Fairfax Child Custody & Visitation Lawyer

Resolving Child Custody Problems in Northern Virginia

While issues of child support are frequently resolved under state guidelines, child custody and visitation issues can present major problems for parents who are separating from each other — especially when one parent or the other has a history of substance abuse, mental illness or domestic violence.

Even in less troubled situations, the complex emotional dynamic of parent-child relationships and conflicts between parents can make the resolution of custody and visitation issues more difficult.

At MacDowell & Associates, our attorneys work closely with clients to help them understand their legal rights and responsibilities, define realistic objectives, and develop productive strategies for achieving child custody or visitation goals. In our experience, people make the best decisions for themselves and their children when their judgment is not clouded by anxiety, resentment or confusion.

Call 703-763-0923 for Legal Advice in Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County and the City of Alexandria

Virginia law makes clear that the preferred outcome in custody matters is to protect and support each child's relationship with both parents to the greatest extent consistent with the best interests of the children. While child support orders protect a child's interest in material security, child custody and visitation orders are meant to advance the family's interest in stable and substantial parent-child relationships.

The courts typically expect the divorcing parents to work together to define the arrangement that will work best for their children, and the best results are usually achieved through a negotiated visitation schedule and child custody agreement. In an uncontested divorce, these generally form a part of the property settlement agreement.

As experienced family lawyers, we understand that a parent can have legitimate concerns about the safety of a child with the other parent under certain circumstances. In a high-conflict child custody dispute based on genuine concerns about the child's best interests, we can present your case for supervised visitation or even sole legal or physical custody with the support of solid evidence. We can also assist parents to develop and demonstrate the skills they will need to maintain positive relations with their children in this new family environment.

Contact MacDowell & Associates in Fairfax to learn how our experience and practical approach can help you resolve child custody and visitation issues.