The idea of discussing the end of a marriage when you are planning a wedding can sound absurd. However, the importance of this conversation cannot be overlooked. Many marriages do not last. A prenuptial agreement can help you define the terms of a divorce and separate...
Northern Virginia Family Law Blog
How to handle the year of firsts after divorce
There are a lot of changes that come with divorce. Even if you wanted to divorce, you may still experience a range of emotions in the period immediately following the split. This might be especially prevalent during the first year. Taking the time to think about how...
Why shouldn’t parents use children as messengers?
Divorce is a challenging process for all involved, often particularly for children who are caught amid their parents' separation. An essential aspect of safeguarding children's emotional well-being during and after a divorce is to ensure they aren’t used as messengers...
This special document can protect retirement savings in a divorce
Divorcing couples in Virginia often have a lot of questions about the future. They know they have to share their resources and debts, and they may be uncertain about what that process may involve. Virginia, like most other states, has an equitable distribution...
Are your pets your only kids? Can you win them in your divorce?
In the midst of a heartbreaking divorce, the last thing you want is another battleground. However, for many couples (especially those without children), their beloved pets become unexpected sources of conflict. These furry, feathered or scaled family members hold...
What is a primary caregiver?
When it comes to divorce cases and parental rights, the courts will sometimes identify a primary caregiver. This is the parent who spent the majority of their time caring for the child and helping to raise them on a daily basis. The parent may have been involved in...
What is financial infidelity?
Infidelity in a marriage is certainly one of the main things that leads to divorce, but this generally refers to extramarital affairs. It’s important to note that this is not the only way that it can take place. In some cases, couples will break up because of...
3 essential tips when seeking to modify child custody orders
Seeking a custody order modification is a reasonable step toward ensuring the best interests of the child if the current arrangement does not seem to work as intended due to a substantial change in circumstances. It can seem like a daunting legal process, but it is...
Can teenagers refuse to spend time with one parent post-divorce?
The dynamics within a family are in a state of constant flux. The children may have a very different relationship with each parent at different stages of their development. Those dynamics will continue to shift as family members grow and circumstances change....
What is an uncontested divorce?
You and your spouse have decided to file for divorce and you both want to avoid a long and complicated process. Instead, you agree to settle the matter amicably and independently. This type of divorce is known as uncontested. An uncontested divorce allows a couple who...