News Releases
As Schwarzenegger Split Demonstrates: Baby Boomers Breaking-Up in Record Numbers
Maria and Arnold Schwarzenegger just announced their split after 25 years of marriage. The news of the power couple’s separation was unexpected to most—unless you are a divorce attorney swamped right now with calls from clients looking to “untie the knot.” Family law attorneys at SmolenPlevy in Vienna, Virginia say they are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of older couples deciding on divorce, often after decades of marriage.
Legally Speaking, Does Adultery Still Matter in Divorce Proceedings?
Divorce attorneys question pursuit of cheating spouse. Larry King, Jesse James, Tiger Woods, Tiki Barber, David Letterman. Every day, there seems to be a new headline about a famous (or infamous) accused cheating spouse. But while infidelity remains salacious to TMZ and scandalous to most, prominent divorce attorneys wonder whether adultery remains the right route when it comes to legal divorce filings.
Whether it’s Mel Gibson or Your Own (EX) Spouse, When is it OK to Record Their Verbal Rants?
SmolenPlevy Family Law attorneys explain the hows and whys of recording verbal abuse.The recent recordings of what sounds to be Mel Gibson berating his ex-girlfriend bring to light a serious legal issue faced by many: When can someone legally record the verbal abuse and threats made by a spouse or significant other?
Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson Named One of Virginia’s Legal Elite
Virginia Business magazine has named Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson, a principal of SmolenPlevy of Vienna, Virginia, as a member of Virginia’s Legal Elite. In cooperation with the Virginia Bar Association, Virginia Business magazine asked lawyers throughout the Commonwealth to nominate the best in their profession in 15 categories. Legal peers selected Ms. Dickerson as one of the top “Young Lawyers (under 40)”.
D.C. Area Business Attorney Named Legal Elite by Smart CEO Magazine
When it comes to business law, attorney Jason Smolen of SmolenPlevy in Vienna, Virginia, rates high in Greater Washington. Smart CEO magazine asked their readers to recommend go-to attorneys in business law and Jason Smolen made the “Legal Elite Reader’s Poll 2009″.
High Profile Cases Shed Light on Elder Abuse and Guardianship
A New York jury recently convicted 85-year old Anthony Marshall and his estate attorney on charges of defrauding Marshall’s now deceased mother, New York socialite Brook Astor. Jason Smolen, a principal with SmolenPlevy, says this case has shed much needed light on a growing national crisis of elder abuse. “We’ve seen it too many times. Elderly individuals work and save their entire lives, only to fall prey to financial abuse,” says estate attorney Jason Smolen.
Trending Down: More Divorced Parents Asking for Changes in Child Support Payments
SmolenPlevy family law attorneys Alan Plevy and Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson report a dramatic increase in the number of clients seeking modifications in their child support payments. Lost jobs, reduced salaries and bonuses along with unexpected furloughs have all contributed to parents looking to pay less.
Asian-American Women Fear Seeking Divorce
The divorce rate among Asian Americans is nearly half that of the general population. But to divorce attorney Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson, a partner at SmolenPlevy in Vienna, VA, the low figure spotlights a serious problem. At issue: community pressure that keep Asian women from seeking divorces. “This low divorce rate may actually reflect some very negative and disturbing realities,” says Dickerson.
You’ve Decided on Divorce…Now What?
Nobody gets married expecting to file for divorce. But life happens. Whether it is infidelity, spousal abuse, or you’ve just outgrown each other, deciding to get a divorce is one of the most painful decisions a person can make. Named one of the best divorce attorneys by Washingtonian Magazine, Attorney Alan Plevy of Smolen Plevy offers the first steps that should follow this life changing decision.
Top DC Family Law Attorney Warns Recession Adding to Divorce Woes
Breaking up is harder to do, thanks to the failing economy. Couples who were considering divorce are finding it’s cheaper to stay together, even if they can’t stand each other. But cheaper isn’t better. Alan Plevy of Smolen Plevy in Vienna, Virginia was just named one of the region’s best divorce attorneys by Washingtonian magazine. He says couples are wrestling with critical issues as they deal with divorce and the changing financial scene, and the answers aren’t easy.
