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
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
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
Ensuring a Fair Divorce Between High Net Worth Partners
As the saying goes, life is not fair. Often, neither is a high net worth divorce. Even if you and your spouse hammer out a financially equitable split of the diverse assets you own, the divorce’s unpredictable emotional effects aren’t as easily compartmentalized and distributed. Whether you caught your significant other cheating or feel resentful because you sacrificed a budding career to be with someone who now Read More
How Can I End Child Support Payments if My Mom Is Raising My Child?
Parents are obligated to provide financially for their child regardless of whether they are in their care or not. Both parents should try to work together to establish an amicable child support agreement outside of the courts, if possible. If the parties cannot agree, the custodial parent may file a petition for child support payments. If your mother or father has been granted custody and a child support order for Read More
What Happens if My Child’s Other Parent Won’t Pay Child Support?
While it’s perfectly natural to become upset and frustrated when your child’s other parent won’t pay child support, the law is on your side. There are several legal steps you can take to ensure your child is properly provided for if their other parent is financially able to pay child support and refuses to do so. 1. Contempt of Court Action If the other parent doesn’t have a good reason for not paying child support, Read More
Common Questions About Divorce in Virginia
Getting a divorce can be an overwhelming and exhausting process, emotionally and physically. If you are starting the process of divorce, you may have several questions. We have answers to five common questions about what the coming months will involve and how your personal situation will be affected by the decision to end your marriage. 1. How is Property Divided? In Virginia, property is divided equitably between Read More
