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
Time to Move On? Uncontested Divorce Makes It Fast
You both want a divorce. You and your spouse have agreed to all the outstanding issues such as property division, support, custody and visitation, and you want to minimize the strife and arguments and simply go your separate ways. So, what’s the fastest way to do it? An uncontested divorce means you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can control the details of the dissolution of your marriage with a minimum of court 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
Uncovering Hidden Asset in a Divorce: How It’s Done
When couples divorce in Virginia, marital assets are divided in a process called “equitable distribution,” giving due to consideration to the contributions of both spouses and various other factors, as required under state law. In some cases, a spouse will conceal certain assets to attempt to avoid dividing those assets as part of the marital property. If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, it is in your Read More
Advice from a Fredericksburg Divorce Attorney
Divorce is often an emotionally traumatic experience, bringing changes in your income, assets, family structure, and parental responsibilities, and can turn your life upside down. It is a complex legal process requiring major decisions on important issues that can affect your future lifestyle and the future opportunities for your children. If you are facing a pending divorce, the best advice we can offer is to find a Read More
