Discovery – whether as part of a divorce or a child custody case – is essentially the same.  It’s the legal process we use to determine and gain access to the information that we don’t have.  In a divorce case, much of the information we’re looking for is financial, especially if our client has stayed... The post What is discovery in a Virginia child custody case? appeared first on Hofheimer Family Law Firm ..read more

If you don’t want to have a trial in your court case, you have to settle your case first.  In a divorce or custody context, settlement is achieved when there is a signed agreement negotiated between the parties.  In a divorce case, you would sign and negotiate a separation agreement – a legal contract that... The post Can I draft my own custody agreement? appeared first on Hofheimer Family Law Firm ..read more

Custody cases are interesting because they can come up in a number of ways, unlike divorce.  In a divorce, you have essentially two options: (1) negotiate a signed separation agreement, or (2) litigate in court. Divorce Cases Where Custody is an Issue Divorce is filed in the circuit court. Custody, though, can present differently.  Custody... The post Can I represent myself in my custody and visitation case? appeared first on Hofheimer Family Law Firm ..read more

It is incredibly difficult to go through a separation and/or divorce (or even a breakup, if you and your child’s father never married) when you have children in common.  Going from ‘you’ time and ‘me’ time to ‘your’ time and ‘our’ time is a huge change. There’s not enough said about navigating those complicated and... The post I hate ‘reasonable and liberal’ visitation in Va parenting plans appeared first on Hofheimer Family Law Firm ..read more

I’m biased.  I’m a lawyer.  I earn my living handling family law cases on behalf of the women who become my clients. Also, because I am a lawyer I also (1) see the people who can’t resolve things on their own (and very few of the people who can), and (2) deal, essentially, in worst-case... The post Can I handle my family law case without a lawyer? appeared first on Hofheimer Family Law Firm ..read more

Childcare is one of the most difficult parts of parenting.  It just is.  I think that is true across the board, regardless of whether you are married to your child’s father, never married your child’s father, divorced your child’s father, are separated from your child’s father, or your child’s father is totally MIA.  It’s really,... The post Common Coparenting Issues: Summer Camps and Childcare appeared first on Hofheimer Family Law Firm ..read more

Lately, I’ve done a whole series of articles on common coparenting issues on everything from travel and relocation to extracurricular activities and birthday parties.  Believe me, all sorts of things come up!  Coparents can find a million different ways to fight with each other, both before and long, long after their divorces or break ups... The post Common Coparenting Issues: Lifestyle Choices appeared first on Hofheimer Family Law Firm ..read more

Navigating a new coparenting relationship is challenging, even under the best of circumstances.  Most breakups, though, aren’t the best of circumstances. Or maybe – and this is entirely possible – I just have a poor sampling. I do think that’s something you (and probably I) should always consider.  When I speak (or write), I’m thinking... The post Will a parenting app help our communication? appeared first on Hofheimer Family Law Firm ..read more

Making the decision to hire a divorce attorney is a difficult one.  Once you’ve reached the already difficult decision to separate and, eventually, to end your marriage, you have to decide whether or not you’ll hire an attorney to represent you in the divorce and then, if so, whom. I probably don’t need to tell... The post I need a divorce attorney. But who should I hire? appeared first on Hofheimer Family Law Firm ..read more

Sometimes, the most frustrating things about coparenting aren’t even necessarily the legal issues.  Sure, the legal issues themselves can be difficult to resolve but, for many families, once that initial hurdle is crossed, things settle down a bit. That doesn’t mean that all is well and everything is harmonious.  In fact, in many cases –... The post Custody, Coparenting, and Overscheduled Kids appeared first on Hofheimer Family Law Firm ..read more