
How does the Stafford County Circuit Court decide custody?
The court applies the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Judges weigh more than a dozen 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 many 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 with primary physical to one parent is common.
How do I modify an existing custody order in Stafford?
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 Stafford County Circuit Court, which will schedule a hearing. We handle the full modification process, from the initial petition through the hearing.
Talk to a Stafford Child Custody Lawyer
If you are facing a child custody matter in Stafford 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