Each year, the Virginia General Assembly revisits, revises, and occasionally reinvents the laws that shape family life in the Commonwealth. While some people argue that laws should remain constant, history reminds us that even long-standing rules eventually evolve. If that were not the case, George Washington’s 1776 Order Against Profanity would still be enforceable — a “crime” that remained on ...
Short Answer: No. In Virginia, child support and visitation are two separate legal matters. A parent cannot legally deny court-ordered visitation because the other parent has fallen behind on child support. Jump to a Section The Reality of Unpaid Child Support in Virginia Child Support vs. Visitation: Two Separate Legal Issues What If You're Behind on Child Support? The Harm ...
Crafting a summer custody schedule after divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. But just like calculating leap years — which happen every four years except when a centurial year isn’t divisible by 400 — child custody arrangements come with nuanced rules that require clarity and cooperation. Whether you’re navigating your first post-divorce summer or fine-tuning an existing plan, here ...
When you exchanged vows with your wife, the thought of divorce was likely the furthest thing from your mind. Love, by its nature, makes us hopeful, not cautious. And while no one plans for their marriage to end, the reality is that many couples in Virginia eventually part ways. In fact, while Virginia proudly calls itself a “state for lovers,” ...
If you’re a veteran navigating the complexities of divorce, you may wonder: Is my ex-wife entitled to my VA disability benefits? Whether you receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or live in Virginia (VA), the intersection of family law and veterans' benefits can be confusing. Let’s clarify this important question: Can your ex-spouse claim a portion ...
Divorce isn’t easy—especially when you’re trying to be a great dad through it all. The emotional weight, legal stress, and major life adjustments can leave you feeling overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: no matter what happens between you and your ex, your kids still need you—and they need the best version of you. Being a divorced dad isn’t about perfection—it’s ...
In today’s media, fathers are often portrayed as awkward or clueless when it comes to emotionally charged conversations with their children. While those caricatures might draw laughs on screen, real-life parenting requires much more nuance—especially when it comes to talking about separation and divorce. No matter your role—dad, mom, co-parent, or guardian—navigating a breakup while supporting your children is one ...
Divorce is emotionally taxing—and it can also be financially draining. But if you’re preparing for divorce in Virginia, there’s good news: you can cut your legal costs significantly without sacrificing the quality of your outcome. Before we dive in, let’s bust one common myth: DIY divorce kits and “free” forms often cost more in the long run. Virginia has unique ...
Child custody is often the most emotionally charged and legally complex aspect of divorce proceedings—for both parents and, most importantly, for the children involved. For fathers, navigating the child custody process in Virginia can feel especially daunting. While there's no guaranteed formula for securing custody, understanding how Virginia courts operate and what steps you can take can significantly increase your ...