Are Virginia Courts More Likely to Award Custody to Mothers Than Fathers? | DiPietro Law Group, LLC

Video Overview

There is no specific bias in the law favoring either the mother or the father. In child custody and visitation determinations, the courts make a ruling based on what the judge feels is in the best interest of the child. The court considers ten statutory factors and also looks at patterns that have already been established in the child’s life. For example, the court will assess who has been the primary caretaker, the child’s schedule, what has worked, and what hasn’t. When circumstances change, the court looks forward from the current situation to determine the best interest of the child, which could lead to a decision to reside with either the mother or the father. It depends on the specific circumstances of your case at the time you file.