There are few things more emotionally charged than divorce–especially when children are involved. Parents want what’s best for their kids. But anger and stress mean that emotions run high–and children can get caught in the crossfire. You want to make sure your rights as a parent are protected while shielding your children from the ugly side of the process. The good news is that you can take steps to make divorce easier for both adults and children. Choosing the right lawyer is at the top of the list. Protecting the best interests of children is a cornerstone of family law. A skilled attorney … [Read more...] about What Can I Do to Make Divorce Easier on My Kids?

Beyond a reasonable doubt. Those four words are the cornerstone of the American criminal justice system. They express the standard a prosecutor must meet to convict someone of a crime. If you’ve committed a crime, you’re entitled to a fair trial and a robust criminal defense–even if you’re guilty. It’s one of the founding principles of American democracy and part of the code of conduct defense attorneys live by. If you’re charged with a crime, it’s essential to be truthful with your defense attorney. A professional attorney understands that criminal cases are complicated. Their role is to … [Read more...] about Should I Tell My Lawyer the Truth About Everything? 

When you need a lawyer, finding a good fit is vital. Whether it’s a criminal case or a family law case like divorce, setting a tone for trust and communication is a necessary first step. The initial consultation gives your legal team a chance to get to know you. It also gives you a sense of how we operate. Our experienced lawyers will guide the process with essential questions, and we encourage clients to ask questions, too. It fosters communication and lays the groundwork for preparing your case. Both criminal and family law cases often come with stress and confusion. Our team can help reduce … [Read more...] about What Should I Expect At An Initial Consultation With A Lawyer? 

Let’s face it: death is tough to think about and often even harder to talk about. But it’s something every adult needs to do. Getting your last wishes in order brings you peace of mind and reduces the burden on your loved ones and heirs. Putting estate planning and medical directives in place ensures that your wishes are followed in the event of illness, injury, or death. Yes, it’s unpleasant and hard to tackle. But no one is ever sorry they did it. Here’s a look at some essential tools for healthcare and estate planning: The List of Important Documents Will: your last will and testament … [Read more...] about Our Suggested List of Important Papers Everyone Should Have in Order

It’s a challenging process to get legal charges removed or sealed in Virginia. But it’s absolutely doable if you meet certain criteria and have a good lawyer. For now, Virginia courts sometimes clear charges when the accused is acquitted or the case is dismissed. And in the next few years, Virginia laws will expand expungement to include some misdemeanor and low-level felony convictions. Whether you’re convicted of a crime or charged and acquitted, it’s crucial to know the ins and outs of the legal system to clear your name. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to make the … [Read more...] about How Can I Get Legal Charges Removed From My Record?

Thanks to a 1967 Supreme Court ruling, youth and children have the right to an attorney in juvenile court. However, children and families don’t always understand the process or the need for legal representation. The days when authorities let kids accused of minor offenses go with a slap on the wrist are long gone. Juvenile convictions can have serious consequences. Families need a legal team that understands the system and can help young people avoid carrying the weight of a teenage mistake for life. Hire an attorney the day your child is arrested and rely on their expertise throughout the … [Read more...] about Do Juvenile Offenders Need an Attorney? 

An adoption is a joyful event. One blogger aptly describes it as “the happy side of family law.” It means providing a permanent and loving home for kids, allowing them to become full legal members of their new family. But as anyone who has been through the process will confirm, the adoption process has its share of complexities, headaches and bureaucracy. Just like marriage and divorce, adoption is a legal process that goes through your local court system. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced family law attorney to guide you through the process. Your attorney will protect your … [Read more...] about Do I Need An Attorney For Adoption In Virginia?

For some of us, a prenuptial agreement is something we associate with soap operas and reality TV. The stereotype almost always involves a wealthy older spouse engaged to a younger partner, and it’s fodder for plenty of drama. But in the 21st Century, prenuptial agreements cover a much broader range of circumstances. And prenups are not just about divorce. They’re also an essential estate planning tool, especially when a spouse has children from a previous marriage. Prenups can protect inheritance rights and small business holdings for people of all income levels. And while some couples fear a … [Read more...] about Do I Need A Prenuptial Agreement?