Child Custody Modification Process

Summary

The user, a mother in Virginia, is seeking advice on modifying a joint custody arrangement due to her childrens discomfort living with their father. The chat covers the legal process for custody modification in Virginia, including the importance of providing evidence of a significant change in circumstances and the potential consideration of the childs preference. The user is also advised on the types of evidence that can be used in court, such as school records and documented communication. The possibility of the child expressing their preference in court is confirmed. The user is directed to legal aid services for affordable legal assistance and to local services for counseling to facilitate communication with her children.

Full Conversation

Damon Walker
Nice to meet you, Damon. Could you please describe the legal issue you're facing?
Child support and child custody
Are you seeking to establish, modify, or enforce a child support or custody order?
Establish, modify
What state are you in? The rules for establishing or modifying child support and custody orders vary by state.
Virginia
Are you and the other parent in agreement about the changes you want to make?

In Virginia:
- Child support is determined by the combined income of the parents.
- Child custody is based on the best interest of the child.
No
What are the specific changes you want to make in the child support and custody order?
I want custody. She's not letting me see my kids
What is the current custody arrangement and why do you believe it should be changed? In Virginia, courts consider the best interest of the child when determining custody.
Just me paying $* a month. I believe I'm more capable of supporting them.
What evidence do you have to support your claim that you are more capable of supporting your children?
Have a good job, a nice and clean, safe place for them to live.
Do you have any documented evidence of the other parent's inability to provide a safe and stable environment for the children?
The school called and said our child haven't been to school and over a week.
What steps have you taken so far to address this issue with the school or the other parent?
I haven't been able to contact her.
Have you reported this issue to any legal authority or child protective services?
Yes, I have contact a Fairfax County court and file for custody or visitation.
What was the response from the Fairfax County court when you filed for custody or visitation?

In Virginia, the court considers the best interest of the child when determining custody.
Now, we have a court date.
What is the date of your court hearing? It's important to prepare all your evidence and arguments beforehand.
*/*/*
What is the name of the judge presiding over your case?

In Virginia, the Fairfax County Court's contact details are:
- Address: * Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA *
- Phone: (*) *-*
I dont know the judge name
You can find out the judge's name by contacting the Fairfax County Court at (*) *-* or visiting the court's website.
Is there any way I can talk to someone on the phone?
I'm sorry, as a chat-based service, we don't offer phone support. However, you can call the Fairfax County Court at (*) *-* for more information.