For those currently going through a divorce case or a child support case outside of divorce in Virginia, the issue of child support may be a significant one among the many others you’re facing right now. Thankfully, Virginia uses a series of guidelines to ensure that child support determinations are consistent and fair. These guidelines are consistent enough that calculators are available online which can Read More

Before a Virginia judge passes down a criminal sentence, they must consult a document called the sentencing guidelines, which shows them the past sentences and circumstances of cases for the purpose of sentencing similar cases. Because the circumstances of a crime change, these aren’t hard and fast rules that the judge has to follow, but rather a general guide to reference which will help them decide on an Read More

You may have heard of a DNR, otherwise known as a Do Not Resuscitate order. The DNR is a form you can request through your healthcare provider which ensures you will not be resuscitated in the case of a respiratory or cardiac arrest. While the DNR is a good option, it is very limited in its scope. Thankfully, Virginia has made available Advance Medical Directives, which give you much more control over your medical Read More

Medicaid planning is a vital part of any good estate plan. Most of us will eventually require nursing home care in our old age, and such care is expensive: the average yearly cost for a semi-private room in Virginia is over $90,000, which can deplete your savings fast.  Most private healthcare policies will not cover long-term care costs unless you paid for an applicable rider, and Medicare does not cover such Read More

Divorce is seen, more or less, as an adult matter. And, for the most part, it is. However, any child of divorce can tell you that divorce, child custody, and other legal issues involving minor children are best settled when those children have a legal advocate on their side. Therefore, judges often appoint what’s called a guardian ad litem for cases that involve the welfare of children. The main role of a guardian ad Read More

Travel listing websites like Airbnb and Vrbo have made it easy for the most casual entrepreneurs to set up income-producing assets. Think about that place in the mountains you got from your parents years ago. You might make it up there once or twice a year, but it’s now relatively simple for someone else—complete strangers, really—to book a weekend getaway there. If you own any such properties, you can consider Read More

One divorce-related issue that causes stress, and sometimes contention, is the issue of alimony. Virginia laws refer to this monetary support from one current or former spouse to the other as spousal support.  High-earning spouses are continually worried about having to pay an exorbitant amount of spousal support. Spouses whose careers took a back seat to raising children or otherwise tending to the homefront are Read More

Some call it “underage DUI.” Others call it “baby DUI.” The charge we’re referring to involves drivers under the age of 21 and a stricter blood alcohol content (BAC) standard than the regular 0.08. Underage Virginia drivers who have a BAC of at least .02 but less than .08 will be charged with underage DUI. This charge of underage DUI can also be levied against any underage driver who was witnessed consuming alcohol Read More

Trusts are among the most versatile estate planning documents. Changing the ownership of certain assets (including real estate and cash) can be advantageous for many reasons. One type of trust commonly used by Virginians is a special needs trust (SNT).  The most common type of special needs trusts Virginians use is the third-party special needs trust. This type of SNT is created by a family member of the individual Read More

Going through probate after a loved one dies is nobody’s favorite chore. After mourning the loss of your parent, sibling, or other family member, the numerous responsibilities can feel downright overwhelming. When there is a question about the validity of your loved one’s Will and, as a result, a legal challenge to the document, the agonizing process can be lengthened by months or years.  The good news—depending on Read More