“Separation” is one of the most commonly misunderstood and misused words in the area of divorce and family law. Couples often will describe themselves as “separated” when legally they are not considered to be separated. To be legally “separated” in Virginia, various elements must be met that often require more of the parties then they may expect. Below, we will discuss the various meanings of the term separation - Read More
Should I Get a Divorce or an Annulment in Virginia
Deciding to end a marriage is never an easy decision. When the time comes to part ways, emotions can take over, and making decisions can seem overwhelming. In some instances, people may wish that the marriage had never happened in the first place. That’s typically when words like annulment start being tossed around. While an annulment has the function of making a marriage disappear rather than merely terminating it, Read More
5 Signs You Might Need a Divorce Attorney
Divorce is rarely a sudden event, but is usually the resolution of a gradual breakdown of the marriage over a course of several years. Every marriage has its difficulties, and many marriages have been restored even where a split seemed likely, but there are also times when it is in your best interest to talk to a divorce attorney about your rights and the potential outcomes in a divorce. Speaking with a divorce Read More
How to Deal With a Difficult Spouse During Divorce
Anyone who has been through a divorce knows that it is an emotionally trying process. Even the most amicable of splits can involve disagreements, arguments, and difficult compromises. Having to deal with a difficult spouse just makes the already-traumatic process that much harder. Even if it seems impossible, you will get through it. Here are a few things you can do that will help ease the pain when your Read More
Why More Couples are Opting for Mediation
Divorce is never easy. Even the most amicable of splits can be emotionally trying when it comes down to dealing with logistics. That stress is only compounded by lengthy and costly court proceedings. The desire to alleviate the stressful formalities of traditional divorce proceedings is leading more and more couples to pursue alternative means of dispute resolution, like mediation. When Is Mediation An 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
How to Go Back to a Maiden Name After a Divorce
Maybe you’ve already been through the divorce process in Virginia, or maybe you’re just looking into your options for a divorce and trying to wrap your head around the sometimes overwhelming list of issues you’ll need to deal with if you decide to move forward with a divorce. For women who have taken their husband’s last name in a marriage, one issue is this: “What happens to my last name following a divorce?” The 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
Child Custody Mediation: A Powerful Alternative to Litigation
As family law attorneys, we work with clients facing difficult emotional challenges related to going through a divorce, obtaining spousal and child support, and trying to adjust to life after a separation or divorce while dealing with the demands of the law. But one of the more emotionally grueling types of situations we often see is when parents fight in court over the custody of their children, and a judge has to Read More
