Westmoreland County, Virginia
Child Custody Lawyer Westmoreland County VA
Child custody disputes in Westmoreland County are decided under Virginia's best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Shawna L. Stevens PLLC represents parents in proceedings before the Westmoreland County Circuit Court.
Shawna L. Stevens
Family Law Attorney • Westmoreland County, VA
Westmoreland County Circuit Court
Family law matters in Westmoreland County are handled by the Westmoreland County Circuit Court, located at 175 Polk Street, Montross, VA 22520. The court is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Hon. Victoria A. B. Willis, Chief Judge presides over civil and family law proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Westmoreland 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 Westmoreland County?
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 Westmoreland County Circuit Court, which will schedule a hearing. We handle the full modification process, from the initial petition through the hearing.
Also Serving These Counties
Stafford County • Spotsylvania County • King George County • Caroline County • Orange County.
Talk to a Child Custody Lawyer in Westmoreland County
Shawna L. Stevens PLLC serves clients throughout Westmoreland County and the Northern Neck region. Call (540) 310-4088 or use the contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.