(Very) Short Virginia Marriages We all make mistakes. Some mistakes are bigger than others, of course, but we all make them. If you were recently married, but have realized that it was a big mistake and you’re ready to work on finalizing a divorce… well, I don’t know the specifics yet, but I’d venture to say that it’s not even that big of a mistake. Sure, it’s a bit of a complication, and you’re probably feeling a little bit embarrassed, but a couple months of marriage and then a quick … [Read more...]
Form Internet Separation Agreement
Form Internet Separation Agreement Reason number 2390123 I am more than a little terrified of random form documents that people find on the internet… Okay, well, honestly, in this case, two reasons: (1) people put in things that are in the form agreement “because it was on the form and just thought it needed to be in there” and (2) they put in provisions that aren’t enforceable or don’t make sense and then end up disappointed or annoyed and also in a position where they have to spend a lot of … [Read more...]
Are we separated already?
Are we separated already? There’s a lot of confusing surrounding separation in Virginia, and, honestly, it’s really no wonder. In Virginia, there’s no such thing as going down to the courthouse and formally filing some document that indicates officially, once and for all, that you and your soon to be ex husband are legally separated. That would be nice, though, wouldn’t it? But it just doesn’t work that way, as much as you (or I, really!) might wish that it did. And, anyway, it’s not really … [Read more...]
Can you recommend any good mediators in Virginia?
Can you recommend any good mediators in Virginia? I get asked for recommendations all the time. For lawyers practicing in other areas of law, for therapists for divorcing women and their children, for cool lunch spots in the Hilltop area near our main Virginia Beach location (hey, I’m good at that one!), and even, sometimes, for mediators. Ugh, mediation. It is seriously one of those parts of divorce that gives me such anxiety, I can’t even tell you. Mediation can be so great. It’s possible! … [Read more...]
Already Signed Separation Agreement
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...]
Common mistakes in homemade separation agreements
Common mistakes in homemade separation agreements Lots of people choose – for many different reasons – to try to draft and negotiate their own separation agreements. In some ways, I understand, especially in cases where the parties share very few assets, if any, in common, and didn’t have children together. Sometimes, though, it happens in even more complicated cases. In fact, recently, a woman brought to me an agreement that she had prepared herself. After twenty years of marriage, a … [Read more...]
Can I just file for divorce for $100?
Can I just file for divorce for $100? The other day, I received a question on our Facebook page. It was, essentially, though this is not a direct quote: “How much would it cost to file for divorce if it’s just the paperwork?” Her question is actually a little more complicated (and a little less straightforward) than it might seem. Because she didn’t really specify where she is in the process – I don’t, for example, know whether there’s a written separation agreement already, or if it’s just the … [Read more...]
When can I date after a Virginia separation?
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...]
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...]
I believe in my marriage, and I don’t want a divorce.
I believe in my marriage, and I don’t want a divorce In many cases, couples both agree that the marriage isn’t working and that they want out. I’ve had several, though, where one party or the other doesn’t agree, and consistently insists that he or she wants to stay married. The reality is that you really can’t FORCE someone to stay married; whether you like it or not, one party deciding that they want a divorce is enough to move the case forward. You can slow down the process; you can make … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 8
- Next Page »
