Posted on June 10, 2024 in Child Custody

In recent years, virtual visitation has become a valuable tool for maintaining parent-child relationships in families that are subject to co-parenting arrangements. involves using technology such as video calls, messaging apps and other online communication methods to facilitate contact between a child and whichever parent is not currently enjoying parenting time on any given day.

Including virtual visitation terms in a parenting plan can offer several benefits and considerations for co-parents and their children. Primarily, virtual visitation allows for frequent and flexible communication between a parent and their child when they're not enjoying parenting time with one another. Regular virtual contact can help to facilitate a strong emotional bond and support a child's sense of security and connection with both parents.

Benefits for children and parents alike

Incorporating virtual visitation into a family's parenting plan helps to ensure that both parents have clear guidelines and expectations regarding digital communication. This consistency helps children adapt to a routine, knowing they can regularly connect with each parent. A structured virtual visitation schedule can provide a sense of stability that may otherwise be missing from a family's dynamics.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 08, 2024 in Divorce

Going through a divorce is one of the most difficult challenges you may face during your adult life. Complications of all kinds can make an already stressful process much more challenging. For example, divorcing a narcissist is unlikely to be a low-stress situation because a narcissist will often do whatever it takes to maintain control over all circumstances that involve them.

A narcissist is typically self-absorbed and lives in their own world. They often try to twist facts to meet their needs and they may try to invoke specific emotions and reactions from people around them.

Build an emotional wall

You can't let a narcissist see when they upset you because they may feel more powerful if they can manipulate your emotions. One crucial strategy is to build an emotional wall. By remaining emotionally detached, you can prevent them from exploiting your feelings.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 21, 2024 in Family Law

It's a common misconception that in a divorce, one spouse will receive spousal support for the rest of their lives. However, that is far from the truth.

There are many factors to consider when determining whether a spouse will receive support, such as how much support they will receive and for how long.

The different types of spousal support

In Virginia, the purpose of spousal support is to provide financial assistance to the lower-earning spouse, helping to ensure both parties can maintain a reasonable standard of living. There are several types of spousal support:

1. Pendente lite is temporary support that is awarded during divorce proceedings. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to the lower-earning spouse until the final divorce decree is issued.

2. Rehabilitative support is temporary and meant to assist the recipient spouse in becoming self-sufficient by acquiring education, training or work experience.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 08, 2024 in Child Custody

Child custody is a very important matter for divorcing parents. Parents can gain the right to continue raising their children after a divorce with the use of child custody. Child custody is divided into two aspects:

• Physical custody: Where a child lives, who is responsible for providing their children food, shelter and other basic needs and how a child's daily routine is managed often depends on which parent has physical custody.
• Legal custody: A parent can make many major decisions for their children with legal custody. For instance, a parent can decide whether their child goes to private or public school or if they would benefit more from homeschooling if the parent has legal custody.

Physical and legal custody are often divided between parents - but not always. A often will decide what rights and obligations each parent has to their children after a divorce. Here is what you should know:

Splitting custody with a co-parent

Many courts believe that children benefit the most when parents share custody through a joint custody arrangement. Joint custody gives parents split custody rights. Parents may need to communicate with each other often about what they believe is best for their children.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 02, 2024 in Child Custody

Most families are very busy during the summer months. While the children aren't in school, they may participate in summer camps and enjoy family vacations. If you're facing the first summer as a co-parent, there are a few things that you should think about.

One of the most important steps for you to take is to review your parenting plan to determine what restrictions and notification requirements are present for summer vacations. These may include limits on where you can take your children or how far in advance you have to let your co-parent know about your plans.

Remain as flexible as possible

The dates of a family vacation might not always fall in line with the parenting time schedule. If you and your ex can both be flexible about adjusting parenting time, the children are the ones who will likely benefit because they get time with both parents and they can also enjoy making vacation memories.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 14, 2024 in Divorce

It's often hard for couples to communicate, both during a divorce and after it takes place. The end of the relationship is just too emotionally charged, and their conversations often evolve into arguments or disagreements.

But a divorce will go more smoothly when two people can communicate. Plus, when those people are co-parents who are sharing custody of their children, some level of communication is simply going to be necessary, even long after the divorce has concluded. One thing that can help is to consider the correct communication method.

How urgent is it?

There certainly are urgent situations in which you may need to call the other co-parent or talk to them in person. But these two tactics are the most likely to lead to a dispute, so they should often be avoided unless there's no other choice.

For less urgent conversations that still necessitate a relatively quick response, it may be easier to use text messaging or direct messaging. This puts some distance between the two of you. That distance can help to keep things calm and civil, even when you don't see eye to eye.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 09, 2024 in Child Custody

Sharing custody after a divorce or separation can be a challenging undertaking. Some people find it very difficult to co-parent without conflict. Others simply struggle to adjust to the limits on their time with their children. Parents who keep the focus on their children may have an easier time adjusting to shared custody arrangements after a Virginia divorce.

Although conflict tends to diminish over time as everyone acclimates to the new arrangements, sometimes new issues arise that affect co-parenting relationships. One parent may desire to move with the children. New romantic relationships, job offers or family connections elsewhere could motivate a move. The goal might be to move across the state or perhaps to leave Virginia entirely.

If the parents do not agree about the relocation, then the matter may go to the family courts. How do Virginia family judges handle contested relocation cases?

The courts can't prevent a move

Contrary to what people sometimes think, family law judges in Virginia cannot prevent a parent from moving simply because they share custody of their children. However, a judge can decline to allow the children to relocate with one parent.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 04, 2024 in Child Custody

Divorce and separation are emotionally charged events, and child custody is often the most contentious issue in a couple's decision to split. In the state's courts, the well-being of the child is paramount when determining custody and parenting time arrangements.

Suppose you've been wondering if the history of who has been the primary caregiver in your family could play a role in these decisions, if you and your spouse ultimately must call upon a judge to resolve your differences. The answer is yes, but it's a nuanced consideration within a broader framework.

The best interests of the child

State law emphasizes the "best interests of the child" as the cornerstone of custody determinations. This means the court will consider a variety of factors to create a living situation that fosters the child's emotional, physical and psychological well-being. While there's no single deciding element, the historical caretaking role can be a significant factor.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 22, 2024 in Child Custody

When it comes to child custody decisions, the child's best interests take center stage. A child's age is among the factors considered when determining what's best for them. As such, your child's age will play a significant role in the court's decision if you need to litigate your custody arrangements.

The reasonable preferences of the child can also influence custody cases. However, the court must determine if the child is capable of making such decisions before considering their wishes.

Why age matters in custody proceedings

A child's age may affect custody decisions in various ways. Infants and very young children require frequent and consistent care, often from a primary caregiver. Courts may consider which parent has been the primary caregiver during the child's early years, as this can be crucial for maintaining stability and attachment.

On the other hand, preschoolers thrive on routine and stability. Courts may prioritize a custody arrangement that provides a consistent schedule and familiar environment for children in this age group.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 06, 2024 in Divorce

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 marital property from personal property should things fail to work. Without one in place, the court would have a difficult time separating personal property from marital property. But when exactly should you sign a prenup?

Here are two circumstances that may make a prenup essential before tying the knot:

1. When you are coming into the marriage with substantial assets

It's not uncommon for either spouse to come into the marriage significantly wealthier than the other party. In this case, it makes sense that you protect your investment.

Likewise, if your soon-to-be spouse is coming into the marriage with significant debt, then you need to sign a prenup. This way, your spouse's personal debt will not be your responsibility in the event of a divorce.

Continue Reading ››