When can a child custody agreement be modified in Virginia?
Over time, there may be situational changes that require a modification to an existing child custody agreement. However, the court won’t approve a change to
The Commonwealth Always Has to Prove Your Guilt
The Commonwealth Always Has to Prove Your Guilt DISCLAIMER: The results are specific to the facts and legal circumstances of each of the clients’ cases
Subscribe to Our Free e-Newsletter Here!
Subscribe to Our Free e-Newsletter Here! No one plans to get arrested or hopes to file for divorce. These kinds of serious life events tend
Should I take a plea agreement in my criminal case?
Most criminal cases are resolved by a plea agreement in Chesterfield County and throughout Virginia. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense,
How does the court decide whether to award alimony?
Alimony, which is also referred to as spousal support, is the payment of financial support by one spouse to the other and can be awarded in
What are the residency requirements for a divorce in Virginia?
Obtaining a divorce in Virginia is not always easy. If either spouse contests the divorce, you must establish grounds for an at-fault divorce. Even if your
Can I make my spouse pay for my divorce attorney?
In Virginia, you do not have to hire a lawyer to obtain a divorce. However, it is always best to retain an experienced family law attorney to
Do I need an attorney for an uncontested divorce?
If you and your spouse are in agreement about all the issues in your divorce, you may be tempted to file for divorce on your own
What should I do if I’m served with divorce papers?
Getting divorced can be stressful, especially if you first learn that your spouse wants a divorce when you’re served with divorce papers. However, the last
What if I’m charged with date rape in Chesterfield County?
Date rape is a very serious felony crime in Virginia—also called “acquaintance” rape. If you have been charged with this crime, you need to understand the offense,
After my DUI conviction, do I have to install an ignition interlock system?
You face stiff penalties if convicted of a DUI in Virginia. One penalty is that your driver’s license could be suspended. However, even if you’re
What happens after I hire a criminal defense attorney?
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense in Virginia, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer representing you. Here is what
Can I appeal a misdemeanor conviction in Virginia?
If you’re convicted of a misdemeanor offense in Virginia, you have a right to file an appeal. However, you must act quickly because you only have a
How does remarriage impact a divorce agreement?
Once your divorce is final, you may be anxious to get on with your life and enter into a new relationship. However, it is important
Will a criminal conviction impact my job?
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime in Virginia, it can impact your life long after you successfully complete your sentence because you will
What penalties do I face if I’m charged with burglary?
In Virginia, there are two types of burglary: burglary and statutory burglary. Both are serious felony charges that carry harsh penalties if you are convicted. What Is
One of the hardest things you may have to cope with when getting a divorce is losing daily contact with your children. However, you may
Is adultery relevant to my divorce?
In Virginia, adultery happens when a married person has voluntary sexual intercourse with an individual who is not a spouse. Adultery is hard to prove,
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer if I caused a fatal accident?
If you caused a fatal collision, you need the assistance of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You could be charged with a serious
Is animal cruelty a crime in Virginia?
Animal neglect and cruelty are serious offenses in Virginia that are punished harshly. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you can be charged with a
A guardian ad litem (GAL) is an individual appointed by the court to represent a minor child or incompetent person in a court hearing. This
Can my child decide who to live with after my divorce?
How Is Child Custody Determined in Virginia? If you and your spouse cannot agree on who should have custody of your child after the divorce,
What are my plea options in a Virginia criminal case?
After you are arrested for a crime, the court will ask how you plead to the charges against you. Your plea has important consequences for
What happens at an arraignment in Virginia?
In Virginia, a criminal arraignment is often the first time that someone accused of a crime will go to court. This initial court appearance occurs
Can I annul my marriage in Virginia?
An annulment voids your marriage. Unlike a divorce which dissolves your marriage, an annulment means you were never legally married. Grounds for Marriage Annulment in
How are retirement accounts divided in a Virginia divorce?
All of your property, including retirement accounts, must be classified as either marital property or separate property when you get divorced in Virginia. Once the property
Do I need a lawyer for a bail hearing in Virginia?
Any person in police custody after being charged with a crime maybe be able to obtain a bond or post bail to get out of
If I have the right to own a gun, can I be charged with a weapons offense?
