Parental Rights
Understanding and Protecting Parental Rights
One place for questions mothers, fathers, and grandparents bring us: paternity, custody and visitation after paternity, termination and restoration of rights, and third-party visitation.
Rights questions rarely arrive alone — paternity, custody, and family relationships intersect.
Clarity about where you stand, then a plan.
Four questions we help parents and families answer.
Paternity establishment
Confirming legal parentage — the foundation for every other right.
Custody and visitation after paternity
What parenting time and decision-making look like once parentage is established.
Termination and restoration of rights
The serious, closely reviewed processes that end or restore parental rights.
Grandparent and third-party visitation
When people other than parents may seek time with a child.
Whether you’re a mother, father, or grandparent, the starting point is the same: what the law actually recognizes.
We consolidate these related questions in one practice area so families get consistent answers instead of fragmented ones.
Common Questions
Questions we’re often asked.
Legal parentage is the basis for custody, visitation, and support. Until it’s established, other rights and obligations may not be enforceable. We help you take that first step correctly.
In some circumstances, people other than parents may petition for visitation, but the standards are demanding. Clay can give you an honest read on how they apply to your family.
Termination permanently ends the legal parent–child relationship and receives close judicial scrutiny. Whether you’re facing a termination question or seeking restoration, this is an area where early counsel matters.
Related guidance may matter as the situation changes.
Virginia matters only.