Dating after you split up with your spouse may not be a good idea in Virginia. Unlike other states, the Commonwealth of Virginia does not recognize legal separations. You are either married or divorced.

How Dating Can Hurt Your Divorce Case

If you enter into a romantic relationship with someone after you stop living with your spouse, you are doing so while you are still married. Here is how this can be used against you in your divorce.

Property Division

Virginia is an equitable division state, and marital property should be divided fairly in a divorce. However, the judge can consider fault in determining what is fair. Dating while separated is technically committing adultery. This could be used by your spouse to argue she is entitled to more of the marital assets.

Child Custody and Visitation

When deciding custody and visitation issues, the court must consider the best interests of the child, which involves considering many factors relating to a child’s welfare, needs, and care. If you are dating someone new, the judge may consider this as negatively affecting your fitness as a parent and the ability to take care of your children. You may not be granted primary physical custody, and your visitation with your children may be impacted as well.

Criminal Prosecution

Adultery is a crime in Virginia. While it is unlikely, you may be charged with a criminal offense if you are involved romantically with someone else during your divorce proceedings.

How to Protect Yourself in Your Divorce

While there is no law that prohibits dating, it may be in your best interests to not date until your divorce is finalized. If you are considering dating, you should contact an experienced family law lawyer for advice on your rights and how to avoid the potential negative consequences before doing so. Call our Norfolk office today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team to get the answers you need to your questions and to learn how we can help you move forward with filing for divorce.

Related Links: Steps in Your Virginia Divorce Grounds for an At-Fault Divorce Seven Documents You Should Update After a Divorce

 

When you are creating a will or updating an existing one, one decision you will need to make is whom to name as the executor of your will. This person performs an important job for you after your death, so it is important to pick the right person.

What Is an Executor?

An executor of your estate is the person you appoint to distribute your assets according to your wishes that are stated in your will and to take care of your other financial responsibilities. An executor is also referred to as the personal representative. Some of the duties this person must perform include:

• Distributing your assets according to the terms of your will
• Paying bills for your estate
• Maintaining property until it is transferred
• Paying real estate taxes, insurance, and mortgage payments on real estate
• Selling real estate and other assets
• Keeping detailed records of assets and expenses of the estate
• Attending court hearings

Tips on Whom to Pick as an Executor of Your Estate

Most people pick family members, such as spouses or adult children to be the personal representative of their estate. This can be a good choice as long as they can perform the required duties and will honor your wishes. Here are some tips on whom to select:

• Pick a responsible person. You should select a person who is responsible, can communicate with other heirs, and can make hard decisions if necessary. While he does not need to be an expert in finances, he should be financially responsible and understand the importance of attention to detail. If you do not have a family member or friend that you feel comfortable appointing, you can select a lawyer or financial institution. Keep in mind that they would charge a fee for their services.
• Select an alternate. It is a good idea to appoint an alternate person who can step in as executor if your first choice dies before you or is unable to assume these duties. If possible, pick someone younger as the alternate.
• Consider the location of your executor. While it is not essential to pick someone who lives near you as your executor, it can be more convenient if you do so. A local person would be better able to maintain your property and have an easier time attending required court hearings than someone who lives out of state.

Do you need help drafting a will? Our experienced estate planning attorneys can create a will and other estate planning documents you need that are tailor-made to your family situation and your concerns. Fill out our convenient online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can help you.

Related Links: Essential Documents You Need in Your Estate Plan Crucial Estate Planning Mistakes You Want to Avoid Three Ways You Will Benefit From a Living Will

 

In Virginia, you can change your name, both in your divorce proceedings and afterward, to your maiden or another name that you used prior to your marriage. You do not need to get your spouse’s consent to change your name.

Changing Your Name in Your Divorce

As part of your divorce proceedings, you can request that your name be changed. You must request this in your initial divorce pleadings or orally at your final hearing on your judgement of divorce. The judge can change your name back to a name you used prior to your marriage.

How to Change Your Name After Your Divorce Is Finalized

If you decide to change your name after your divorce has been completed, you can still do this without your ex-spouse’s permission. You must have lived in Virginia for six months to qualify. You would need to follow these steps:

• Complete Virginia’s “Application for Name Change” form.
• Have your signature on the form notarized.
• Gather the required documents that support your application. This includes your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and divorce judgment.
• File your application and supporting documents in the Virginia Circuit Court near where you live. You will also have to pay a filing fee.
• The court may grant your application automatically if the judge is satisfied that you met the requirements for a name change. However, you could be required to attend a hearing before your application is approved.

