Divorce can be a messy process that takes a toll on you emotionally, physically, and financially. It is not just about dividing assets and selling your home. It is essential that you understand the legal aspects of it, including your responsibilities and obligations towards your estate. One thing you might overlook during this process is your estate plan. An estate plan is a document that outlines your wishes for distributing your assets and property when you die, and it is crucial to update it after a divorce. This blog post will explain why you need to update your estate plan after a divorce ..read more

If you are going through divorce in North Carolina, it can raise several challenges. Even if you have successfully litigated and fought for child custody and visitation, child support, alimony or spousal support, and the division of the marital assets through equitable distribution, there may still be more that needs to be done.  During the equitable distribution phase of your case the court will decide how all marital assets are going to be divided; this will include dividing the marital home, cars, bank accounts, and retirement accounts.  If you or someone that you know has been th ..read more

Are you considering estate planning but feeling hesitant about delving into the details? While it may not be the most enjoyable task, working with a Virginia Beach trust and estate planning attorney is crucial to ensure your affairs are in order. Estate planning encompasses creating wills, medical directives, powers of attorney, and trusts, but one aspect is often overlooked: managing digital accounts. In today’s digital age, overlooking digital legacy planning can lead to significant complications for your loved ones. Handling these after your passing can be overwhelming with the average pers ..read more

Melone Hatley, PC had eight lawyers selected by their professional peers for inclusion in Virginia Business magazine’s 2023 Legal Elite, published in the December 2023 issue. The firm’s lawyers were honored in 3 Legal Elite categories. “As a relatively small firm, we were honored to have so many of our attorneys recognized by their peers for their great work. Even more impressive, at least one attorney from each one of our Virginia offices was recognized.” Firm owner Rebecca Melone said. To read the full publication, click here: Virginia Business The post Virginia Business Magazine Names 8 Mel ..read more

Having children is one of life’s most joyful experiences for countless people in the US today. As a parent, however, you might worry that something may happen one day that leads to your children being taken away from you. This fear can become a reality if the other parent is fighting for custody. Virginia law requires courts to make custody determinations based on a child’s best interests. This involves determining who, in the court’s view, is best able to care for the child. If you are involved in a child custody dispute, you need a family law attorney who can fight for your rights as a paren ..read more

Divorce is an unpleasant reality for many people in North Carolina. The divorce rate in 2021 was 3.2 per 1000 people, an increase compared to the previous year. Divorces are most likely to happen in January around the holiday season, but they can, of course, occur at any time of the year. If you are looking for legal assistance with divorce, the North Carolina divorce attorneys at Melone Hatley, P.C. can assist in the process. Our divorce attorneys have extensive experience with divorce cases in the state and can offer clear and practical advice to help simplify the more complicated aspects of ..read more

Separation is a life-altering event that often necessitates the division and sale of assets acquired during the course of a marriage. This process can be emotionally challenging, as it involves untangling the intertwined financial lives of two individuals. Navigating the division and sale of assets during separation requires careful consideration, communication, and a focus on achieving a fair and equitable resolution. The first step in the process is to comprehensively understand the assets that need to be divided and potentially sold. These assets could include real estate properties, vehicl ..read more

Divorce is a life-altering event that can have far-reaching consequences, particularly in the realm of personal finances. The dissolution of a marriage often involves the division of assets, changes in income, potential alimony or child support payments, and a myriad of other financial considerations. Understanding and navigating these financial impacts is crucial to safeguarding one’s financial future during and after the divorce process. Division of Assets One of the most significant financial aspects of divorce is the division of assets. Marital property, acquired during the course of the m ..read more

Facing separation or divorce can be stressful and overwhelming for all involved, especially if it involves allegations of adultery. Military members are held to a higher standard of conduct than civilians and can face legal repercussions for committing adultery, even while divorcing their spouse. However, recently the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) has changed some of its guidelines surrounding adultery cases. Learn about the military’s policies regarding adultery, how they have changed, and how an adultery charge may impact your divorce. If you have questions or are dealing with adul ..read more

When it comes to estate planning – clarity rules. Aretha Franklin’s passing resulted in drawn out litigation over the past 4 years that has finally ended with a two-day trial. Ms. Franklin handwrote a will in 2014 that was located in her couch and has been determined to be controlling of her estate. When the icon initially passed away, it was believed she did not have a will or trust in place. According to the intestate laws in Michigan, her four sons would have divided her estate in equal shares. After the matter was opened, two handwritten documents were located in Ms. Franklin’s home, one ..read more