Already Signed Separation Agreement I met with a woman the other day who, from the moment she sat down, told me that she had just signed whatever her husband put in front of her because she wanted to keep things amicable. They have four children in common, and parenting was – understandably – her primary concern. He told her that they’d share custody. But the agreement said that dad would get primary physical custody, and mom would only get visitation every other weekend. She was under … [Read more...]
Do I need a divorce seminar?
Do I need a divorce seminar? These days, people get information in all sorts of different ways. I was scrolling through Facebook just this morning while I was blow drying my hair, and came across a really interesting article in Forbes about the new ioS 13 update and how we’ll soon be able to protect our private data (like location services) from apps that try to access it in new ways. I wasn’t even looking for it, but it really gave me insight into something new. I like that. Or, at least, … [Read more...]
How do I choose a family law attorney?
How do I choose a family law attorney? It’s a million dollar question (or, at least, a $2,500-10,000 question). If you’re headed towards a divorce or custody case, how do you know whom to hire to represent you? You probably already know that you’re way better served having an attorney than not (or else you wouldn’t be here, reading this article), but how do you pick just one? Besides that, of course, lawyers don’t have the best reputations as a demographic. So, probably, it feels like an … [Read more...]
Quote for Divorce Costs
Quote for Divorce Costs We get a lot of questions about costs in a divorce case. It’s probably unsurprising, because we’re inundated with the bad stuff about divorce – how much it costs, how long it takes, the damage it causes the children, etc. But, the thing is, divorce isn’t always a bad thing, or, at least, it doesn’t have to be. I mean, sure, it would have probably been better if you’d married Prince Charming and lived happily ever after, but there’s also not that much room for growth … [Read more...]
Effect of Military Service on Child Custody and Visitation In Virginia
If you or your child’s other parent is in the military, you may be wondering if military service will have an affect upon your child custody or visitation case. Child custody or visitation cases can be more complicated when a military service member subject to deployment, or transfer to locations overseas or to another state, is involved. Therefore, a parent’s military service may affect the outcome of your Virginia child custody or visitation case in some circumstances. However, this is only … [Read more...]
I want sole legal and physical custody of our child
I want sole legal and physical custody of our child In a divorce and/or custody case, you can get whatever you and your soon-to-be ex/child’s father can agree to or whatever the judge is willing to award. In many cases, we’re really limited by what the judge will do. When the other side knows that, for example, the military retirement will be divided so that each spouse receives his or her marital share (50% of what was earned during the marriage) – there’s not much room to negotiate anything … [Read more...]
How can we divide a family owned business?
How do we divide a family business in divorce? Coming from a family that owns a local business and now working for another small family-owned business, it’s pretty safe to say that businesses are something that I think about a lot. You might even be surprised at how often it comes up, but there are lots and lots of different types of businesses that families run. The type matters, too! I’ve worked on the obvious cases – doctors and lawyers and financial types who owned their own firms. I’ve … [Read more...]
Unmarried, Stay at Home Virginia Mom: Will I have to get a job?
Unmarried, Stay at Home Virginia Mom: Will I have to get a job? We talked the other day about being an unmarried stay at home mom, what happens after you and your child’s father break up, and what options you have to support yourself. Without spousal support as an option, you’re pretty much limited to child support – which is a difficult position in which to find yourself. If you’ve stayed at home, you likely don’t have much (if any) of a source of separate income, and, if you’re not … [Read more...]
Five Actions To Take If You Have Been Falsely Accused Of Domestic Assault
Sadly, false accusations of domestic violence are not uncommon in Virginia. These accusations usually are made in connection with an acrimonious divorce, a child custody battle, or simply an emotional breakup. Both men and women can be falsely accused of domestic assault or similar charges, often by spouses or partners who wish to have an advantage in court or who have acted out of spite or resentment. These false accusations can leave you reeling. However, it is vital that you take action … [Read more...]
Unmarried Stay at Home Virginia Mom
Unmarried Stay at Home Virginia Mom I’ll just say it: I am not cut out to be a stay at home mom. I love my kids, but they drive me crazy, too! Sometimes, I find that I am literally counting down the hours until Monday just so that I can get a little break. If you’re a stay at home mom, my hat is off to you. You do some of the world’s hardest work, day in and day out. It’s mind numbing, sometimes. Sure, it’s also the most rewarding thing in the entire universe, and those little people we’re … [Read more...]