What to Do After your Name Change Is Completed

Once your name has legally been changed, you can begin using it. You will also need to notify others of your new name. Some parties that you should be sure to inform include:

• Department of Motor Vehicles
• IRS
• Social Security Administration
• Your bank
• Your retirement and other investment accounts
• Your credit card company
• Your health, auto, and home insurance companies
• Your utility companies, such as electric, phone, water, and cable

Do you have questions about changing your name or other aspects of your divorce? Call our Norfolk office to schedule a free consultation with a member of our family law legal team.

Related Links: Steps in Your Virginia Divorce Grounds for an At-Fault Divorce Seven Documents You Should Update After a Divorce

 

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, both parents are responsible for paying child support for their children whether or not they were ever married. Parents are obligated to pay child support until their child is 18 years old or is legally emancipated.

However, there is an exception to this rule. A parent can be required to pay child support for a child who is 18 years old if all of the following conditions are met:

• The child is still in high school.
• The child does not support himself.
• The child lives in the household of the parent requesting child support.

In this situation, the non-custodial parent can be required to pay child support until his child graduates from high school or turns 19 years old, whichever is sooner.

Can Child Support Obligations Be Extended for a Child Who Is Disabled?

Another exception to the rule that child support stops when a child turns 18 years is if a child is disabled. In order for this rule to apply, he must be severely and permanently physically or mentally disabled. He must also reside in the custodial parent’s home.

Can Parents Agree to Extend Child Support Obligations?

Parents can agree to extend child support payments beyond the age of 18 in a divorce judgment or other agreement. For example, parents sometimes agree in a divorce judgment to continue child support obligations into adulthood if the child is reasonably pursuing a college education. Courts will enforce this agreement if it is in the best interests of the child.

Do you have other questions regarding your child support obligations? Do you need to ask the court to modify your child support agreement because the payment is too high? Our experienced family law attorneys are here to help. To learn more about your options, call our office or fill out the convenient form on our website to schedule your free initial consultation.

Related Links: How Child Support Payments Are Calculated in Virginia Enforcing Child Support Obligations in Virginia What Should I Do If I’m Behind in My Child Support Payments?

 

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, both parents of a child are responsible for supporting him whether or not they are married. In most cases, the amount of child support an individual must pay is based on child support guidelines. However, there are exceptions when the judge can set a child support payment that is different than what is in the guidelines.

When the Family Court Does Not Have to Follow Virginia’s Child Support Guidelines

The child support guidelines use a formula that takes into account the number of children, the income of both parents, and child custody arrangement to set the amount of child support that must be paid. There is a rebuttable presumption that the amount of child support required under these guidelines is correct.

However, it is possible to challenge the child support guidelines and request that the judge order a higher or lower amount be paid. Both parents have the right to request this. The judge will consider these factors in determining whether to deviate from the guidelines:

• Support provided to other family members
• Custody arrangements for the children, including the cost of travel for visitation
• Imputed income for a parent who is voluntarily not employed or is underemployed
• Debts that a parent is incurring for the child’s care
• Life insurance, education, or other expenses for the care of a child that has been ordered by the judge
• Large capital gains, for example from the sale of a marital home
• Any special needs that a child has
• Child’s standard of living during the marriage
• Child’s independent financial resources, if any
• Both parents’ earning capacity, debts, and special needs
• Provisions made for marital property that has income-producing potential or earns income
• Tax consequences, including child support exemptions and child tax credits, for each parent
• Any written agreement between the parents about child support obligations
• Other factors that affect the fairness of the child support payment to the parents and children

It is not easy to rebut the presumption that the child support guidelines should be followed in Norfolk. If you plan to challenge this amount, you need the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. To discuss your situation, call our office to schedule your free consultation today.

Related Links: How Child Support Payments Are Calculated in Virginia Enforcing Child Support Obligations in Virginia What Should I Do If I’m Behind in My Child Support Payments?

 

A special needs trust is a type of trust used when a person wants to provide for the needs of a disabled individual in a way that will not disqualify him for government benefits. It is also known as a supplemental needs trust. It can be a good way for you to provide for a family member upon your death without jeopardizing his Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Needs of a Disabled Loved One That You Can Provide for in a Special Needs Trust

Many disabled individuals cannot work due to their disability and receive monthly income and other benefits, such as SSI, Medicaid, and section 8 housing. In order to be eligible for these benefits, they must meet certain eligibility requirements, including the amount of income they can have and assets that they can own. For example, a person receiving SSI benefits currently can only have $2,000 in assets. However, they are also allowed to own a home, a vehicle, household goods and furnishings, burial plot, and life insurance policy of up to a face value of $1,500.

