There’s no question that ours is a society that shares information first and then thinks later. Usually, that’s not a problem and, even if it is, it’s one of our own making—one that we can choose to deal with (or not), whatever the case may be. You can certainly choose to share whatever you like, whether other people like it (literally) or not. When it comes to your children, though, and the information that you choose to share about them (particularly if you’ve got a pending divorce or … [Read more...]
The Thrift Savings Plan in Virginia Military Divorce
The TSP, or Thrift Savings Plan, is the federal government’s version of a 401(k) plan. Military service members, members of the reserves, and other federal employees are entitled to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan. Retirement accounts, as you probably already know, are super important in divorce cases. If we’re talking about equitable distribution (the fancy word we use in Virginia to describe how property can be divided), retirement accounts are often one of the first issues people … [Read more...]
Getting the GI Bill in Virginia Military Divorce
The GI Bill originated after World War II to help returning veterans go back to school as a reward for their service to our country. Over time, the GI Bill has changed and evolved and, in the wake of September 11th, the GI Bill changed again. Today, it covers the full cost of an undergraduate education at any public university or college in the country. It’s also transferrable to spouses or children, which makes it a valuable asset in many military divorce cases. Want the GI Bill for … [Read more...]
6 Things You Should Know About Social Media and Divorce
Everyone is on social media these days, and it seems that, over time, the lines between what is appropriate to share and what is inappropriate to share have become blurred. Some people are tempted to share absolutely everything, including details on every single thing they ate that date, how they feel about some guy who cut in front of them in traffic, or that they’re currently chilling on the couch in yoga pants watching Friends re-runs. If they’re feeling especially cryptic, they’ll post sad … [Read more...]
Social Media and Divorce: What Ashley Madison Has Taught Us
Social media is fast becoming a really serious problem in divorce and custody cases, and not just for husbands who were caught with profile on Ashley Madison. Social media sites are all over the place, and easily offer millions and millions of people the opportunity to screw up their relationships pretty much 24/7. If the Ashley Madison hack teaches us absolutely nothing else, it’s that very little of what we do on the internet is actually safe. I’ve read a number of different articles on the … [Read more...]
The Ashley Madison Hack: A Divorce Lawyer’s Perspective
With all of the recent hullabaloo surrounding the Ashley Madison website hack, people have been asking me a lot of questions about what it means for divorce in Virginia. It’s interesting. What would be regarded as a (first world) problem of epic proportions if the hack had released people’s credit card information (like the Target card hack awhile back) or confidential health care information or other social media account information, has been regarded by most people with a smirk and a snide, … [Read more...]
Reminder: July Girl’s Night Out in Norfolk
Just in case you haven’t already, make sure you RSVP online now to attend our July 8th Girl’s Night Out event at the Ocean View Fishing Pier (on the top deck!) from 6-8pm. I know, I know—it’s no secret that we’re a Virginia law firm representing women only in divorce and custody cases. Still, no divorce or custody case is required for you to come! In fact, we don’t talk about divorce or custody at all. We provide these events as a service to local area women, so that they have an opportunity to … [Read more...]
Can I REALLY get a Virginia divorce without hiring an attorney?
If you're wondering, "Can I REALLY get a Virginia divorce without hiring an attorney?", you are not alone. There’s no question that, when you’re facing a divorce, there’s a lot at stake. Support, retirement, custody—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. You want to give yourself everything you need to get that brand new start by protecting yourself both in the short and long term. In the short term, you have some big decisions to make that can have some serious and lasting … [Read more...]
Getting a divorce in Virginia? Holding Back on Blogging About It
An increasing amount of high-profile bloggers have been sharing their marital woes in cyberspace, and talking about personal family matters such as getting a divorce. In Virginia, your Hampton divorce attorney will caution you about oversharing online during a divorce because it could lead to unnecessary strife and turmoil down the road.Mother and blogger Heather Armstrong, whose blog traffic nears 100,000 daily visitors, candidly posted about her separation from her husband, as well as her … [Read more...]
