The latest high-profile divorce case to hit the headlines has been that of A-list actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. We know very little about the personal details that led to Jolie filing for divorce in a Los Angeles courthouse in September, but what we do know is that she asked for sole custody of the couple’s six children, and the filing suggests she decided to pursue a divorce only days before she filed. Media Read More
Religion and Child Custody in Virginia: Who Gets to Decide?
For many parents going through a divorce, being able to guide the religious upbringing of their children is a major concern. This is especially the case when the parents are of a different faith, or one parent is opposed to the child being exposed to any religious teaching or community. This can, of course, be challenging for the child as well, who may be getting conflicting perspectives on faith from each parent. Read More
Advice for Divorcing Dads Who Want to Retain Child Custody
Dads going through the divorce or other custody process in Virginia often believe the system is rigged against them. This frustration can boil over into a cynicism about the family law process, causing them to give up their rights or to act out in ways that may hurt their case. No doubt that family law and custody issues can be emotionally trying and many fathers do not want the courts to be involved in their Read More
Do I Have to Pay Child Support if I Have Joint Custody?
When two parents are working through the divorce process and negotiating issues like divisions of property, custody, spousal support, and child support, so many surprising and new questions can arise. After all, the state (usually) doesn’t step in when you are functioning as a married family to dictate how money is spent and how children are cared for. But to obtain a valid divorce, the court will want to see either Read More
What is Sole Custody?
The life changes from divorce are difficult for children, who need stability, security, and routine. If obtaining sole custody of your children is your objective, it is likely that you have some compelling reasons motivating this decision. You may fear for their safety, or worse, you may feel apprehensive that they might be kidnapped, or taken out of the state or country. Having a powerful advocate who will work Read More
Can I Relocate with My Children after My Divorce Is Final?
Life goes on after divorce and changes in your life may take you out of the city or state. You may be offered a higher-paying job in a different location, need to relocate to be near your family, or remarry a person who lives in another area. There are many valid reasons to relocate after a divorce, but the question is: Will you be allowed to take your children with you? If the other parent objects to the move, Read More
How Child Custody Mediation Works
Generally, it is better when divorcing spouses can settle their issues between them rather than leaving decisions in the hands of the court. Nevertheless, it is not always easy to come to an agreement, particularly when the issue being decided is custody of your children. Child custody mediation provides a means to resolve this critical issue outside of the courtroom. The spouses hire a mediator -- a neutral Read More
Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Family Law Attorney in Fredericksburg
Attorneys ask questions for a living – lots and lots of questions. There is nothing at all unusual about you asking your own questions before you trust a lawyer with your case. Although this is not a comprehensive list, below we’ve outlined several questions to give you insight into whether a prospective attorney would be a good fit for your needs. Add to or amend this list based on your concerns and constraints. Read More
Types of Child Custody in Virginia
Who will receive primary custody of your children after your divorce? This question and questions like it are far from academic. It is difficult to eat, sleep, or even think straight until you know where your children are going to reside. Virginia does not automatically favor either the mother or father. It does, however, recognize several types of custody, including: Physical Custody There are different types of Read More
Tips for a Better Child Custody Mediation Experience
There is a no more contentious topic on the face of the Earth than children, particularly as their parents struggle with custody decisions. In an effort to find some sense of resolution, courts frequently require divorcing or separating parents to attend child custody mediation. Mediation can be useful, particularly if you are able to follow these important tips, says Dr. Philip M. Stahl in Parenting After Read More
