During such a rough time in your life, it’s natural to be protective of the less-than-desirable parts of your relationship. Sharing those intimate details with a lawyer, a person you only just met, can feel uneasy. Yet, in the face of divorce, being transparent with...
Preparing yourself emotionally for divorce mediation
Divorce mediation offers a simpler, more amicable and more constructive approach to ending a marriage than litigation. However, taking this path does not mean that your emotions won’t surface during the process. Preparedness is key to staying focused on your end goal...
Tips for divorcing a narcissist
Divorcing a narcissist can be a challenging process. The unique traits of narcissism, such as a lack of empathy, a need for admiration and a tendency towards manipulative behaviors, can exacerbate the difficulties typically associated with divorce. Preparation,...
What is a no-fault divorce versus a fault divorce?
A spouse can file for divorce in Virginia based on either fault or no-fault grounds. A no-fault divorce refers to one where neither spouse is responsible for the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The couple could not make the marriage work anymore. A no-fault...
How can a Virginia divorce affect benefits like Medicare?
Someone who is preparing for divorce later in life will have a lot of questions. The longer a marriage lasts, the more shared resources people need to divide when they divorce. One spouse may worry that their share of the marital estate will not be enough to maintain...
How quickly can someone obtain an uncontested Virginia divorce?
It is all but impossible to predict the timeline for a litigated Virginia divorce. The volume of current cases demanding the attention of a Virginia family law judge is one key factor. The number of disputed terms that a judge must review is another main...
How much do co-parents need to listen to each other?
Open communication is the foundation of a healthy marriage. It fosters mutual respect and understanding of a couple’s thoughts and feelings. Unfortunately, divorce can significantly disrupt marital connections. While it is crucial for ex-spouses to agree in...
Should you litigate if your spouse refuses to cooperate?
Divorce litigation is often necessary when spouses cannot settle on the terms and conditions of their divorce. Although mediation would be a more practical alternative, you may benefit from a trial if your spouse is being unreasonable and refuses to cooperate....
How does mediation work in a divorce case?
Each year, thousands of divorcing couples in Virginia use mediation to help settle their legal differences. Many of our readers who are on the verge of going through a divorce may be thinking that mediation could be an option for them too. How does divorce mediation...
How much alimony might one spouse pay the other in Virginia?
The financial obligations of one spouse to another can lead to protected family court conflict in some cases. Most couples do not have a pre-existing agreement in place that addresses alimony, and they will, therefore, need to either negotiate an arrangement while...