Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia
out-of-state visitation
I recently transferred from Maryland to Dallas, Tx. and I have a 11 year-old-son who resides in Alexandria, Va. Currently there are no legal arrangements for visitation, and the mother and I do not communicate very well.I pay court ordered child support to the mother and would like to be more involved in the decision-making process in every aspect of my son's life. Right now do I have any decision-making power,i.e. school,healthcare,etc? If not, is joint custody an option or is legal visitation the preferred option?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: out-of-state visitation
Since the child lives in Virginia and I assume the court of continuing jurisdiction is in Virginia, you need to contact a Virginia attorney.
Good luck!
Re: out-of-state visitation
Courts are more apt to order joint custody as part of an agreement between the divorcing parties. Joint custody can sometimes work when the parties communicate well (you said you didn't) and when the parties are in close proximity (you are more than 100 miles away). I personally doubt that joint custody is in the cards for you.