The SSI benefits a disabled person receives are to pay for his basic food, shelter, and clothing needs. To ensure that a disabled loved one continues to receive his monthly SSI benefits, a special needs trust cannot be used to pay for his basic needs. However, it can be a way to provide for a disabled person’s discretionary needs. Examples of what is permitted include:

• Summer camp or extracurricular activities for a child
• Airline tickets
• Vitamins and grooming supplies
• Television, kitchen appliances, and other household goods
• Funeral and burial expenses

What Clauses Should Be in a Special Needs Trust?

A special needs trust can be established in a person’s will or a trust. In order to be effective, a special needs trust should contain certain provisions. Here are some necessary clauses:

• Provide that the disabled person cannot demand distribution of the trust funds
• Prohibit the use of trust funds for the individual’s basic needs
• Specify that it is a discretionary trust to be used to supplement benefits that the person is receiving
• State that the trust should not be administered in a way that jeopardizes his benefits

Do you have a family member who is disabled that you want to provide for upon your death? Our experienced estate planning attorneys are here to discuss your concerns and options that will not put his government benefits at risk. Schedule your free consultation by calling our Norfolk office or filling out our convenient online form.

Related Links: Differences Between Irrevocable and Revocable Trusts in Virginia When to Update Your Will Are You Doing Enough to Protect Your Estate?

 

In Virginia, businesses and their property are part of the marital estate in a divorce whether one or both spouses own them. In general, divorce laws in the Commonwealth of Virginia require that all marital property be divided equally. However, valuing business property can be more complicated than real estate, investment accounts, and other property that married couples frequently own.

How Business Property Is Valued and Distributed in Norfolk Divorces

Business property is not valued by a fair market value or a willing buyer-willing seller standard in our state. Instead, the courts focus on the intrinsic value of the company, which is a more subjective standard that looks at its value to the divorcing couple. One of these approaches is used to arriving at its worth:

• Income-excess earning. This is often the approach used when valuing a professional practice. It compares the business owner’s income to the average income of someone in their peer group. If the person’s income is greater than those in his peer group, it is considered excess income and apportioned as part of the business’ value. Then this value is projected into the future.
• Asset valuation. When using this approach, the assets of the business are valued to determine its worth.
• Market valuation. The market value analyzes the selling prices of similar property to determine a company’s value.

When dividing a business in a divorce, the spouse who owns the business will most likely not be required to sell it or share operating it with the other spouse. If the company is a valuable asset, a portion of its value may be paid to the non-business owning spouse as part of the property settlement.

Are you worried about how a business will be divided in your divorce? Our experienced family law attorneys are here to answer your questions and help you properly value the company so that it is fairly handled in your property settlement in your divorce. Call our Norfolk office or fill out our website form today to schedule your free initial consultation with a member of our legal team.

Related Links: Legal Grounds for Divorce in Virginia Steps of Your Virginia Divorce Understanding Divorce and Real Estate Distribution

 

In custody and divorce actions in Virginia, the law favors keeping both parents fully involved in their children’s lives. In many cases, parents are encouraged to work out a visitation schedule that gives the non-custodial parent sufficient time with the children to maintain a relationship with them. However, in some cases, this type of open visitation may not be in the best interests of the children.

What Is Supervised Visitation?

Virginia judges have the authority to order a person’s visitation with his children to be supervised. When this is ordered, a parent is only allowed to see his children in the presence of a “supervisor.” This person plays the role of supervising the visitation sessions to ensure that the non-custodial parent’s behavior is appropriate. In some cases, the parents are allowed to pick the supervisor. In other cases, the judge will appoint an individual or order that visitation occurs at a facility where the parent’s behavior can be monitored.

When Is Supervised Visitation Ordered?

Supervised visitation is not ordered simply because the custodial parent requests it. It is only granted when the parent proves it is obvious that it is not in the best interests of the child to allow unsupervised visitation. It may be required in these situations:

• The parent has made poor parenting decisions that have endangered the children’s safety or otherwise negatively impacted their lives.
• The parent has a history of physically abusing the child, engaging in other family abuse, or exhibiting anger management problems.
• The parent has been uninvolved in the children’s lives over a period of years. This can include the parent being incarcerated or absent.
• The parent has a history of serious mental illness.
• The parent has a problem with drug or alcohol use.

