Separation is often tough for Virginia families, and the situation can quickly become more complicated when children are involved and the parents want to move elsewhere. While out-of-state moves frequently create child custody and visitation disputes a parent who wants to move back to his or her home country will likely encounter even greater difficulties. In these situations, it is best to focus on compromise and negotiation instead of taking unwise actions that can have serious legal consequences.
Halle Berry faces a heated international child custody battle
When the glamour of the big screen fades, the lives of movie stars bear striking resembles to many Virginians, especially those who are involved in family disputes. Halle Berry's on-going child custody dispute demonstrates just how true this is. Her custody battle also shows that a parent's celebrity status will not override the best interests of the child when a court resolves a custody dispute.
Foster and biological parents united to help child custody cases
Virginia and several other states are beginning to approach the foster care system differently. Child welfare administrators are working to make child custody disputes more positive, ultimately hoping to increase the chances that a child can return to his or her biological parents.
Virginia law school and church are defendants in kidnapping case
An August blog presented a sensational story about a heated international kidnapping. The kidnapping occurred in the wake of a child custody dispute between a lesbian couple. The birthing mother, after denouncing homosexuality, decided to run away with the couple's daughter. The non-birthing partner claims that her former partner, as well as several other individuals, are to blame for the kidnapping and escalation of the custody dispute.
Woman adopted in 1955 finds her biological mother in Virginia
When a Virginia couple finds out that they are about to have a child, the news can come with a flood of mixed emotions. Sometimes the couple is ecstatic and welcomes the news, other couples may have doubts whether parenthood is right for them and may consider adoption. In other instances, a couple may have relationship issues and news of a pregnancy may stir up a child custody dispute, particularly when the couple is unmarried and a father's parental rights become an issue.
Child custody case appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court
An adoptive couple appealed a state court ruling in a custody case to the U.S. Supreme Court after the presiding judge relied on the Indian Child Welfare Act to place a child back in the care of her biological father. The high court's consideration of and ruling on the child custody issue will have important implications on courts throughout the country, including those in Virginia.
Child custody dispute ends with kidnapping charges
After being confronted by the Coast Guard, a father who allegedly forcibly sailed away with his children surrendered to authorities. This kidnapping story, which stems from a child custody dispute, serves as a learning lesson for Virginia parents involved in custody disputes. There are many emotions swirling around during custody disputes. Although some parents may be apprehensive about relying on the Virginia court system to resolve such disputes, a court can issue temporary custody orders to help avoid conflicts and instances of alleged kidnapping.
Court awards Usher primary custody of his two sons
The legal fight between Usher and his ex-wife ended this month when a court decided to award primary physical custody of the couple's two sons to Usher. The case reveals the many intricacies Virginians may encounter during a child custody battle.
International kidnapping at issue in heated child custody dispute
In a child custody dispute between a now separated lesbian couple, a Virginia minister stepped in to help one of the women kidnap her daughter before the other was granted custody rights. The minister is now on trial for his role in the kidnapping. Although the minister's case is sensational, it has the underpinnings of an otherwise common child custody dispute. It is driven by emotions and parents' love for a child. A story like this reminds Virginians that no matter how complex a child custody dispute becomes, the best interests of the child must dictate the resolution of the matter.
Service members hoping Family Protection Act passes
The divorce rate in the United States is approximately 50 percent, but those serving in the military may experience a higher divorce rate because of time apart and the stress that comes from serving our country. With the increase in divorces, comes an increase in child custody issues. For those service members going through a divorce, they understand that they are going into this battle with their choice of career against them. But this may change because it was announced last week that the House Armed Services Committee is trying to garner support from the Pentagon that would strengthen service members' rights in child custody disputes.
