Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Re: child custody

There is no particular age when a child less than 18 years of age is considered legally competent to make such a decision. Courts will usually give some weight to teen children's preferences in such matters, but must consider many other other factors in determining what may be in such children's best interests.

And, yes, in order to modify the current custody arrangements, the father must file a motion with the court seeking a change in these arrangements and must not come believe that he can rely on what he may think that the child has decided in regard to the matter and, consequently, that he need not obtain a modification in the current custody order.