Most divorces follow one of two paths. Sometimes, spouses agree about key matters. They may have signed a prenuptial agreement years ago or may have reached an agreement after they decided to file. Those couples can pursue uncontested divorces. They present the courts...
Divorce often means you need to change many things in your life, including your estate plan. It is important to make sure your estate plan matches what you want now so your assets are safe and your loved ones are taken care of. What steps should you take? Review and...
Dementia affects thousands of Virginians and their families. Although the risk of dementia increases as one gets older, it can affect younger people as well. Alzheimer’s is the most common medical condition that causes dementia, but there are many other underlying...
Premarital agreements, often called “pre-nups,” are among the most complicated and misunderstood topics in Virginia family law. The misunderstanding often begins before such an agreement is executed. The purpose of a prenuptial agreement A prenuptial agreement can be...
Estate planning is one of those tasks many people postpone – often until it is too late. But a few simple steps taken now can spare your loved ones unnecessary stress, confusion, and even conflict later on. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make critical...
In Virginia, while traditional custodial plans remain the norm, courts permit parents to pursue creative alternatives when both parties agree, and the arrangement meets the child’s emotional, physical and developmental needs. One such approach is “nesting,” which is...
When your older family members or loved ones are drafting their wills, it is important to be aware of signs of undue influence, particularly if they are close with certain people that you do not believe are looking out for their best interests. A last will and...
Many people mistakenly believe that estate planning is either unnecessary for them or much simpler than it actually is. Unfortunately, this often leads to costly errors that can jeopardize their future and the well-being of their loved ones. If you want to avoid these...
Like many states, Virginia has what people commonly refer to as “no-fault divorce laws.” Among other things, this means, if a Virginia couple lives apart for 1 year, either party may ask for and obtain a divorce. In such a case, the grounds for the divorce are simply...
One of the more challenging scenarios that come up in Virginia child custody cases is when a custodial parent wants to relocate with the child. The relocation could be to a different area of Virginia or to an entirely different state. The other parent may resist,...
