Protecting your relationship with your child.

How We Can Help

Whether you are going through a divorce, separating from a partner, or facing a modification of an existing custody order, our child custody lawyers provide steady, experienced representation. We understand that what is at stake is your relationship with your child, and we take that seriously.

We represent parents in both contested and uncontested custody matters, help negotiate parenting plans, and advocate in court when an agreement cannot be reached.

Physical vs. Legal Custody

Physical custody refers to where the child primarily lives. It can be sole — meaning the child lives primarily with one parent — or shared, meaning the child spends significant time with both parents.

Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about the child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Courts in West Virginia often favor joint legal custody, meaning both parents share decision-making authority, unless circumstances make that arrangement unworkable.

How Courts Decide Custody

West Virginia courts make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. Judges consider a range of factors including each parent's relationship with the child, each parent's ability to provide a stable home, the child's adjustment to their community and school, and the willingness of each parent to support the child's relationship with the other parent. The child's own preferences may also be considered depending on their age and maturity.

We help clients understand how these factors apply to their specific situation and present their case in the most compelling way possible.

Modifying an Existing Custody Order

Life circumstances change. If there has been a substantial change in circumstances since your last custody order — such as a relocation, a change in a parent's work schedule, or concerns about a child's welfare — you may be able to seek a modification. Our custody attorneys help parents navigate the modification process and advocate for arrangements that reflect the current reality of their family's life.

Where We Serve

We represent clients throughout the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia and surrounding areas.