Family Law Services

Divorce

Divorce raises many questions during a challenging time, and our clients depend on us to provide solutions. The areas that need to be resolved in most matrimonial actions are division of property, alimony, and if there are children, custody and child support. Read More.

Custody and Visitation

Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with matters of child custody and visitation. We understand the importance of the relationship between you and your children. Child custody issues can involve parents, grandparents, social workers, judges, or guardians ad litem. Read More.

Child Support

In contested cases, child support is determined in two phases. In the first phase, child support can be obtained on an emergency or temporary basis. This stands until the second phase, in which a court has the opportunity to rule on custody and all other factors that go into determining an appropriate support award. Read More.

Alimony

We have extensive experience with the establishment, modification, and enforcement of alimony, also know as spousal support or spousal maintenance. We are adept at analyzing the factors considered by courts in determining the amount and duration of alimony. Read More.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Some couples wish to fix their respective rights and obligations by entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Entering into such an agreement can protect an individual and provide greater certainty should the marriage terminate or upon the passing of one of the partners. Read More.

Adoptions

The Virginia adoption process is complex. Whether adopting a step-child, adopting directly from a birth parent, or working with an adoption agency, adoptive parents need to make sure that they comply with all the formalities. Read More.

Litigation

The backbone of a successful negotiation in any company is the ability to have your position expertly presented to a court when necessary. We have experience representing our clients before all local, state and federal courts in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Read More.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a co-parenting coordinator and why would I consider one?

A co-parenting coordinator is a neutral third party whose ultimate goal is to reduce the conflict between the parties and set up a process through which the parents can resolve issues without the co-parenting coordinator’s intervention. Used judiciously, a co-parenting coordinator can be an effective and cost-efficient tool for divorced parents.

Can grandparents and siblings petition for child visitation in Virginia?

The Commonwealth of Virginia does allow relatives with a “legitimate interest” in maintaining a relationship with the minor child to petition for visitation.

Should we include paying for back-to-school supplies in our co-parenting plan?

Because these kinds of payment questions aren’t answered by child support orders, this is the time for a solid co-parenting plan. Back-to-school is the second most expensive season of the year (after the end of year holidays), and few people can anticipate all the out-of-pocket expenses.

Do grandparents and siblings have custody rights in Virginia?

The Commonwealth of Virginia allows persons with a “legitimate interest” in maintaining a relationship with the minor child the opportunity to petition for custody.

How should co-parents handle debates on vacation and vaccination plans?

Each family will encounter a different set of circumstances regarding vacations and vaccinations. It is essential to consider your individual child when making joint decisions. Maintaining flexibility and open lines of communication are necessary for co-parents as they navigate another summer vacation season during a global pandemic and the imminent vaccination debate.

How is the pandemic affecting child visitation?

There are many issues that play a factor in considering visitation during the coronavirus pandemic. A major one being each parent’s location. Depending on where the parent’s live, the child may have to travel to visit the other parent. Normally it is not a huge issue, but it has recently become exasperated due to the variation of rules states have because of COVID-19 protections. The most important thing to keep in mind is to maintain the child’s safety. You can learn more about this in our article here.

How can parents navigate child custody during the holidays under COVID-19?

It all comes down to serious detailed planning, as early as possible. While communication between estranged or divorced parents may be difficult, they need to understand that it’s critical to co-parent. Parents need to do everything they can to avoid intensifying their children’s stress or loyalty conflicts during the holidays. You can find tips for how to plan and navigate the holidays in our article here.

How is the pandemic affecting child support and alimony payments?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone, but you must communicate with the recipient and try your best to make child support and/or alimony payments. You can find tips for navigating this situation on our article here.