Do you have questions about supervised visitation? Discuss them with our experienced family law attorneys and learn how we can help. Call our office in Norfolk today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Related Links: What Are the Types of Custody Awarded in Virginia Divorces? Best Interests of Child and Child Custody in Virginia Enforcing Child Support Obligations in Virginia

 

Spousal support or alimony, as it is often referred to, is awarded in divorces in Virginia to help the recipient spouse avoid financial hardships caused by the divorce. Alimony can be awarded in a lump sum or a variety of payment methods, such as monthly or other periodic payments, for a specific duration or for the supported spouse’s lifetime. If you are receiving spousal support for life, it can terminate if you remarry or cohabitate with another person if certain circumstances apply.

How Remarrying Could Affect Your Alimony Payment

In Virginia, spousal support is automatically terminated if the payee spouse remarries. However, there are a few exceptions when alimony can continue. Here are details on how this all works:

• The automatic termination rule only applies to periodic or monthly payments.
• Any required lump sum payment of alimony is not terminated upon remarriage or death.
• In limited circumstances, the judge can order that spousal support will continue after the recipient remarries if she has an unusual financial burden or need.

Cohabitation: Another Reason That Your Alimony Could Stop

If you cohabitate with another person for one year or more, your alimony may also be terminated. Cohabitation is a live-in relationship where the couple acts like they are married that continues for at least one year. Occasional sleepovers do not meet this requirement. In addition, the supporting spouse has the burden of proving that the parties are living together. Even then, the termination of support will not be granted if the divorce judgment provides that cohabitation does not stop the spousal support obligation or the supported person proves that terminating financial assistance would be unconscionable.

Do you have other questions about spousal support obligations or other family law matters in Virginia? Schedule your free consultation with our experienced family law attorneys to discuss your concerns and learn how we can help you protect your rights. Call our Norfolk office to schedule your appointment today.

Related Links: Important Changes to Virginia’s Spousal Support Law Factors Considered in Dividing Marital Property in Virginia Factors Affecting Alimony in a Divorce in Virginia

 

Even an uncontested divorce can be complicated when deciding how to split up property and decide on the parenting of your children. You need an experienced family law attorney who is on your side and looking out for your interests. While it is important to have a good attorney, you need to realize that he is not the only one who needs to work on your case. You are team player with him, and you can help achieve a better outcome in your case by being a good client.

Ways to Be a Good Client in Your Divorce Action

Divorces are a stressful and emotional time, and some clients let their anger at their spouses spill out into how they treat their attorneys. This can damage their relationship with their lawyer. If the situation gets bad enough, the attorney could ask the court to allow him to withdraw from the case.

You never want to be in this situation with your attorney, and you should want to do what you can to help him in your case. Here are ways that you can be a good client during your divorce:

• Be reasonable. You need to be realistic about what you expect to achieve in your divorce settlement. In most cases, both spouses must compromise in what they are willing to accept.
• Follow the court’s rules. In some cases, the judge will issue an order requiring you to take a certain action. If this occurs, it is important that you follow the judge’s order. This makes your case stronger and your lawyer’s job easier.
• Provide information promptly. If your attorney is requesting information from you, it is because he needs it to move your divorce along. In divorces, the parties are required to exchange many financial documents that will be used in dividing your property and determining child support. Provide any requested information to your attorney as soon as possible.
• Keep your attorney informed. You want to communicate regularly—but not excessively—so that you know the progress in your divorce proceeding. In addition, you need to inform your lawyer if there are problems between you and your spouse. You do not want him to learn of these situations from your spouse’s attorney at court when he will be at a disadvantage with the judge.
• Follow your attorney’s advice. Hopefully, you hired your attorney because of his experience in family law matters. While you do not have to agree with everything he says, you should follow his advice—even if it is not what you want to hear. He knows the laws governing divorces in Virginia and how to resolve your case with your best interests in mind.

Are you considering filing for divorce? Call our office to schedule your free consultation to learn about our experience in family law matters and how we can assist you.

Related Links: What Are the Types of Custody Awarded in Virginia Divorces? Steps in Your Virginia Divorce Best Interests of Child and Child Custody in Virginia

 

If you get behind in your child support obligations in Virginia, you do not want to make the situation worse by doing nothing. You do have options, and it is important to exercise them so that you do not face harsh penalties, such as garnishment of your wages or suspension of your driver’s license. One of your first steps should be to retain an experienced family law attorney who can assist you in resolving your problem.

Filing a Motion to Amend Your Child Support Order

If you have a good relationship with the other parent of your children, you may want to first try talking about your financial situation with that person and trying to agree on a new child support amount that you can afford. You will need an attorney to file the appropriate paperwork to modify your child support obligations if you reach an agreement. If not, you will need to file a motion to amend or review your child support order as soon as possible.

