In Virginia, spousal support, also known as alimony, is awarded based on 13 factors listed in Virginia Code Section 20-107.1. However, many of these factors blend into one another and the court tends to only look at a few key issues. Duration of the Marriage: There are a few rules of thumb here. First, it’s pretty rare to have any spousal support awarded in cases where the parties were married less than five years. Second, if the marriage was around twenty years or more, the court will often order spousal support indefinitely (i.e. with no end date). Third, if the length of marriage is somewhe ..read more

Co-parenting during the holidays tends to be a challenge. That said, successfully working with your ex to create harmony will make everything easier for your little one. Even if this goal seems impossible, there is no need to fear. By applying a few time-tested strategies, this period can be nothing short of joyful. Plan ahead Begin preparing for the holidays well in advance. Foster open communication with your ex so that discussing specifics is productive and comfortable. As you nail down the details, be mindful of your offspring’s wishes. Remember that unexpected changes may arise. Each pare ..read more

According to a 2022 report by the US Census Bureau, among 10.9 million one-parent family groups, 38% of fathers and 29% of mothers were previously married and are now divorced. This statistic translates into a large number of homes with child custody orders in place. When you get a divorce, a custody agreement is set up by the court to provide structure and stability for the well-being of your child. If your ex-spouse refuses to follow the order, it is important to know and understand the options available to you. Try to communicate Start by trying to communicate with your co-parent. Misunders ..read more

If your child’s other parent intends to move out of Virginia, you may have questions and concerns about child custody arrangements. In some cases, custody modification can address the potential impact of the move on your child’s well-being. It is important to understand the process of modifying child custody when one parent plans to move out of state. Evaluate the proposed move Consider the potential impact of the move on your child, including factors such as the distance, the reason for the move and how it may affect their routine, school and social life. If the move is relatively close and u ..read more

A Virginia divorce can upend your financial situation, and it may have a significant impact on your retirement savings. Many people facing similar circumstances wonder if they can claim Social Security benefits based on their former spouse’s work record after a divorce. While doing so is possible, there are certain criteria you must meet to be able to do so. Marriage duration The first important factor is the duration of your marriage. To be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your former spouse’s work record, your marriage must have lasted at least ten years. If your marriage laste ..read more

When it comes to wills, there are several common misconceptions that people often have. These wrong ideas can lead to confusion and potentially undesirable outcomes for your assets and family members. Debunking some of these myths is one method of crafting an ironclad will that can benefit your loved ones. Age requirements One common misconception is that wills are only necessary for older individuals. In reality, anyone, regardless of age, should consider having a will. Accidents and unexpected events can happen to anyone, and having a will ensures that people comprehend and respect your wish ..read more

Drunk driving poses a serious risk to not only the intoxicated driver but other motorists as well. It can also lead to significant legal trouble in the form of fines, jail time, license suspension and numerous other penalties. Because the stakes are so high, you must make responsible choices to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. By following a few simple guidelines, you can avoid the many consequences of drunk driving. Plan ahead for transportation Before heading out to any social event or party with alcohol, plan your transportation ahead of time. Arrange for a designated driver ..read more

When parents in Virginia decide to part ways, child custody issues may arise. Joint custody, where both parents share responsibilities for raising their children, is one option that prioritizes a child’s emotional and developmental needs. Joint custody may not be appropriate in all situations. However, many families who adopt this type of time-sharing arrangement find that it offers the following benefits. Emotional stability Joint custody allows children to maintain strong bonds with both parents. Regular interactions with both mother and father help children feel secure, loved and valued. Th ..read more

Getting pulled over by the police can be a stressful experience, particularly if they suspect you of driving under the influence. It is essential to remember that your actions and words during this encounter can significantly impact the outcome. If you find yourself in such a situation, there are certain mistakes you must avoid to prevent exacerbating the situation. Arguing with the officer Stay calm and cooperate with the officer. It is important to remember that arguing or becoming combative will not help your situation. Instead, it can escalate the situation and lead to additional charges ..read more

Navigating a divorce is never easy, and one of the many complexities you may encounter relates to alimony or spousal support. In Virginia, the courts can award alimony to either spouse to provide financial assistance during and after the divorce. However, it is important to understand that alimony is not a guaranteed outcome in every divorce case. Learn about the different types of alimony you may be eligible to receive in a Virginia divorce and gain a better grasp of what to expect during your divorce proceedings. Temporary alimony Temporary alimony, or pendente lite, is support provided whil ..read more