Fathers Rights Attorney in Virginia Beach
Nearly Two Decades of Family Law Experience, Fighting for Fathers in Hampton Roads
Virginia courts apply a gender-neutral custody standard, but that doesn’t mean fathers always feel like they’re starting on equal footing. Clay Chick has been practicing family law in Virginia Beach since 2009, and he understands what fathers actually face in custody, paternity, visitation, and child support matters. His approach is strategic and grounded in nearly two decades of litigation experience, built to help fathers build the strongest case possible under Virginia law.
We offer a free initial consultation, available in person or virtually. Call us today at (757) 697-5331 to speak directly with Clay about your situation.
Fathers’ Rights Cases We Handle
A father’s legal needs can arise at multiple stages: before any rights are formally established, during initial custody proceedings, when an existing order needs enforcement, or when circumstances change and modification becomes necessary. We handle the full range of these matters throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads.
- Child custody and visitation: Pursuing a parenting plan that reflects your actual involvement and your child’s needs
- Paternity establishment: Securing the legal foundation that gives you the right to seek custody or visitation
- Custody modification: Returning to court when circumstances have materially changed since your original order
- Child support: Addressing support obligations and enforcement from a father’s perspective
- Parental rights defense: Responding to false allegations or other custody challenges that can threaten your relationship with your child
If the child’s mother wasn’t married to you at the time of birth, Virginia law requires legal paternity to be established before you can assert any custody or visitation rights. Once paternity is in place, the law treats both parents equally. Clay identifies the steps that matter at each stage and keeps the process from becoming more complicated than it needs to be.
What Virginia Law Says About Fathers’ Rights
Virginia custody law carries no presumption favoring mothers. Courts apply the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code Ann. § 20-124.3, evaluating factors that include each parent’s role in the child’s daily life, the quality of the parent-child relationship, each parent’s willingness to support the other parent’s bond with the child, and any history of family abuse. A father who has been consistently present and involved can be in a strong position under that framework.
Initial custody and visitation matters are heard in Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Knowing how that court operates, what judges look for in parenting plan submissions, and how to present a father’s involvement effectively is where preparation makes the difference.
Why Fathers Choose B. Clay Chick PLC
Clay isn’t part of a rotating associate structure. Clients work directly with him from the first consultation through resolution. That continuity matters in custody cases, where small details and consistent strategy can affect outcomes.
His litigation background means he prepares cases as if they’re going to court, even when a negotiated resolution is the goal. That preparation can strengthen your position at every stage. Clay is also known for cutting through unnecessary conflict, focusing on what the facts and law actually support rather than prolonging disputes.
Client reviews reflect that approach. One client wrote: “He is direct and straight to the point. Provided me the tools and resources I needed to handle my case.” Another, Audrey, noted: “Clay got our child custody issue immediately settled and had a great strategy to work with the opposing counsel to come to a fair agreement/order.” Clay received a 2026 Silver Client Champion award from Martindale-Hubbell, a recognition based on client feedback.
Talk to a Fathers’ Rights Lawyer in Virginia Beach
If you’re navigating a custody dispute, need to establish paternity, or want to modify an existing order, the right time to get legal guidance is before decisions get made for you. Clay offers a free initial consultation by phone or through the online contact form, with no obligation to proceed.
B. Clay Chick PLC serves fathers throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. Call (757) 697-5331 to schedule your consultation with Clay directly.