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution gives people the right to own weapons, but that right is not unlimited. The Commonwealth of Virginia,
What happens to the family pet during a divorce?
Virginia child custody disputes are decided based on what is in the best interests of the child. However, there is no similar standard for the family pet.
How is debt divided in a Virginia divorce?
The average American family has more than $8,000 in credit card debt, and many families also have student loans, auto loans, mortgages, and other types
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer if I’ve been charged with shoplifting?
Shoplifting may not sound like a serious crime, but you face a potentially serious penalty if you are convicted. In Virginia, the consequences of shoplifting
Can a criminal defense attorney help me if I’ve been charged with murder?
When you’re charged with one of the most serious crimes, you face the most significant legal penalties. While the burden is on the prosecution to
Who pays for my child’s college education after a divorce?
College expenses are not part of child support agreements in Virginia. In Virginia, child support ends when the child turns 18 or when the child
Can child support be extended past my child’s 18th birthday?
Generally, child support is required until a child turns 18. However, Virginia law recognizes specific situations when child support may be extended. Financial Support Until A Child
What are the criminal penalties for drunk driving in Virginia?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime in Virginia, and a DUI conviction comes with legal consequences. The sentence you receive for a DUI will depend on
What should I do if I’m arrested for reckless driving in Virginia?
When you’re charged with reckless driving, the piece of paper a police officer hands you is not a ticket. It’s a summons requiring you to
Can visitation be denied if a parent fails to pay child support?
No. Child support and child visitation are two separate things. Child visitation cannot be denied or changed outside of court if a parent fails to pay child
What are some common mistakes that I can avoid in my Virginia divorce case?
The content of your divorce agreement matters. The division of property, child custody arrangements, child support, and alimony can impact your life, and your children’s
I think there is reasonable doubt about my guilt. Why should I hire a lawyer?
You should not be convicted of a crime if there is reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. However, you are not the one who
What should I do if I’m arrested for domestic assault in Virginia?
You have been charged with a serious crime. Depending on the specific circumstances of the alleged domestic assault incident, you may be charged with a
What steps are necessary to start a business?
Once you have a great idea for a business, the Commonwealth of Virginia requires you to take a few steps to make your business an
Should I contact a lawyer before I start a business?
Starting a business is a huge undertaking. There are tax and liability issues to consider, state and federal laws to comply with, and a great
Do I need a lawyer to create a will in Virginia?
Creating a last will and testament is one of the most important and sometimes difficult responsibilities you have as an adult. While facing the idea
Like wills, revocable trusts—also known as living trusts—are estate planning options you can use to distribute assets to beneficiaries. However, in Virginia, revocable trusts offer
Do I have to be separated first before getting divorced in Virginia?
Unlike many other states, the Commonwealth of Virginia doesn’t recognize separation as a legal status. However, Virginia still requires spouses to show that they’ve lived
Will I go to jail if I’m convicted of a crime in Virginia?
If you were charged with committing a crime in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you may be concerned that a conviction could bring jail time. Being
Do I need a lawyer if I’ve been charged with a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is a less serious offense than a felony, so you may believe you don’t need a lawyer to represent you when facing this
How does the court decide whether to award alimony?
Alimony, which is also referred to as spousal support, is the payment of financial support by one spouse to the other and can be awarded in
Should I take a plea agreement in my criminal case?
Most criminal cases are resolved by a plea agreement in Chesterfield County and throughout Virginia. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense,
Dealing With the Police: How to Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
One important right you have under the United States Constitution is the right to remain silent when dealing with the police. You have this right
You Face Serious Consequences If You Violate the Terms of Your Probation
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense, under sentencing guidelines, the judge may give you probation. This can be a much better option
You Face Harsh Consequences If You’re Convicted of a DUI or DWI
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are serious criminal offenses in Virginia that carry harsh penalties if you are convicted. In addition,
What You Need to Know If You’ve Been Charged With Embezzlement in Chesterfield County
Embezzlement is a serious criminal offense usually committed by an employee against an employer that is punished harshly in Chesterfield County. If you are convicted
You Face Serious Consequences If You’re Convicted of Reckless Driving in Chesterfield County
If the police pull you over and charge you with reckless driving in Midlothian, you may mistakenly believe that you have received a traffic ticket.