In order to be successful, you will need to show a material change of circumstances that make it difficult for you to pay your child support payment or that you made a good faith effort to pay what was ordered. Your inability to pay must not be due to a voluntary act. Examples of changes in circumstances that may justify a reduction in your child support include:

• Medical emergencies
• Loss of a job
• Increased income of the other parent
• Changes in the child support guidelines

Your motion will only affect future child support obligations after you file the motion. You still will owe the back payments, which is why it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible once you know that you are unable to pay. You will need to provide proof of your current income, and your attorney can file a subpoena ordering the other parent to provide proof of his or her income and expenses for the children. A hearing would be scheduled where the judge would decide how much child support you will have to pay.

Are you behind in your child support payments? Fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with a member of our family law legal team to learn how we can help.

Related Links: What Are the Types of Custody Awarded in Virginia Divorces? Steps in Your Virginia Divorce Best Interests of Child and Child Custody in Virginia

 

In many families, grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. When the parents of the grandchildren divorce, the rights of grandparents playing a role in their grandchildren’s lives can change. While ideally the parents would work out visitation rights cooperatively, in some cases this does not happen. The negative feelings and anger the parents feel against each other can lead to custody disputes and denying grandparents the right to visit their grandchildren.

Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights in Virginia?

Grandparents do potentially have the right to visitation time with their grandchildren. While there is no statute that grants visitation rights specifically to grandparents, Virginia law allows the court to grant visitation to parents and “persons of legitimate interest.” Parties who fall into this category include:

• Grandparents
• Stepparents
• Former stepparents
• Blood relatives
• Family members

In deciding a request for visitation, the judge will examine the child’s emotional and physical needs and the best interests of the child. The judge will also consider how the visitation will affect the parents’ relationship with their child. If both parents object to the visitation, the grandparents may need to prove actual harm to their grandchildren if no visitation is granted—which can be difficult to show. If only one parent is objecting to the visitation, the grandparents will only need to meet the best interests of the child standard, which can often lead to court-ordered visitation.

There are two situations where a grandparent will lose the right to visitation. If parental rights are terminated, the grandparents may also lose their visitation rights. Similarly, the grandparents will not continue to have rights if the grandchild is legally adopted.

If you are a grandparent and need to obtain visitation with your grandchildren, an experienced family law attorney can help you with your request to see your grandchildren. To learn about your legal options and how we can help, fill out our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Related Links: Best Interests of Child and Child Custody in Virginia

 

In Virginia, you can obtain an immediate protective order to protect you against acts of domestic abuse, which is defined as family abuse if the person abusing you is a family or household member. Under the law, domestic abuse can include acts of violence, force, or threats that put you in fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury. If you are a victim of abuse and need to obtain a restraining order, our experienced family law attorneys are here to help you get the immediate help that you need to stop the abuse, remove the abuser from your home, and prevent him from contacting you.

What Types of Protective Orders Are Available in Virginia?

There are three types of protective orders that you can obtain in Virginia, and they are all civil court orders. They include the following:

• Emergency Protective Order. An emergency protective order is an immediate order that is issued without a court hearing and can be obtained any day or night, even when the court is closed. It expires at the end of the third day after it was issued.
• Preliminary Protective Order. A preliminary protective order is the first step in obtaining a permanent protective order and can be issued if you suffered recent abuse or are in imminent danger of family abuse. The order is effective for 15 days but can be extended for up to six months.
• Permanent Protective Order. A permanent protective order will only be granted after a full hearing where both you and the abuser are present and testify as to what occurred. These orders can protect you for up to two years.

How Do You Obtain a Protective Order?

It is always best to retain an experienced family law attorney to obtain a protective order so that it is done properly, you obtain the full protections that you need, and you obtain it as fast as possible. However, it can be useful in understanding the basic steps in obtaining a protective order:

• File a petition. You can obtain the forms at the court where you live or download the forms through the Virginia Judicial System website. If you are in immediate danger and the court is closed, you may be able to obtain an emergency protective order by going to your police department. There is no filing fee to file this petition.
• Filling out the form. If you are completing the form yourself, you should understand that you are the “Petitioner” and your abuser is the “Respondent.” You should describe recent incidents of violence and use descriptive language to describe what was done to you. Sign the petition in front of the clerk.
• Bring ID and abuser information. You will need to bring your driver’s license or other type of identification as well as a photo, home and work address, and other information about the abuser.
• Review of order. Once you have filed the petition, the clerk will take it to the judge. He may have questions for you when he reviews it and decides whether to issue an order. A hearing will be scheduled before you can obtain a permanent protective order.
• Serve the papers. If the judge signs your order, you will need to arrange to serve the abuser with the order and any notice of hearing. Often, you can arrange to pay the sheriff or police to serve him.
• Hearing. A hearing will most likely be scheduled in your case if you are asking for more than an emergency order. This hearing could be scheduled within 15 days after you file your petition. You will be required to attend this hearing, and it is in your best interest to have an attorney represent you at this hearing. Other court hearings may be scheduled as necessary.

