Practice Areas

Child Custody & Visitation

In Virginia, custody and visitation determinations are made according to the "best interests of the child." Custody involves two distinct components: legal custody (the responsibility to make decisions for the child's care, control, and education) and physical custody (where the child primarily resides). Ideally, the parents will agree on custody and visitation arrangements. When they cannot, the courts will make determinations based on numerous factors including the child's preferences, each parent's relationship with the child, the stability of each home environment, and the ability of each parent to meet the child's needs. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating custody agreements, crafting parenting plans, and litigating custody disputes. We will help protect your parental rights while ensuring your children's best interests remain at the forefront of all decisions.

Child Support

In Virginia, child support is calculated using statutory guidelines based on the combined gross income of both parents and the number of children requiring support. The guidelines establish a presumptive amount of support, though the court may deviate from this amount based on various factors. Understanding how these calculations work and ensuring all relevant income is properly considered is critical. Our attorneys will analyze your specific financial situation, challenge improper income calculations when necessary, and work to ensure that child support awards are fair, appropriate, and properly reflect each parent's financial capacity. Whether seeking modification of existing support orders or establishing initial support obligations, we provide experienced legal guidance.

Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce is a teamwork approach to resolving the problems of divorce and related issues with dignity and civility. In a Collaborative divorce, both parties and their attorneys commit to reaching a settlement without going to court. Each party signs an agreement acknowledging that the attorneys will withdraw if the Collaborative process fails and the case must be litigated. This commitment creates strong incentive for settlement. The Collaborative process often involves working with other professionals such as financial planners, child specialists, and mental health professionals as needed. This approach typically results in better outcomes for families, preserves relationships when appropriate, and costs significantly less than traditional litigation. Our attorneys are trained Collaborative law practitioners who will guide you through this constructive process.

Divorce

The divorce process in Virginia can be initiated through the filing of a Complaint in the Circuit Court, most often in the jurisdiction where the parties last lived together. Virginia recognizes both fault-based grounds for divorce (including adultery, cruelty, desertion, and constructive desertion) and no-fault grounds (living separate and apart for the requisite statutory period). The choice of grounds can have significant implications on spousal support and property division. Once a divorce is initiated, numerous issues must be addressed including child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and debt allocation. Our attorneys provide expert representation through every stage of the divorce process, from initial consultation through final decree, and will advocate for your rights and interests at every step.

Equitable Distribution / Property Division

Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, based on numerous statutory factors. Only marital property is subject to equitable distribution; separate property (property owned before marriage or acquired by gift or inheritance) generally remains with the owning spouse. Determining what property is marital, what is separate, and how to fairly divide complex assets such as retirement accounts, businesses, and real property requires careful analysis and often expert valuations. Our attorneys have extensive experience in all aspects of property division, including valuation of complex assets, tracing of separate property, and negotiation of equitable divisions. We will work to ensure a fair division of marital property and assets that protects your financial interests.

Estate Planning

Protecting your family's future through comprehensive estate planning is one of the most important decisions you can make. Estate planning involves creating essential documents including wills, trusts, powers of attorney for financial matters, and advance medical directives. A well-crafted estate plan ensures that your wishes regarding property distribution are carried out, minimizes estate taxes, avoids probate when appropriate, and provides for the care of minor children. Our attorneys work with clients to understand their goals and create customized estate plans that reflect their values and priorities. Whether you need a simple will or a complex trust arrangement, we will help you create a plan that protects your family and legacy.

Litigation

When your family law matter requires courtroom advocacy, our experienced trial attorneys are fully prepared to provide strong, effective representation on your behalf. Family law litigation can involve custody disputes, contested divorces, child support modifications, spousal support determinations, and numerous other family law issues. Successful family law litigation requires not only knowledge of the law but also practical trial experience and persuasive advocacy skills. Our attorneys have tried numerous cases before judges throughout Virginia and have the experience and confidence to effectively advocate for your interests in the courtroom. We prepare thoroughly for trial and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Mediation / Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution can provide a more efficient and amicable path to resolving family law disputes. In mediation, a neutral third party (the mediator) meets with both parties and their attorneys to facilitate negotiation and settlement. The mediator does not make decisions but rather helps the parties communicate more effectively and find common ground. Mediation can save significant time and money compared to litigation, allows the parties greater control over the outcome, and often results in better compliance with agreements. Our attorneys are experienced mediators who can serve as neutral third parties facilitating mediation, or we can advocate for you as your attorney during a mediation session with another mediator.

Premarital / Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial (or premarital) agreement is a contract entered into before marriage that addresses financial and property rights in the event of death or divorce. A well-drafted prenuptial agreement can protect both parties' interests, clarify expectations regarding property and finances, and provide certainty in the event of dissolution of the marriage. Prenuptial agreements are particularly valuable when one or both parties have significant assets, own a business, have children from previous relationships, or have different financial situations. Our attorneys will help you create a clear, fair, and enforceable prenuptial agreement that addresses your specific concerns while ensuring the agreement complies with all Virginia legal requirements for enforceability.

Property Settlement Agreements

A property settlement agreement is a comprehensive contract that addresses all issues related to the dissolution of a marriage, including property division, spousal support, child custody, child support, and debt allocation. These agreements allow parties to resolve their divorce without trial, providing certainty, privacy, and typically significant cost savings. A well-drafted property settlement agreement clearly addresses all marital issues and protects the interests of both parties. Our attorneys have extensive experience drafting and negotiating these critical documents. We will ensure that your agreement clearly reflects your understanding, protects your interests, and complies with all Virginia legal requirements.

Spousal Support / Alimony

Spousal support (also called maintenance or alimony) is a payment from one spouse to another following separation or divorce. Virginia law provides for both temporary spousal support (during the divorce process) and permanent spousal support (following the divorce). Spousal support determinations in Virginia consider many factors including the duration of the marriage, each party's age and physical health, the standard of living established during the marriage, each party's earning capacity and financial resources, and the contributions of each party to the marriage. These determinations can be complex and highly fact-specific. Our attorneys will help you navigate these complex calculations, advocate for a fair outcome, and when appropriate, negotiate reasonable spousal support agreements.