Red Flags: Signs Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets During Your Divorce
While some couples who decide to obtain a divorce will do so amicably and agree on all the major issues, other partners will not treat each
How to Get the Child Support You Are Owed
In Virginia, both parents are expected to support their children when they divorce or split up if they’re unmarried. The noncustodial parent is required to pay
Grounds for a Virginia Divorce
If you live in Virginia and are considering filing for divorce, it is important to understand the legal grounds for divorce you must establish in
Your Right to Visitation With Your Grandchildren
When people decide to divorce or separate, it can also have huge ramifications in the lives of their children and other family members, especially if
How Having High Assets Can Impact Your Divorce
Because Virginia has a large wealthy population, high asset divorces are common in the state. However, if you have a high median income or are
If You Were Subject to an Unlawful Search and Seizure
When you are investigated by the police or arrested for committing a crime in Virginia, you have important constitutional protections under the U.S. Constitution. The
What You Need to Know About Military Divorces in Virginia
Any divorce can be complex and emotional. However, there are unique issues if you are in the military or married to someone who is in
Protect Your Interests in a Family Business During Your Divorce
Getting divorced is a stressful experience for most people. Your divorce may create additional stress if you own a family business with your spouse because
White-Collar Crimes Are Serious Offenses Under Virginia and Federal Law
Although they are not considered violent crimes in the Commonwealth of Virginia, white-collar crimes are serious offenses that carry harsh penalties if you are convicted.
How Spousal Support Is Paid in Virginia
It is common in a marriage for one spouse to be financially dependent on the other. One spouse may be a stay-at-home parent, or one
How a Felony Case Works in Virginia
Felonies are the most serious types of crimes. If you are convicted of a felony, you face at least one year in prison. It is essential
How to Divide Property in a Virginia Divorce
Divorcing your spouse can be an overwhelming and challenging time. There are many decisions to make that impact your life. However, as you decide who
When You’re Charged With Assault or Battery
Assault and battery are different crimes in Virginia, but these crimes are related, and the penalties for both can include prison time and fines. If
How to Plan for a Divorce in Virginia
When your marriage is ending, the changes taking place can make your life feel unpredictable. However, it’s possible to stay in control of your future
What Drivers Need to Know About Hit-and-Run Crimes in Virginia
A car accident can happen in an instant, often surprising the driver and injuring the victim. When drivers are stunned, scared, or unwilling to take
Protect Your Rights If Your Ex Violates the Child Custody or Visitation Agreement
If there are children involved when divorcing your spouse or partner, there will likely be a court-approved agreement about child custody and visitation. This agreement
What You Need to Know to Fight a Drug Possession Charge in Virginia
In order to prevent any unexpected complications or surprises in the child custody or visitation order, it is important to work with a family law attorney at
How Best Interests of the Child Are Determined in Virginia Custody Decisions
In order to prevent any unexpected complications or surprises in the child custody or visitation order, it is important to work with a family law attorney at
The Commonwealth of Virginia has a court system that is designed to resolve criminal, juvenile, domestic, and traffic cases fairly, quickly, and in a financially
The Virginia Court of Appeals provides appellate review of final decisions of the circuit courts in domestic relations matters, appeals from a decision of an administrative agency,
Virginia’s Circuit Courts are the only trial court of general jurisdiction in the Commonwealth. Circuit courts handle the following types of cases: Civil Actions
The Virginia District Court System
Virginia’s District Court System consists of both the General District Court and the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts. Throughout the 32 judicial districts in
In Virginia, magistrates serve the primary function of providing police officers, sheriffs, deputies, and citizens with an unbiased review of the complaints they bring to the
General Guidelines for Making an Effective Appearance in Court
Many people are intimidated at the thought of going to court. The rules, formalities, and fear of the unknown make the whole experience stressful. Read
Understanding the Function of Virginia’s Supreme Court
In addition to being the highest court in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Supreme Court of Virginia is also one of the oldest judicial bodies in
Offering Consultations To Discuss Your Situation!
©2023 Quest Law PLLC, All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission Privacy Policy
