Question: Can I file for Virginia custody, visitation, or support on my own if I can’t afford an attorney? Answer: Yes, you may petition the Court and file for custody, visitation or support on your own as a “Pro Se” litigant (i.e. without a lawyer). This is done by contacting your local Court Services Unit Intake Office to schedule an …
There are two types of custody in Virginia, and in custody cases, both must be decided upon. This decision can be an agreement by the parents, and then approved by the Court, or can be solely decided by a judge. To ensure you achieve what is most important to you in your custody case, you should first know what custody …
I hear this question during nearly every one of my custody consults that involves children over a certain age. When can a child decide which parent to live with in a Virginia custody case? I wish I could give a clear answer, but the fact is, in Virginia, there really is no “magic age” that a child can decide which …
Oftentimes, people think child support is based on one factor – how much the noncustodial parent makes. While that certainly is a part of the calculation of the monthly obligation, there are actually several factors that can affect the child support amount owed to custodial parents, these factors include, but are not limited to: The number of children the monthly …
A big part of my job involves defending my clients who have been charged with a crime or traffic violation. Oftentimes, however, this can be avoided. We get several calls from clients saying they were first pulled over for an expired registration, which then led to the officer, for example, finding a small amount of marijuana. A simple (and relatively …
A common law marriage is essentially the decision that you and your partner are married, without actually legally being married. Common law marriages in Virginia are one of those rumors that people actually believe. Despite the fact that Virginia does not practice common law marriages, there are 10 states that do. Thus, Virginia will recognize common law marriages as valid …
Virginia law now requires any individual who is convicted of a DUI to have an ignition interlock system installed in their vehicle in order to drive on a restricted license. But, what is an ignition interlock system? Interlock devices are installed directly in the ignition system of the car and determines the blood alcohol content (BAC) of an individual. In …
If you are currently finding it to be nearly impossible to communicate with your ex regarding your children – trust me, you are not alone! Oftentimes, during a divorce or break-up, emotions run high and children can be used as pawns to exact revenge against the other parent. You may have tried, and tried, and tried again, but you just …
There are several things you should do immediately following an automobile accident. This week, we are going to give you a brief outline of things you must do after you find yourself in an accident. Take photos of the vehicles involved Do not make statements to anyone about injuries (especially on social media) Be evaluated by a physician Contact your …
Let’s say you’ve been to court for a criminal matter or traffic offense like reckless driving, but you don’t like the decision of the Judge. Do you have to accept that decision? The short answer is no. If, in a lower court (Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court or General District Court), the Judge makes a decision that you don’t agree …