If you need a protective order to stop family abuse, contact our office immediately for assistance in obtaining it. Call our office to schedule your free consultation and be sure to let us know that you need immediate help.

Related Links: Steps in Your Virginia Divorce Grounds for an At-Fault Divorce in Virginia Best Interests of Child and Child Custody in Virginia

 

If you want a divorce in Virginia, your spouse cannot stop you from obtaining one. However, he can make the process more difficult. In addition, you would need to prove one of the grounds for divorce in Virginia before you could become divorced. However, this is possible whether or not your spouse will cooperate in the divorce.

What Grounds for Divorce Must You Prove?

In Virginia, there are two categories of grounds of divorces: those that allow an immediate divorce and those that require a waiting period. Whether you file for an immediate divorce or a divorce with a waiting period, your spouse could delay the process by disputing the grounds for divorce. To obtain an immediate divorce, you would need to prove one of the following:

• Your spouse engaged in adultery, buggery, or sodomy—which are difficult to prove. You also cannot have resided with your spouse after he committed one of these acts.
• Your spouse was convicted of a felony and incarcerated for one year or more. You cannot have lived with him after his release from prison.

If you cannot meet the grounds for an immediate divorce, you can obtain one based on grounds that require a one-year waiting period. Your spouse could still delay the divorce by disputing at least some of the grounds in this category. These are the grounds for this type of divorce:

• Your spouse engaged in physical cruelty.
• Your spouse deserted you without a good reason.
• Your spouse forced you to leave by his actions.
• You have been separated from your spouse for at least one year and have had no sexual relations during this time period.

Are There Other Ways That My Spouse Can Delay the Divorce?

Your spouse can also delay your divorce by raising other disputes in the proceedings. This could require your divorce attorney to engage in discovery, file motions, and attend additional hearings for your case—making your divorce take longer. Your spouse could dispute these issues in your divorce:

• Division of property
• Custody and parenting time with the children
• Child support
• Alimony

Any issues that you are unable to agree on with your spouse will require a decision by the judge in your divorce case after a hearing is held. If you want to file for divorce and your spouse will not agree to it, our experienced divorce attorneys can guide you through the process of obtaining a divorce. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Best Interests of the Child and Child Custody in Virginia Grounds for an At-Fault Divorce in Virginia Factors Affecting Alimony in a Divorce in Virginia

 

If you are considering filing for divorce or splitting from a partner, it can become much more complicated when children are involved. You will need to reach an agreement on custody and visitation or let a judge decide this. Knowing the available options can help you make an informed decision that is right for you and your children.

How Is Custody of Children Awarded in Virginia?

Whether you are involved in a custody dispute in a divorce or other custody proceeding, the determining factor for who is awarded custody will be the best interests of the child. There are three custody options in Virginia:

• Joint legal custody. With this type of arrangement, both parents have the same rights and responsibilities to control and care for the child. The child may spend more physical time at one parent’s house, but both parents share equally in making decisions about him.
• Joint physical custody. Joint physical custody means that both parents share fairly equally in the physical care and time with their child. It does not necessarily mean that each parent gets exactly equal time. In addition, the parents would not also have joint legal custody unless the parties agreed to this as well or it was ordered by the judge.
• Sole custody. Sole custody gives one parent the right to make major decisions about the child’s life and responsibility for his care. However, the noncustodial parent will most likely have the right to visitation with the child.

It is important to keep in mind that visitation and custody are different. Visitation is the right to spend time with one’s child, and disputes deal with issues like how often and long visitation will be, where it can be, and whether it can be unsupervised or supervised where another adult must be present.

An experienced family law attorney can discuss your situation with you and advise you on the best custody options for you. This could lead to an agreement between you and your spouse about custody of your children or at least give you an idea of what to expect if you must let the judge make this decision for you. To find out more, call our office to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Two Types of Divorce in Virginia Legal Grounds for Divorce in Virginia How a Custody Battle Will Be Settled

Unlike a divorce that dissolves a marriage, an annulment voids a marriage. You can only have your marriage annulled in limited circumstances. The fact that your marriage was only of a short term or you want to annul your marriage for religious reasons are not grounds for an annulment. If you want an annulment of a marriage, you need to know the rules for getting one to determine if this is a good option for you.

