When can I date after a Virginia separation? For some women, dating after a separation or divorce is the furthest thing from their minds. For others, though, after years and years of a less than stellar marriage, it IS on their minds. And, hey, who can blame them? I can completely understand, really, however you feel about the issue. But when CAN you start dating again? Well, it’s a good thing you’re asking. Its important that you understand the law in Virginia and how it operates, so that … [Read more...]
Can I get him to pay my Virginia divorce attorney’s fees?
Can I get him to pay for my Virginia divorce attorney’s fees? Literally no one ever wants to pay attorney’s fees. It’s a reoccurring theme, and one I’m more or less used to at this point. We get questions every single day about pro bono work, free consults, and whether we work with legal service insurance provided through employers. When women find out that we really don’t do any of those things (or, at least, not in the way they want us to do it), they jump to the next best thing – how to … [Read more...]
Can my husband kick me out of the house? We have children!
Can he force me out of the house? We have young children! Divorce is scary. It’s not really that the process is so terrible; in most cases, I think it’s really like more doing your income taxes in a year that you’re afraid you’ll owe (instead of getting that refund). The process is tedious and annoying, and you have to go back in time to find specific documents. But, ultimately, it’s usually not that bad once you get over the fear of the unknown. Divorce is more scary because of the unknown … [Read more...]
Can my husband liquidate our bank accounts?
Can my husband liquidate our bank accounts? In divorce cases, nastiness abounds. Some cases surprise me by the levels to which the participants will sink in the name of revenge, but most follow a fairly predictable pattern. Though it’s certainly scary and unsettling to be caught in the middle of it, in most cases, rest assured – it all works itself out. One of the first things that occurs to most people is that they may be talking about divorce and separation, but they still have joint bank … [Read more...]
He already met with a JAG attorney! What do I do?
He already met with a JAG attorney! What do I do? If you’re in the military (or your husband is), chances are you have a lot of faith in the military JAG attorneys. In general, military families use JAG attorneys for all sorts of legal issues, so it makes sense that one of the first place you’d think of going when you make the decision to end your marriage is straight to the JAG attorney’s office. After all, you want someone who understands the whole military thing, right? And military divorce … [Read more...]
Pinterest and Virginia Divorce
Pinterest Issues and Virginia Divorce It seems like, at some point or another, I’ve run across an issue related to almost every social media platform. It’s a little frustrating, sometimes, because, at some point, a person made the decision to post, share, pin, or tweet something that they didn’t HAVE to post, share, pin, or tweet, and now it’s an issue. I mean, it’s not like social media is ever a life or death situation where you HAD to share something. It’s a choice, and it’s a choice that … [Read more...]
How long does a Virginia divorce take?
How long does a Virginia divorce take? If you’re searching for an answer to the question “How long does a divorce take?” or “How long does it take to get a divorce in Virginia?”, chances are pretty good that you want it to be over with as soon as possible. Am I right? I get this question all the time. It’s certainly a reasonable question, but it’s also kind of a difficult question to answer. Divorces can vary pretty dramatically from one case to the next, depending on the type and complexity of … [Read more...]
Virginia Divorce and Custody Issues: Can I move in with my boyfriend?
Can I move in with my boyfriend? Whenever I’m asked a “Can I?” question, I get a little bit nervous. There’s always a couple of different answers. First and foremost, the answer is yes – you’re a big girl, you can make your own decisions. But it’s almost always a little more complicated than that. You’re not asking, of course, whether you’re physically capable of moving in with your boyfriend, or whatever it is you’re planning on doing. You’re asking me – will it hurt my divorce or custody … [Read more...]
What is a Guardian ad litem?
What is a Guardian ad litem? Nothing strikes fear in the mind and soul of a mom more than the threat of a custody case – especially when dad is unreasonable, unwilling to compromise, or somehow an inappropriate caregiver. It happens a lot. Even dads who were never formerly involved – or who did some terrible things – can petition the court for custody and visitation. Dads can even petition the court for visitation of a child who is a breastfeeding infant. Really, any dad, at any time, in any … [Read more...]
My kids aren’t dealing well with the divorce
My kids aren’t dealing well with the divorce I’m no child psychologist, but I can tell you that I’ve dealt with my fair share of moms who worry themselves to death about the impact of their divorce on their children. To some extent, of course, they will notice and probably be affected by it – but that doesn’t mean that a divorce has to be traumatizing for children. Studies have shown that children – particularly young children – are pretty resilient and adaptable. It’s also better for … [Read more...]
