VIRGINIA’S NEW CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES Brian M. Hirsch, Esquire [email protected] New child support guidelines go into effect on July 1, 2025, amending the charts in Virginia Code § 20-108.2. The guidelines had not been increased since 2014. According to...
Elements of a comprehensive prenup
A prenuptial agreement, often referred to as a prenup, is a legal contract that a couple can write up before their marriage. While discussing a prenup might seem unromantic, it's a crucial step that can safeguard individual assets, clarify financial expectations and...
3 Things You Need to Prove to Get a Protective Order
A protective order can be a critical form of protection when facing abuse, threats or harassment. It creates legal boundaries that can help protect individuals from further harm. However, before such an order is issued, the person requesting it must present enough...
Can parental rights be terminated in Virginia?
In Virginia, parental rights can be terminated, but this step is not taken lightly. Courts consider such actions only when supported by clear and convincing evidence that doing so serves the best interests of the child. Termination of parental rights ends all legal...
Can supervised visitation be ordered in Virginia?
In Virginia, the courts may order supervised visitation when concerns exist about a child's safety or well-being during time spent with a parent. This arrangement allows the parent to maintain contact with the child while ensuring a safe environment. What is...
5 common misconceptions about divorce mediation
Divorce mediation is an often-misunderstood practice. Misconceptions sometimes deter individuals from exploring mediation, causing many to miss the potential benefits mediation provides, such as lower costs, greater privacy, and reduced stress compared to traditional...
3 reasons couples facing high-asset divorce choose mediation
Divorce typically becomes more complex as the marital estate grows. People with real property, investments and retirement savings accounts have a lot to discuss when they decide to divorce. The larger the marital estate becomes, the more difficult it may ultimately be...
Can I get out of a prenuptial agreement?
Prenuptial agreements are a good idea for many Virginia couples. A prenuptial agreement allows you to determine how you will divide assets and debts equitably in a divorce, ideally saving you time and money. Under Virginia law, a prenuptial agreement, also called a...
Can you modify your divorce agreement later?
Life doesn’t always stay the same, and sometimes, circumstances change after a divorce. This can lead to questions about whether it's possible to modify the terms of your divorce agreement later on. The good news is that, under certain conditions, you may be able to...
How does Virginia handle luxury property division?
Dividing assets in a divorce can be challenging, especially with luxury property. In Virginia, the court applies equitable distribution, meaning the court divides property fairly, but not always equally. Understanding how luxury items like art, cars, jewelry, and...