Can a family member file for custody or visitation of a child in Virginia?
In Virginia, a person “with a legitimate interest” may file a petition for custody or visitation. Who is a Family Member that Can File for Custody or Visitation? Persons with a legitimate interest includes grandparents, step-grandparents, stepparents, former stepparents, blood relatives and other family members (i.e. adult siblings, aunts, and uncles). The court will […]
Custody Between Same-Sex Couples in Virginia
Virginia now recognizes same-sex marriage and all laws pertaining to custody of children apply to these couples. However, the law is very different when dealing custody issues between couples that are not married. Unique Custody Issues Between Same-Sex Couples in Virginia In the case of Hawkins v. Grese, the Virginia Court of Appeals ruled that […]
Shelter-In-Place: What Does That Mean for Custodial Exchanges?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. Each day, people are having to adapt to constantly changing rules, policies, and advisories.
COVID-19 and Emergency Custody Family Court Opinion
Ontario Family Court Opinion On March 24, 2020, Justice A. Pazaratz of the Hamilton Family Court in Ontario, Canada issued an opinion regarding visitation during the COVID-19 crisis. This opinion has so many great points that we thought we should share its content with you. While we recognize that the opinion reflects that of a […]
Can I Move Out of Virginia with My Child? Custody and Relocation Laws
Husband and Wife married ten years ago. They purchased a home in a Northern Virginia neighborhood and lived in that home the entirety of their marriage. They are both employed in good jobs. They have two children that are attending a public elementary school in their neighborhood. Unfortunately, their marriage does not work and the […]
The Balancing Act of Coronavirus and Co-Parenting in Northern Virginia
Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, here comes a pandemic that has a crippling effect on the economy and divorce proceedings. This has been a game changer in how divorcing families function. Not only are schools closed, but most of the common custody grounds (i.e., public places) are closed too. And, to further […]
COVID-19 – Adjusting to the New Normal with Kids | Marriage Advice
With all the schedule disruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis, there is a good chance that neither you, your co-parent, nor your child are in your comfort zones right now. The co-parenting relationship is already a fragile one. Some of our clients are living in the same home, while others reside in their separate homes. […]
Coronavirus Shelter-In-Place | What Does that Mean for Custodial Exchanges in Virginia?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. Each day, people are having to adapt to constantly changing rules, policies, and advisories. Coronavirus Shelter-In-Place | What Does that Mean for Custodial Exchanges in Virginia? Virginia is not under a shelter-in-place order as of March 25, 2020; however, as COVID-19 outbreaks apex in different […]
The Truth About Child Support in Fairfax, Virginia
Here are some of the most common misconceptions about child support and the truth behind them.