What Are the Grounds for an Annulment in Virginia?

You must file a legal proceeding to have your marriage annulled. You can also use an annulment proceeding to establish custody of children, child support, and alimony like in a divorce. The following are grounds for an annulment:

• One of the parties was mentally or physically incompetent.
• One of the spouses entered into the marriage due to fraud or duress.
• A party was a felon or prostitute, and the other party did not know this before the marriage.
• One party suffers with impotence.
• The wife was pregnant by another man, but the husband did not know of this.
• The husband fathered a child with another woman without the wife’s knowledge within 10 months of the marriage.
• There is no marriage license or the marriage was not solemnized according to Virginia law.
• One of the parties was married to someone else at the time of the marriage.
• The marriage involves incest, such as between a brother and sister.
• One of the parties is under 18 years old, except that a 17-year-old can be legally married with parental consent.

A critical requirement is that the parties not live together once one of these grounds for annulment are discovered.

An experienced family law attorney can help you determine whether you qualify for an annulment or whether you should instead file for divorce. This will avoid you going through the expense and time of filing the wrong type of action and starting the proceedings again. To speak to our family law team, fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.

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Simply put, a trust is a financial agreement among three people: the grantor (who creates the trust), the trustee (who manages the trust), and the beneficiary (who receives what’s put in the trust). Trusts can either be revocable or irrevocable. An attorney can help you decide which will better fit with your estate-planning needs, but it’s important you understand what purpose each serves.

Revocable Trusts

As its name implies, a revocable living trust can be altered or revoked entirely after its creation. Additionally, property or financial assets that are put into a revocable trust:

• Remain the property of the grantor, the individual who creates the trust
• May be charged estate taxes

A revocable trust provides flexibility for the grantor if he isn’t entirely certain what assets he wants kept in trust or wants to plan for a scenario in which he becomes mentally incapacitated. Another advantage of a revocable trust is that it avoids probate and public visibility after death. In short, the grantor can maintain control over his assets in a revocable trust while still reaping some benefits.

Irrevocable Trusts

An irrevocable trust is created with permanency in mind; after creation, an irrevocable trust cannot be altered. Additionally, revocable trusts will:

• Transfer legal ownership of assets from the grantor to the trust itself
• Avoid probate
• Reduce estate taxes
• Protect assets

After the creator of an irrevocable trust passes away, the trustee oversees the transfer of ownership from the trust to its beneficiary. Because the grantor no longer legally owns assets put into an irrevocable trust, these assets are not calculated in the mass value of the deceased’s estate—which results in great tax savings, asset protection, and discretion.

Find Personalized Estate-Planning Services

If you’re considering how to build your estate plan and whether you should create a trust, consult with an attorney who can give you sound guidance. The legal team at Tavss Fletcher can review your estate with you, listen to your concerns, and help you build a plan that works for your estate. To get started, fill out the online contact form on our website today.

Related Links: When to Update Your Will Your Will’s Trifecta: Executors, Guardians and Beneficiaries Do You Have an Advance Directive? You Should

You moved into your home right after you married. It’s the home you brought your children to from the hospital and you have hundreds of happy memories associated with it. As a result, it was only natural for you to tell your spouse that you wanted the home when you decided to divorce.

Unfortunately, some spouses hold onto their homes for all the wrong reasons, and doing so can cause financial troubles down the road.

Are You Holding on to Something You Shouldn’t?

Before you decide to go through the process of becoming the sole owner of your home, evaluate your reasons for doing so. If you find you are wanting to keep the home for any of the following reasons, you should reconsider:

• You are keeping the home out of spite. Some spouses want to make the divorce process difficult for their exes every step of the way. If you didn’t want the divorce or have ill feelings towards your spouse, you may fight for the home just because you know he wants it. If so, you’ll likely regret your decision down the road, especially if it causes you financial hardship.
• You want to hold on to the marriage. Feeling a sense of loss is understandable after a divorce. After all, you are losing someone who used to be a major part of your life. Keeping your home because of all of the memories you have, however, may not be such a good idea, as it won’t allow you to move on, which you’ll need to do eventually.
•  You don’t want to uproot the children. Although this is a valid reason, keeping the kids there can cause problems down the road if you can’t afford your home. You’ll need to ask yourself if keeping the children comfortable is more important than staying on top of your finances.

We Can Help

The divorce process is beyond stressful and is full of fears and doubt. The good news is you don’t have to go through this alone. The attorneys of Tavss Fletcher are here to help. Contact us today to learn how and to begin moving on with your new life.

