Unmarried couples face many of the same estate planning concerns as married couples. However, married couples can use more advantageous estate planning strategies than unmarried couples. Estate planning attorneys Jason Smolen and Dan Ruttenberg say this means unmarried couples must engage in special planning to ensure that their decisions regarding […] Read more »
While no child imagines a world where their parents aren’t together, divorce is becoming increasingly common – almost 50% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce or separation. Divorce is already a tough and emotionally taxing process so, when it comes to telling your children about an upcoming separation, […] Read more »
The ending of a romantic relationship between two people doesn’t end their relationship as parents. Many questions are raised about what will happen to a child after a divorce or the separation of the parents: Who will the child stay with? For how long? How will they be disciplined? Who […] Read more »
It’s the perfect time to think about some (realistic) New Year’s resolutions for 2022. Typically, many of us gravitate toward resolutions like losing weight, saving money, and traveling more. Reevaluating your estate plan may not seem as glamorous, but it serves as an achievable and important long-term goal for you […] Read more »
SmolenPlevy is delighted to announce that Daniel Ruttenberg was selected by Washingtonian for its 2022 ‘Top Lawyers’ list in estate planning. The award listing is compiled by Washingtonian’s editorial staff who completes a comprehensive research process and surveys nearly 1,000 attorneys to determine which lawyers should be included on this […] Read more »
We are proud to announce that SmolenPlevy is a 2023 Best Law Firm, as awarded by U.S. News & World Report, in combination with Best Lawyers. This is the ninth consecutive year SmolenPlevy is honored with this award. This year, SmolenPlevy received its second National ranking in the area of […] Read more »
Arlington Magazine recognizes Jason Smolen, Alan Plevy, and Daniel Ruttenberg as 2022 Top Attorneys in the northern Virginia area. 2022 Top Attorneys Jason Smolen, Trusts and Estates Alan Plevy, Family Law Daniel Ruttenberg, Trusts and Estates Recipients of the Top Attorneys award by Arlington Magazine are the area’s most respected […] Read more »
When the marriage ends, there’s an often overlooked and easier way to avoid court. Try mediation instead, says Alan Plevy, principal at SmolenPlevy in Vienna, Virginia. From child custody and property distribution to alimony and joint financial accounts, a divorce requires a lot of hard decisions. A trained mediator can […] Read more »
SmolenPlevy Principals Jason Smolen, Alan Plevy, Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson, and Daniel Ruttenberg are recognized as 2023 Best Lawyers. They will each be featured in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers In America by U.S. News & World Reports. Nominated by their peers, this award highlights the firm’s attorneys for their outstanding excellence in the areas of […] Read more »
SmolenPlevy is proud to announce that Principal Alan Plevy has been named the 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” in Washington D.C. for Family Law Arbitration by Best Lawyers. This award is only given to one attorney in each category in the D.C. area. Mr. Plevy will be featured in the […] Read more »
Estate planning is likely not the first thing on your to-do list after a major life change occurs. However, big events like a marriage, birth, divorce or death are often good reminders to review your beneficiary designations named in your life insurance policies and ensure they are up to date […] Read more »
If you’re the owner of a small business, you may think of your tight-knit group of employees as a family. SmolenPlevy Principals Jason Smolen and Dan Ruttenberg say it’s critical to be aware of possible unintended tax consequences if you wish to include them as beneficiaries in your estate plan. Read more »
Mediation is a great way to solve traditional legal disputes and can be a much cheaper, quicker, and more pleasant process than litigation. Not too many people are very familiar with mediation, however, and most people have questions about whether the process is right for them. Mediation is an informal […] Read more »
For many people, leaving a legacy for their children, grandchildren, and future generations is an important goal of the estate plan. Providing for their educational needs is a great way to ensure financial security for their future. A 529 plan can be a highly effective tool for funding tuition and […] Read more »
It’s an annual rite of spring — children are eagerly anticipating the end of the school year and the start of their summer break. The same can’t be said for a number of divorced or separated parents. Summer vacation can deteriorate into a very stressful, chaotic and combative time for parents who share custody, as well as a confusing time for their children. This nightmarish scenario can be avoided. Read more »
