In Virginia, the parent who has been granted sole custody is the one with whom the child lives full time. Virginia child custody laws do not legally favor either the mother or the father when determining who receives sole custody.
Understanding Sole Custody in Virginia
Sole custody, in the context of Virginia law, means that one parent is primarily responsible for the child's care and upbringing, and the child resides with that parent on a full-time basis. This arrangement ensures that the child has a consistent primary home.
Key Aspects of Sole Custody
Here's a breakdown of the defining characteristics of sole custody in Virginia:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Child's Primary Residence | The child resides exclusively or primarily with the parent who is granted sole custody. This parent is responsible for the child's daily care and provides the main household for the child. |
| Parental Preference | Virginia law explicitly states there is no legal preference for either the mother or the father. Custody decisions are made based on various factors, always with the child's best interests as the paramount consideration. |
Virginia's Approach to Custody Decisions
The court's primary objective in any custody case in Virginia, including those involving sole custody, is to determine what arrangement serves the child's best interests. This means that factors beyond a parent's gender are weighed heavily. Judges consider a range of elements to decide which parent is best suited to provide the full-time care associated with sole custody.
For more detailed information on various types of custody and family law in Virginia, exploring resources on Virginia child custody laws can provide further insights.
