Is Your Child Facing A Juvenile Charge?

As a parent, you never want your child to become entangled with the law. Unfortunately, sometimes as a result of a custody dispute, allegations of domestic violence, suspicion of neglect or delinquency charges, situations can arise where your child is facing a variety of legal consequences. Our attorney at Hyatt Browning Shirkey Law Firm, PLC, can provide knowledgable guidance and representation when you are facing these types of situations.

In Virginia, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (JDR) governs all legal matters affecting those aged 18 and under. With a court in every Virginia city and county, JDR courts resolve a unique blend of all areas involving the youth across the state.

Experienced Representation For Resolving Delinquency Charges

When an offense is charged as delinquent, it means that if the offender was an adult, it would be charged as a criminal offense. As a result, such offenses can carry profound consequences, including time in a juvenile correctional facility, steep fines, the start of a criminal record, the loss of driving privileges and more. We assist with numerous offenses, including:

• Driving offenses, including driving without a license
• Drug or alcohol-related offenses, including DUI, possession of drugs and underage drinking
• Traffic violations, including reckless driving and traffic tickets
• Other crimes, including domestic violence, assault, theft and more

A conviction for any charge can significantly affect your teenager as they grow closer to their adult years. We are sensitive to the challenges associated with these cases. The start of your child’s criminal record could affect their future college and employment opportunities. We prioritize efficiently arriving at a resolution that is in their best interests and minimizes potentially harsh consequences.

Protecting Your Parental Rights

Virginia’s Department of Social Services works closely with the JDR. Welfare and social service agencies have wide discretion and power to govern how you raise your children. In situations of domestic violence, or if abuse or neglect is suspected, Child Protective Services investigations can result in your legal relationship with your child being severed. You may have to sign a contract called a safety plan. They can request a judge issue a protective order against you or put your child into foster care. To avoid termination of your parental rights, our lawyer can help you understand your rights and options if a social service agency has contacted you.

At Hyatt Browning Shirkey Law Firm, PLC, we understand the emotions involved in these cases. We have more than a decade of experience in assisting individuals and families across Virginia. We understand how sensitive these issues can be and how important it is to retain your relationship with your child. When legal matters concern your children, do not wait to speak with an attorney. Schedule a free phone consultation at our Roanoke office. Contact us by calling 540-613-8431 or by sending us an email.

Navigating Child Custody And Support Issues

Whether you are facing a divorce, separation or an ongoing co-parenting dispute, child custody and support issues can be contentious. Legal matters that affect the well-being of your children have high stakes and require strategic counsel to resolve.

JDR courts hear most child custody and support disputes. Child custody disputes and child support issues are highly dependent on the specifics of your situation. In some cases, the court considers the wishes of your child. Predetermined state guidelines generate child support payments. Financial support for basic needs is paid until the child turns 19 or graduates from high school.

Protecting Your Interests In Child Custody Disputes

Custody is split into two main categories: physical and legal. Physical custody refers to where the child will reside and spend their time. Legal custody refers to the responsibilities of parents to make significant decisions for their child, including on education, religion and more.

Custody can be either joint or sole, depending on the unique circumstances of the dispute. Virginia takes the opinion of the child into consideration if they are old enough. The court will also determine a visitation schedule if both parents cannot mutually agree.

Calculating Child Support In Virginia

JDR courts also hear child support disputes. Child support payments provide ongoing financial assistance for certain needs and expenses, including:

• Basic needs like food, clothing and shelter
• Health insurance costs and some medical expenses
• Education expenses
• Extracurricular activities

In Virginia, guidelines considering the income of both parents, the needs of the child, the number of children and more determine the amount and duration of child support payments.

Contact Us For Help

When legal matters affect those closest to you, contact our firm. With a focus on compassionate, comprehensive counsel, we will strive to arrive at an optimal outcome no matter the legal issue you are facing with regard to your children. Our attorney will listen to both the facts of the case and your concerns. He will provide you with your options to enable you to make informed decisions. Schedule a free phone consultation at our office in Roanoke by calling 540-613-8431 or by emailing us with our online form.