Establish Shared Parenting as Default in Virginia
The Issue
For years, I have felt the sting of Virginia’s current family court system, a system that often leans away from what I believe is truly best for children—shared parenting. As a father, I have faced an uphill battle in pursuing an equal role in the lives of my children post-divorce. This experience has not only impacted me deeply but it has also had profound effects on my children who find themselves caught in the crossfire.
Virginia law still operates on outdated assumptions that prioritize one parent over the other during custody disputes. These assumptions often do not reflect the modern family dynamic and overlook the importance of having both parents actively involved in a child’s life. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 80% of single parent homes are headed by the mother, yet extensive research supports that children benefit immensely when both parents are actively involved in their lives.
Shared parenting should not be the exception; it should be the rule. Implementing shared parenting as the default under Virginia law would ensure that both parents have equal rights and responsibilities, ultimately serving the best interests of children. It would create a more balanced and fair approach to custody decisions, reducing conflict and promoting cooperation between parents.
Changing the legal framework to support shared parenting as the default option can also alleviate some of the biases present in the current system. This equitable approach can help reduce the emotional and financial stress on families, and most importantly, provide a more stable and nurturing environment for children to thrive.
I am calling on the Virginia State Legislature to take action towards revising the current custody laws to make shared parenting the default arrangement. This change is necessary to reflect contemporary family dynamics and to promote the well-being of all children involved.
Sign this petition to advocate for a legal system in Virginia that acknowledges the value of both parents in the upbringing of their children.
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The Issue
For years, I have felt the sting of Virginia’s current family court system, a system that often leans away from what I believe is truly best for children—shared parenting. As a father, I have faced an uphill battle in pursuing an equal role in the lives of my children post-divorce. This experience has not only impacted me deeply but it has also had profound effects on my children who find themselves caught in the crossfire.
Virginia law still operates on outdated assumptions that prioritize one parent over the other during custody disputes. These assumptions often do not reflect the modern family dynamic and overlook the importance of having both parents actively involved in a child’s life. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 80% of single parent homes are headed by the mother, yet extensive research supports that children benefit immensely when both parents are actively involved in their lives.
Shared parenting should not be the exception; it should be the rule. Implementing shared parenting as the default under Virginia law would ensure that both parents have equal rights and responsibilities, ultimately serving the best interests of children. It would create a more balanced and fair approach to custody decisions, reducing conflict and promoting cooperation between parents.
Changing the legal framework to support shared parenting as the default option can also alleviate some of the biases present in the current system. This equitable approach can help reduce the emotional and financial stress on families, and most importantly, provide a more stable and nurturing environment for children to thrive.
I am calling on the Virginia State Legislature to take action towards revising the current custody laws to make shared parenting the default arrangement. This change is necessary to reflect contemporary family dynamics and to promote the well-being of all children involved.
Sign this petition to advocate for a legal system in Virginia that acknowledges the value of both parents in the upbringing of their children.
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Petition created on August 15, 2025