Protective orders can be obtained in two different ways in Virginia. First, protective orders can be automatically issued for the protection of a crime victim following a defendant's arrest. Second, any person can make a sworn statement before a magistrate. Both methods can result in the issuance of an Emergency Protective Order ("EPO"), which is good for up to 72 hours. If the person wants the EPO to be extended, Read More
I Found An AirTag or Tracking Device in My Belongings? What do I do?
Many people utilize tracking capabilities in their devices to prevent the loss of those devices and keep track of loved ones. Unfortunately, though, some use these tracking capabilities to harass others or even assist with criminal activity. As highlighted in Good Morning America, Apple AirTags are becoming a tracking tool used for nefarious purposes. The placing of AirTag or other tracking device may be an Read More
How do I defend myself against a domestic violence charge?
If you're facing a charge alleging domestic violence, you have the right to a defense. However, the idea of defending yourself against such a charge can be overwhelming, especially if there are ongoing family law issues as well. There's no one specific way to defend against a domestic violence charge. Each case is unique and depends upon the particular facts and circumstances of the relationship. The consequences Read More
Legal rights of unmarried couples living together in Virginia
From parental to property rights Unmarried couples living together face unique challenges, as they aren’t afforded the same protections married couples are given under Virginia law. Knowing your rights as a partner in an unmarried, cohabitating relationship is essential. The Fairfax child custody lawyers with Select Law Partners PLLC can help you understand how to safeguard your interests and your rights in Read More
Grandparent’s rights in Virginia: Custody, visitation, and more
The bond between grandparents and their grandchildren is a special one. However, in situations involving divorce, illness or death, family strife, or estrangement, a grandparent may be unable to see their grandchild. Depending on the circumstances, grandparents in Virginia may have rights to custody and visitation. If you’re a grandparent in Virginia who needs help determining your rights regarding your grandchild, Read More
How Virginia’s Transfer-On-Death Deeds Work
There are many ways for a person to structure their estate plan. Sometimes a Last Will and Testament is sufficient, other times, a Revocable Living Trust is required to ensure that assets are divided pursuant to a person’s intent. Regardless of which estate planning vehicle is used in your plan, there is the opportunity for a transfer-on-death deed (TOD deed) to be a part of your estate plan. Though the TOD deed is Read More
Reckless Driving Charges & Protecting Your Rights
Like DUIs, many assume there is no defense against a reckless driving charge. Changing your mindset about this is critical because these charges have severe consequences in Virginia, ranging from significant fines to losing your driver’s license and potential jail time. When you face a reckless driving charge, seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights. Select Law Read More
Estate Planning, Capacity Issues, & Your Parents
Estate planning is critical in terms of protecting assets and ensuring your wishes are carried out. Although you may be an adult that has a plan in place, do your parents? The older a person is before getting a plan in place, the greater the risk that they will not have the capacity to sign their own documents. Not having estate planning documents can negatively impact both themselves and the individuals who step up Read More
FERS & Equitable Distribution
In March of 2023, we published a blog about how to split retirement accounts during a divorce. Because we have offices in Northern Virginia and North Carolina, our family law attorneys work closely with military members and people the government employs. In terms of the divorce process, a civilian and a Marine, for instance, will file the same way through the same courts. However, government employees and military Read More
Simple vs. Aggravated Assault and Battery in Virginia
When most people hear the word “assault,” they think of someone getting physically struck by another person. However, that is NOT the definition of assault in Virginia or many other jurisdictions. Assault means someone has only threatened to hurt another person physically and accompanied that threat with a physical motion indicating the assaulter intends to follow through with that threat. Assault is defined as Read More
