Crouch & Crouch

Criteria for Deciding a Virginia Custody Case

Created On: 01/21/2009

Child custody is decided based on "the best interests of the child" in Virginia. The real sub-criteria of this decision seem to be essentially these:

1.

Virginia Separation and Separation Agreements

Created On: 01/21/2009

What is Separation?

"Separation" in Virginia, also known as "living apart," occurs when a couple stops living together as husband and wife. When this happens, the couple is separated, even if they have not yet signed a Separation Agreement. Also, unlike many other states, Virginia does not have "Legal Separations" which courts can grant.

Several Things to Remember About Separation

Created On: 01/21/2009

1. If you leave over the objection of the other spouse (i.e. without some way to prove, months later, that you left with the spouse's consent), then you might never be able to get alimony. If alimony is not something you want, then you have nothing to worry about as far as "desertion" is concerned (but see #2 and #5).

2. Or almost nothing.

Virginia Mediation

Created On: 01/21/2009

In mediation, a neutral third party, i.e. mediator or two co-mediators, assists the disputing parties in finding their own mutually acceptable solution to the dispute. The parties agree to negotiated terms, if they can, making all of the decisions themselves. Mediation, like negotiation, seeks solutions whereby both sides "win" in the agreement.