Related Links: Refinancing Your Home to Buy Out Your Ex After a Divorce Protecting Your Assets Beyond the Prenup What is Considered Marital Property in a Divorce?

When planning a prenuptial agreement, it is imperative that both you and your future spouse disclose all of your financial assets and property at the time of marriage. Prenups are designed to help protect personal property and finances and to make sure property is fairly divided in case of a divorce. When one partner fails to disclose certain premarital assets, it could raise red flags for the divorce judge and potentially cost you more during divorce proceedings.

Premarital assets are defined as any assets you have acquired before your marriage. These types of assets can include savings, stock options, personal property (car, house, jewelry, etc.), and promised holdings (inheritances, retirement, etc.). In addition to financial securities, debts must also be disclosed within premarital assets (even though a debt isn’t generally considered an asset).

Identifying Premarital Assets

In order to ensure that all assets are divulged, the American Bar Association highly recommends that you and your partner create extensive lists of all of your personal property, assets, and debts. While creating your lists, it is important to ask yourselves where you both stand on particular financial issues going forward. This will not only reiterate the need for a prenup, but will also help clarify future financial dependencies.

To help make sure you’re both on the same page, you should ask yourselves the following questions:

• How will you handle premarital assets and debts during your marriage? How will you handle them in the event of a divorce?
• Will your personal property become co-mingled with your marital property? Do you wish to have your assets and debts remain separate property so they will go back to the spouse who acquired them before the marriage?
• If you use your premarital assets to help pay off your fiance’s debts, will you expect to be reimbursed in the event of a divorce or was the payoff a gift?
• What if you use premarital property to buy a home you’ll own together? Will the paying spouse need to be reimbursed or is it a gift?
• Would you like to set up a trust in order to keep certain personal property from being declared as premarital assets?

Prenup Setup

Once you’ve made the decision to create a prenuptial agreement, setting it up is easier than you may think. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and we’ll walk you through the process. With specialized and diligent representation you will not only have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your agreement is secure, but you’ll also have the support and guidance you need to ensure your prenup is what you and your fiance want.

No one expects her marriage to end in divorce, but with separation rates being what they are, planning for the future is a wise decision. Let us help you make sure you’re covered. Call us today for a free consultation. Remember, we take our job (and our clients’ futures) very seriously. Take advantage, and let us help you!

Related Links: What are the legal grounds for divorce if I wish to file? Can you give me tips on how I can get through the divorce process? Guidelines to Successfully Plan Your Prenuptial Agreement

 

You know that having a will is essential in order to protect your family once you die. Although it was difficult to face the reality that you may not always be with them, you went through the proper will-making procedures to secure your family’s future. You had a lawyer draft your will, friends witness you signing it, and you even had it notarized to ensure its legality. However, now what?

What happens to the will now? If you die tomorrow, where does it go to guarantee your wishes are carried out?

Probate: The First Step Toward Implementing Your Will

As a general rule, a will has no legal effect until it has gone through the process of probate. Probate is the first process that your will must go through before its contents are distributed. A probate court will establish the validity of the document to ensure that the wishes contained within are indeed your last requests, and no one else’s. Once the court accepts that the document is legal, it officially appoints the named executor—the person you requested in the will—and hands the document over to them for completion.

Unfortunately, as in most legal proceedings, before the court can sign off on the document, it must follow certain administrative regulations. These regulations include:

• Notifying creditors and publishing legal notices to make sure all outstanding debts are accounted for.
• Teach executors how and when to distribute assets, as well as how to take creditors' rights into account.
• Possibly file a petition to appoint a personal representative if an executor is unnamed or unable to perform his duties under the law.
• Determine tax deductions from assets in the estate.

Making Sure Your Will Goes Through Probate Without a Hitch

You never know what issues may come up after you’ve gone. However, it’s a guarantee that by then, it’ll be too late to do anything about it. Thankfully, with our help, you don’t have to worry about it. Call us today to review the legality of your will. Not only will we make sure your will is valid and secure for probate, but we’ll give you the added confidence and serenity that comes with knowing that your family will be protected. Call now to get the assurance you and your family deserve!

Make sure your family and friends are aware of the intricacies involved with executing a will. Use your social media to share this page with them via Facebook, or tell them to contact us directly to discuss any potential questions or concerns they may have about their own wills. We’ll be more than happy to help them get the comfort we hope to give to you.

Related Links: Three Ways You Will Benefit From a Living Will The How and Why of Contesting a Will Making Sure Your Last Will and Testament Is Legally Valid