subject: A Virginia Custody Battle Need Not Intimidate A Woman [print this page] If you're a woman living in Virginia, you may be intimidated by the process of getting custody of your children. All too often women let their fears take a tight grip, and they imagine the worst. Your husband or ex may make three times the money you make, so naturally you believe a judge will side with him. But there is more to the custody question than income. A Virginia custody lawyer who advocates for the rights of women can explain the custody process and the custody factors, and help you to move toward achieving your goals.
Hopefully, your child custody hearing will be amicable with both parties agreeing on the matter. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Both you and the child's father may want physical custody, or want to be the parent with primary custody of the child. You want the child to live with you, and have visitation with their father. It is in this instance that many women become frightened because they feel that the father has more "physical" pull - money, property, etc. You may feel that because you earn far less money or have a smaller apartment, things will not go your way.
A reputable Virginia custody lawyer can help you understand all of the aspects of the legal system, so that you understand how it works. This enables you to take the necessary steps to prepare for your custody hearing. If you have practiced any activities that you would not want your friends or neighbors to know about, you want to stop those things. Excessive drinking, staying out all night or further neglecting your child is something you want to correct immediately. Present yourself as the parent you truly are - one whose top priority and concern are her children.
It is understandable that you feel anxious, worried and perhaps even angry that your ex has more material belongings, and hence looks more desirable as a primary custodial parent. Truthfully, the outcome has to do more with who has spent more quality time with the child during the upbringing, and the role that the parent has played thus far in the child's life. Other factors come into play, according to the age of the child. In most instances, the mother has done most of the nurturing of her children, and played a greater role in bringing the children up to be bright, caring individuals. This does not hold true in every case, but in the majority.
The fact is that things are often much more positive than you perceive them to be. A Virginia custody lawyer who has vast experience in these types of cases and is known for helping women work toward a bright future can help make certain that you have a sound case. He/she will explain how job stability, negative things from the past, and even how you dress and present yourself make a remarkable difference. Do not be intimated by material things; Virginia custody is primarily based on your ability to raise your child in a positive and caring environment, as well as your efforts in the past. Empower yourself, and envision a successful resolution. That's the first step.
