If you’re a current or retired federal employee who has health insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, you likely know that, as with most other types of health insurance, major life events can warrant a change in your plan. If you’re...
Falls Church Virginia Family Law Blog
How are commingled assets treated in divorce settlements?
In a Virginia divorce, assets are classified as separate, marital or commingled. Separate assets are owned by one spouse before the marriage or acquired individually through inheritance or gifts. They are not typically divided during a divorce. Marital assets, on the...
What if your ex stops paying child support?
Child support payments from the other parent may be crucial for you to provide your child with the things they need. You may rightly be frustrated and upset if your co-parent is not making the payments. So what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? You...
Tips to improve child handover days
Handover days can be some of the most stressful days for parents and children alike. This may be the only time when two parents who were once together come face to face and, especially if the split is fresh, tensions can run high. The following tips can help you make...
Protecting families: Child custody for military personnel in Virginia
The unwavering commitment of military personnel to protect our nation often requires sacrifices, including time away from loved ones. For those with children, deployments and relocations can create unique challenges when it comes to child custody arrangements....
What are the benefits of a judge pro tempore?
A judge pro tempore, also known as a judge pro tem, is a temporary judge, often retired from the bench, who can be hired by the parties, through their lawyers, to preside over a divorce case, instead of a traditional judge assigned randomly upon the filing of a...
How untreated depression can affect parenting
Being a parent can be hugely rewarding, but it isn’t always easy. It requires a lot of patience, energy and emotional stamina. When a parent is struggling with unmanaged depression, the demands of simply being a parent can become overwhelming. Depression affects...
Debunking common myths about child support in Virginia
Child support is a crucial aspect of family law, designed to ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents. However, there are several misconceptions about how child support orders work in Virginia. Here, we attempt to debunk some of...
Do couples split a military pension in a Virginia divorce?
A large portion of military marriages involve one servicemember and one civilian. The servicemember spouse may spend years or even the entirety of the marriage serving in the armed forces. The civilian spouse likely makes numerous sacrifices support the service...
The best interests of the child in Virginia
Determining the best interests of the child is the key factor in all custody cases. While no single rule applies to every situation, Virginia has codified this matter somewhat in §20-124.3 of the Virginia Code. What are the key issues the family courts examine when...