Custody and visitation of minor children is often an element of a divorce case, but it may also arise as a separate action of its own. When deciding the issue of custody, there are two aspects of custody that a court must address: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody is the right to have physical care and control of the children, while legal custody is the right to make major decisions concerning the children’s health, welfare, education, and religious upbringing.

In Virginia, the legal standard for deciding the issue of custody is to analyze a set of statutory factors to determine what is in the best interests of the children. Custody and visitation arrangements vary widely depending on the circumstances, and a particular custody arrangement that suits the best interests of the children of one family may not suit the best interests of the children of another family. The experienced custody lawyers at Terry Frank Law can help to secure a custody and visitation arrangement that will work for your family and are in the best interests of your child(ren).