8.5 Factors for the Court to Consider

• Library: Virginia Family Law: A Systematic Approach (Virginia CLE) (2018 Ed.)

8.5 FACTORS FOR THE COURT TO CONSIDER

When the parents or other parties involved in a custody or visitation dispute are unable to resolve the dispute by an agreement, the court may be asked to decide the matter. Whenever a Virginia court determines custody or visitation arrangements, it must consider several factors. This requirement applies to all levels of trial courts in Virginia and to pendente lite proceedings as well as final proceedings. Pursuant to section 20-124.3 of the Virginia Code, the court must consider the following: ⁴¹

1.	The age and physical and mental condition of the child, giving due consideration to the child's changing developmental needs;
2.	The age and physical and mental condition of each parent;
3.	The relationship existing between each parent and each child, giving due

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