Recession Survival Guide: Estate Planning Critical Now More than Ever
During tough economic times, many Americans are grappling with how and where to cut expenses. One of the last things people want to spend money on is estate planning. But according to attorneys with SmolenPlevy in Vienna, Virginia, putting off difficult decisions regarding disability, illness and death could cost you and your family much more in the long run. So paying several hundred dollars now could save thousands down the road.
The Divorce Attorney Who Handles “Classified” Divorce Cases
In Virginia, as in many states, adultery is the one of the few causes on which you can file for divorce without having to live separate and apart for at least a year. While it may be true that your spouse is having an affair, proving it in court is difficult. “There’s a big difference between truth and proof,” explains Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson, a partner at SmolenPlevy in Vienna, Virginia. “You have to produce admissible evidence to prove it in court.”
Truth vs. Proof: What Matters in Court When Dealing With Infidelity
In Virginia, as in many states, adultery is the one of the few causes on which you can file for divorce without having to live separate and apart for at least a year. While it may be true that your spouse is having an affair, proving it in court is difficult. “There’s a big difference between truth and proof,” explains Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson, a partner at SmolenPlevy in Vienna, Virginia. “You have to produce admissible evidence to prove it in court.”
Workouts: The Stimulus Package for Struggling Small Businesses
Banks, automakers and insurance companies are in line for bailouts. But is there similar help available for small businesses hit by the economic downtown, where owners are struggling to keep up with growing debt payments? Attorneys Jason Smolen and Daniel Ruttenberg of SmolenPlevy in Vienna, Virginia suggest the answer is a workout.
The Verdict: Small is “The New Big” for Law Firms
The recession is forcing many to rethink whether big equals better, especially when it comes to law firms. The economy is tight and budgets are even tighter, but cost is just one factor that is encouraging people to look at smaller law firms. Trust, speed, passion and no bureaucracy are also reasons boutique law firms are becoming “the new big.”
Alan Plevy Named One of DC’s Best Divorce Attorneys
Alan Plevy is one of the best divorce attorneys in the Washington, DC area, according to a new article in Washingtonian. The magazine has just published its much sought-after list of 88 top names of Best Divorce Attorneys.
SmolenPlevy Law Firm Issues Tips on Firing Staff During an Economic Downturn
Small businesses are feeling the same economic pressures as large corporations to lay off employees. The Washington, DC-area law firm Smolen Plevy says it’s vital for employers to know the proper legal steps to take when firing staff in order to protect themselves from costly legal action.
Affluent Parents Demand Prenups for their Engaged Children
Two’s company, threes a crowd. That’s no more evident than in this latest trend. With the masses of baby boomers who have become affluent, they are insisting on prenups for their children to keep the money in the family. Attorney Kathryn Dickerson explains this growing trend and the impact it can have on the bride and groom-to-be.
Post Divorce: The Pros and Cons of a Professional Decision-Maker for the Children
Parenting after a divorce can be challenging for a mother and father who may be at odds…But there’s a new trend of co-parenting counselors: professionals trained to help parents during the difficult transition out of a marriage. Their role is to help reduce conflict–but can they really help–and can they be counted on for too much?
Co-Habitating Homeowners Hit by Mortgage Crisis
Breaking is hard to do especially when you have shared fincial interests and you’re not married. This group is known as POSSLQ which stands for “People of the Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters”. These unmarried homeowners are discovering they do not have the same legal rights as their married counterparts.
SmolenPlevy Law Firm Gives Back with George Mason University Scholarship Program for Out-of-State Students
Helping the next generation…. Cofounding principles Alan Plevy and Jason Smolen created the prestigious Smolen Plevy Scholarship at George Mason University School of Law. Alan and Jason met at George Mason and feel it’s important to help students financially so they too will have the chance to thrive at the college that gave them their start.
The Challenges of Passing the Family Business to the Next Generation
When business gets personal. Cofounding principle Jason Smolen has noticed a dramatic increase in the number of businesses passed from one generation to the next as more baby boomers are retiring. Smolen, a noted expert on business succession planning provides invaluable advice on the ins and outs of this possibly touchy transaction.
