Quote Quoting cmandc
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My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Virginia

I am a divorced father since 2011 with my children's mother having primary physical custody. In 2013, the children's mother moved from Fairfax County to Stafford County which has resulted in 1.5 hour commute times for pickup and drop-offs.

Since 2011, I have re-married to a successful surgeon and moved to a neighborhood with a great school district. I make a strong income and work for a big global consulting firm.

Until recently, I had my attorney file a motion for primary physical custody and the court hearing will be in Stafford County.

How do I convince a Stafford judge that where I live has many advantages versus living in their county? Without bashing Stafford, but promote my household/neighborhood.

My attorney suggested hiring independent education evaluator to provide evidence/findings that my school district is better? Is it worth it?

Any other suggestions regarding experts to leverage?
A change in primary custody of children is a major disruption to their lives. As a result of that, normally a judge will not consider that without the parent asking for the change demonstrating that there has been a major change in the children's lives that justifies a consideration of a change in primary custody.

You have not indicated that there has been any major change in the lives of your children recently, therefore a judge should really not even consider a custody change based on you proving that your county has advantages that their mother's county does not have. That should be irrelevant.

It may be that your attorney is recommending the educational evaluation in hopes of finding some reason that justifies a change of circumstance. You should really ask your attorney to give you a candid evaluation of your odds in prevailing.