Working with a GAL

Working with a GAL

Guardians ad litem – attorneys appointed to represent the interests of the child(ren) involved in your family law case – are scary. They’re necessary, too, because in a lot of cases, they’re really the only ones with the ability to look at both sides and make a recommendation to the judge. But…they make a recommendation...

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Can I get a job while my divorce is pending?

Clients fall on either side of the spectrum. Either they do whatever they want, with very little thought for the consequences, or they want to run every little change by you before they make it on the off chance that it’ll somehow impact their case in some kind of way that they might not have...

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Statistically speaking, you will find love again. For many women in the midst of divorce and custody cases, there’s nothing further from their minds. For many others, though, love seems to find them – and follow them. Sometimes, even before their divorces are finalized. Some are determined to find love again, as quickly as possible....

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Non Parent Rights in Virginia Custody

Everything changes when mom and dad can’t make it work. Things that used to work out and were generally accepted sometimes don’t continue to work, especially where nonparents are concerned. Specifically: grandparents. Here’s the typical scenario: mom and dad are happy together (married or unmarried, it’s irrelevant). Mom’s mom is super active in the kid’s...

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On Wednesday, we talked about your first custody court date – otherwise known as your initial appearance – in juvenile court. You know, that first date in, where you presented the details to the judge and set a trial date. It’s a common misconception that the first custody court date is going to be the...

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My first custody court date

If your first custody court date is coming up, you’re probably a barrel full of nerves. If you’re anything like me, whenever anything stressful is approaching, you get that “can’t eat, can’t sleep” feeling. When it relates to your children, that feeling is probably amplified by, like, a million – and, especially since we’re dealing...

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Moms Versus Dads in Virginia Custody Cases

Full Disclosure: Our firm represents women exclusively in divorce and custody cases.  If you’re looking for something written by activists for Father’s rights, you’re in the wrong place. Custody cases are complicated and constantly changing, which probably explains why there is so much misunderstanding out there.  I meet with one woman who tells me she...

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Substance Abuse and Custody

Lots of people struggle with substance abuse.  Lots.  Over the years, I’ve seen many, many women who tell me that they struggled with a drug or alcohol addiction.  I think, because they’re often so used to being judged for the issues that they’ve faced, they fully expect to be told that they won’t be able...

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