Children & Parenting

How Does Custody Work in Virginia If There’s No Court Order?

You and your child's mother decide to part ways. What becomes of your child? Without a court order, you would think you are adrift, unmoored to any child custody laws in Virginia, free to do as you please. Perhaps you and the child's mother would think you can do what you wish, since you never took the matter to a Virginia ...

By |September 23rd, 2019|

How to Become a 24/7 Dad in 5 Simple Steps

The 1950s and 1960s model of fatherhood usually meant a Virginia man left home early each morning, returned home in late afternoon, and expected to relax with the evening newspaper without so much as a peep from his kids. Mom was expected to feed, clothe, bathe and supervise them. Dad was the disciplinarian, but every parent knows that hand can ...

By |September 16th, 2019|

Contesting Adoption in Virginia: The Ins and Outs

The Centers for Disease Control tells us that, in 2017, 34.6 percent of Virginia's births were to unmarried mothers. The Old Dominion ranks 39th for births to unmarried mothers1. Sometimes, those single Virginia mothers feel compelled to place their children up for adoption. Some Virginia men choose to step up and take responsibility for the children they sired, by contesting ...

By |September 4th, 2019|

I Pay 75% of Medical Bills for My Child – Can This Be Modified?

Most Virginia men are honorable. They take responsibility for the children they sire, either in or out of marriage. Part of that responsibility includes costs for medical care. After a divorce, for example, you may agree to cover a large portion — even the majority — of medical bills for your child. It is noble. It is the right thing to do. ...

By |September 2nd, 2019|

8 Ways High Conflict Divorce Damages the Children Involved

Uncontested divorce is easy. You both agree you will be better off apart. You hire capable family law attorneys, sign papers, and move on. Done. Contested divorce, high conflict divorce, acrimonious divorce — that is a different beast. And it is a beast. Like a beast, it consumes time, money, mental energy, and more. High conflict divorce does real damage to ...

By |August 28th, 2019|

The Progression of Custody Law in Virginia and Across the US

Colonial Williamsburg is a Virginia treasure. It portrays life in colonial America just before America's revolution against England.  A visitor can sit as a juror in the courthouse, stand in the House of Burgesses, or amble through the Governor's Palace. Fortunately for everyone today, visitors to Colonial Williamsburg are not burdened by the laws of 1770 America. Our laws, including child custody ...

By |August 21st, 2019|

Good, Bad & Ugly: Failed (and Enacted) Family Law Bills in 2018

Last calendar year brought a fresh crop of bills, new ideas, and some actual laws to the books in Virginia. As we have previously for 2017, here we present some of the winners and losers of the past legislative year. Losing Family Law Bills in 2018 We start with losers so we can finish feeling positive. Legal losers are not necessarily ...

By |August 12th, 2019|

How Divorce, Spousal Support, and Child Support Affect VA Benefits

Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act, and as affirmed by a recent Supreme Court decision, Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits (separate from retirement income) are not subject to divisibility in a divorce. That is only one third of the question, however. Property division is not spousal support. Spousal support is not child support. Divorce & VA Benefits A ...

By |August 7th, 2019|

7 Hampton Roads Programs to Help Dads Be Better Fathers

Speirein is the Greek origin of our word "sperm," and the original word means to sow, or scatter. Some Virginia men feel they need to adhere to that original meaning, spreading their offerings all over the state to Virginia's women from Accomack to Winchester. They are biological fathers, but are they really fathers? What makes a father a better Dad? ...

By |July 31st, 2019|
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