Some family situations may call for a restraining order or protective order, particularly if they involve domestic violence or “family abuse,” as it is called in Virginia. Whether you’re a family abuse victim in need of protection, or you are the one against whom the order is filed, here are answers to questions you may have. For legal advice specific to your case, please consult with a trusted family law attorney at Holcomb Law today by calling (757) 656-1000. What are protective orders in Virginia? In Family Law in Virginia, restraining orders are legally called “protective orders”. There ar ..read more

In many civil disputes or cases of divorce, mediation is a very effective manner to resolve conflict between two parties. However, there are also instances when mediation may not be appropriate. In Virginia, mediation is not mandatory. Each judge has discretion to refer disputing parties to a dispute resolution orientation session, but the Judge cannot order mediation. The disputing parties themselves must voluntarily decide to go through mediation. Is Mediation Required by Virginia Law? No, Virginia law does not require mediation in civil cases. However, judges may recommend it. Virginia Code ..read more

Some people find themselves in a situation where their other half no longer participates in the marriage, fulfills their marital roles, or even acts so cruelly that it prompts thoughts of leaving. These situations can feel like a trap, but could they be enough to initiate a divorce? In Virginia, these scenarios may constitute “constructive desertion” and can be one of the grounds for divorce. Constructive Desertion Definition and Examples Desertion is one of the grounds for divorce in Virginia– but, it doesn’t always mean that the deserting spouse has physically left the residence. “Constructi ..read more

A prenuptial agreement or a premarital agreement, as it’s officially called in Virginia, is a contract at its most basic form. This means that any prenuptial agreement established and enforced in Virginia must adhere to the standards of contract law. A prenuptial agreement is defined under Virginia Code § 20-148 as an agreement between engaged couples that starts on the day they marry. A prenuptial agreement is signed by prospective spouses “in contemplation of marriage,” which means they negotiate and sign it with an eye on what will take place after they marry. Who gets protected by a prenup ..read more

Best Places to Work in Virginia: Holcomb Law was recently named as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in Virginia. The annual list of the Best Places to Work in Virginia was created by Virginia Business Magazine and Best Companies Group. This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Virginia, benefiting the state’s economy, workforce, and businesses. The 2023 Best Places to Work in Virginia list is made up of 100 companies. To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirement ..read more

You’ve taken the first step towards getting some answers and help on your matter and you have set an appointment for an initial consultation. You’ve filled out the information the firm has requested, but is there anything else you can do to be ready for your meeting with the attorney? What will help you get the most out of your consultation? Well, here are a few tips that could make your consultation a more productive one: WRITE your questions down! You may not know everything you need to ask, but you probably have some questions that have already started to form. Write them down and bring to ..read more

A standard custody agreement gives parents certain basic rights and a certain amount of set time with their children. In most cases, a standard agreement grants one parent custody and the other parent visitation rights. The details of co-parenting are spelled out in a custody agreement (also known as a parenting plan). It assists parents in managing their rights and obligations, meeting the needs of their children, preventing or resolving conflicts, and making long-term plans. In Virginia, parents are highly urged to prepare a parenting plan in each custody case. Parents frequently include a p ..read more

Some marriages end long before divorce. The couple may have already decided to split their property, live apart, and move on from the relationship even with no divorce decree. If you are in this situation, it may feel like an appropriate time to date someone else. However, doing so may come with legal repercussions. The first thing to remember is that if the divorce decree is not yet final, the two spouses are still legally married. Getting romantically involved with someone else during this period can constitute adultery, even if the two parties have lived apart for a while. This is sometimes ..read more

Due to the complex assets owned by the parties and the difficulty in gathering the essential financial documents, high-net-worth divorces in Virginia are more expensive and problematic than regular divorces. While the same Virginia statutes govern high net worth divorces as ordinary divorces (Code of Virginia 20-91), it is still vital to know some of the typical problems that affect high net worth divorces. While couples with a high net worth will still be able to file for divorce using the same fault-based or no-fault procedures as couples with lower incomes, there are a few factors to bear i ..read more

Yorktown, Virginia May 10, 2022: Holcomb Law has been named to Inc. magazine’s annual Best Workplaces list. Featured in the May/June 2022 issue, hitting newsstands on May 17, 2022, and prominently featured on Inc.com, the list is the result of a comprehensive measurement of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company culture, whether operating in a physical or virtual facility. This is the second time Holcomb Law has won Inc.s’ Best Workplaces award, previously winning in 2019. It is the award that means the most to founder and president, Wayne Hol ..read more