Child Custody

Advocate for your child’s best interest with a firm knowledge of your legal standing

We will defend your parental rights and ensure the best for your children.

No parent wants to expose their children to the stress and pain of a custody dispute. The Garriott Maurer, PLLC attorneys understand that you want the best for your children and can look after their well-being when legalities have ended. Therefore, our lawyers will help you secure a parenting plan that is in everyone’s best interests.

We can help you with the following types of child custody

The Virginia Code mentions terms such as “shared,” “split,” and “divided” custody but they lack proper definition in the Code. Therefore, there are only two primary types of custody: sole or joint.

Joint custody

In joint legal custody, both parents have responsibility for the child’s physical, emotional, and moral development and all the decision-making it entails. Although both parents may share legal custody, there is also the consideration of whether one or both parents will have physical custody. For example, if one parent has primary physical custody in joint legal custody, the child stays with one parent but both parents decide on essential matters. If the court awards shared physical custody, the child divides time between both parents.

Sole custody

Although less common in Virginia, situations that will call for one parent taking on all responsibilities and decision-making for the child include:

Parents not communicating or agreeing with each other
A parent attempting parental alienation
There is child abuse involved
A parent unreasonably blocking access or visitation rights to a child

Our team of child custody lawyers will help:

Reduce stress

We will take care of all the legal complexities so you can focus on adjusting to a new life.

Speed up resolution

We will minimize issues related to paperwork that will only delay court proceedings and resolution.

Eliminate costly mistakes

Avoid hefty fines when you make mistakes in fulfilling legal requirements by yourself.

Meet our attorneys

We offer expert consultation and representation from knowledgeable, experienced attorneys who will tenaciously fight for your rights, no matter the circumstances of your case.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Real Life Saver

On the recommendation of one of his colleagues, I reached out to Rich for help in my divorce and child custody battle. My wife had been planning the divorce for several months, and was way ahead, catching me flat-footed in a state we had just moved to. Child custody disputes are a difficult situation for anyone involved. Being a loving father, the system is often stacked against us for the fair and equitable time sharing of children. Rich immediately stabilized the situation and prevented my ex-wife from moving my child out of state against my will. Rich quickly responded to every question I had, no matter how mundane, and his vast family law experience put him several steps ahead throughout the process. I can't thank him enough for his contributions during my divorce and eventual custody settlement. I would highly recommend Rich to any father in a similar situation. He was a true difference maker.

Extremely Supportive

I hired Mr. Garriott to represent me in a very difficult contentious divorce and child custody case over three years ago. He and his staff were extremely supportive and have a three for three record - three court trials and three extremely successful outcomes. Children's expenses, changing visitation schedules, custody issues, difficult opposing attorneys and the multiple appeals - he and his staff have and will continue to receive my highest recommendation. Passionate and knowledgeable about the law and doing what is right - I would recommend him without hesitation for the most complicated cases. Words can not express the gratitude for all that he has done for my family and our new normal. If you need a divorce lawyer in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake or Suffolk - you need to hire this attorney!

Highly Recommended Divorce Attorney

Naveed was the primary point of contact for my divorce and child custody battle. Child custody disputes are a difficult situation for anyone involved. Being a loving father, the system is often stacked against us for fair and equitable time sharing of children. Naveed was relentless in his pursuit of fairness. He quickly responded to every question I had, no matter how mundane. Naveed always seemed several steps ahead in the process. I can't thank him enough for his contributions during my divorce and eventual custody settlement. I would highly recommend Naveed to any father in a similar situation.