Recognize this? “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects …” It is the beginning of the U.S. Constitution’s Fourth Amendment, the origin of all “right to privacy” laws in our country. But what happens when a parent’s right to privacy leads to horrific crimes by that parent’s child? How do Virginia’s child ...
During the holidays, many people are full of good cheer and planning elaborate family gatherings. However, if you’re currently going through a divorce or recently went through one, you may not be feeling the holiday spirit. The first holidays alone can be a painful reminder of what was and what will never be again. However, if you have children, it’s ...
Grandparents, Aunties, and Uncles all enjoy that in-between family space that allows them to spoil children and yet take no responsibility for them. But what of stepparents? Are they legally responsible for stepchildren? Can they exert any power over the little rascals? And what if a stepparent wants to take a peek at Junior’s school records or communicate about their ...
Christmas is a tradition dating back to 336, and through the millennia it has survived wars, pandemics, and cynics. Never doubt it can survive your divorce, too! Creative, equitable parenting time schedules are possible. Jump to a Section Early Christmas Alternate Years School Break The Night Before The Reason Early Christmas Don't forget the option of requesting an early Christmas. ...
Our modern society depends on numbers. We look for reassurance in numbers (tidy bank balance?), in planning (what are the dates of my vacation?), and choosing our battles. Should a Virginia Dad try to win sole custody of his children? How often do fathers get sole custody in Virginia? What do the numbers tell us? What does experience tell us ...
In 2021 Virginia had a 3.1 percent divorce rate, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A lot of Virginia’s 1.8 million kids have to deal with the life-altering effects of separation and divorce. A lot of Virginia’s separated and divorced Dads want to continue strong relationships with their kids. But how? Jump to a Section Children of Divorce ...
Henrico County in Virginia granted a license to administer a vaccine in 1800. The vaccine? Smallpox, eradicated worldwide since 1980. Vaccines and vaccination requirements are nothing new. Today Virginia public schools, at the order of the Virginia Department of Health, require 11 vaccinations for admission. But what if parents do not agree on vaccinations? How do they protect their rights ...
Through Amazon, you can order a magnetic GPS tracking device for your vehicle. That is richly ironic given all the tracking technology Amazon uses on its own fleet vehicles. It sounds intrusive, right? Not at all. Under Virginia law, fleet owners can track their own fleets. But what if your ex wants to track you during parenting time? What does ...
A lot of parents scrimp and save to send their children to college. That’s noble, really. It is, but it isn’t legally required. Legally, you owe your children nothing once they reach 18. You are not on the hook for higher education, adult braces, or their fancy new cars. Some things parents do are generous and kind but not necessary, ...