Typically, parents have the option of establishing their own custody arrangements. If they can't reach an agreement by cooperating with one another, then they may need to ask a family law judge for assistance. In litigated custody scenarios, judges attempt to make...
Child Custody
Where do the kids stay during the divorce?
Divorcing couples may worry about the well-being of their children during the legal proceedings of their separation. It’s natural to wonder where the children should stay, especially if the couple is no longer living together as they wait for their divorce to be...
Don’t do these things during a West Virginia custody battle
It is an unfortunate truth that many relatively amicable divorces can take a turn amid child custody proceedings. What may have started as a cooperative process can quickly escalate into a child custody battle. An often unexpected effect of bad behavior during a...
3 times one parent can potentially secure sole custody in West Virginia
Many parents navigating a divorce or breakup fantasize about sole custody. They dream of moving on with their lives with their children and not the other parent. While that can be a pleasant concept, it is far from the reality experienced by most adults who end...
3 instances when supervised visitation may be necessary
Supervised visitation is a legal arrangement where a non-custodial parent can only spend time with their child under the supervision of a neutral third party. This arrangement is typically put in place to help ensure the safety and well-being of the child involved....
What does parallel parenting mean, and when does it apply?
Although many divorced West Virginia couples rely on co-parenting to continue raising their children, that isn’t always an option. Depending on the circumstances of the split, child custody is sometimes best using parallel parenting. This is what to know about it....
Parenting plan in West Virginia: Factors the court considers
When parents in West Virginia get divorced, one of the most important decisions they'll have to make is how to share custody of their children. Here's a look at the factors judges consider when determining this. Parenting plan overview A parenting plan is a legal...
How does West Virginia evaluate a parenting plan?
In West Virginia, you and the other parent of your child can submit a Joint Parenting Plan for approval. Judges usually approve the plan without any issues. You can submit this form before filing your child custody case. Mediation If you don't submit a Joint Parenting...