Alanna Williams

Virginia Temporary Spousal Support Guidelines

May 14, 2024

In Virginia, temporary (“pendente lite”) spousal support may be ordered during the pendency of a divorce. This would be toward the beginning of the litigation, before a divorce is finalized. Might your spouse owe you spousal support? How much should you receive? Well, the recently updated Virginia Temporary Spousal Support Guidelines can help you get a better understanding of what you are owed. What is Temporary Spousal Support? The purpose of temporary spousal support is to allow a spouse who may be financially disadvantaged and/or dependent upon the other spouse to take care of personal, family, and/or household expenses. Alimony, or “permanent” spousal support, may still continue after the divorce is finalized, but temporary spousal support is different; it only lasts from the time of filing until the time of the final divorce decree. The goal of temporary spousal support in Virginia is to meet the needs of the recipient spouse during the pendency of litigation. On the other hand, permanent alimony is meant to satisfy the need of the recipient spouse after the divorce is finalized. [Related: FAQ About Divorce in Virginia] How are Temporary Spousal Support Payments Made? Generally, these payments are made in cash (e.g. check, direct

Family Law FAQ

March 25, 2024

When it comes to family law, people often have many different questions. Family law is a complex process, involving several different topics and it will vary depending on your unique situation. While we recommend speaking to a family law attorney about your case, we have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about family law in Virginia and their answers! Read our last FAQ on Divorce here. I don’t want a divorce. Can I stop it? No, in Virginia it only takes one party to request a divorce. It is important that you engage in the divorce process, or you could lose everything from custody of your children to your investment accounts. Do we have to file for divorce in the same state we got married in? No. Jurisdiction lies where you last resided together or where the Defendant resides. For example, if you last lived together in Virginia and your spouse moved to Maryland, you have the option of filing in Virginia or Maryland. How long will my divorce take? It all depends on whether it is uncontested or contested. If there is one issue that needs Court determination, it is considered contested even if both

Can Co-Parents Use ChatGPT to Navigate the Legal System?

March 11, 2024

ChatGPT is a popular artificial intelligence chatbot, widely available online. It not only analyzes data, but it also creates, or generates, its own writing. This can include legal documents, making many people wonder if it could be beneficial in navigating the legal system. While a lot of people find ChatGPT useful, is it really a tool you can use to manage serious family law cases? Let’s explore the possibilities of using ChatGPT in law. Navigating the Legal System It may be difficult wading through hundreds of pages of divorce documents and even harder to understand all of the legal jargon included in a divorce packet. While not a substitute for legal counsel, you could ask ChatGPT to explain the documents in plain English, without legal wording, which may make them far more digestible and allow you to understand and focus on those terms that actually matter to your legal situation. If your attorney is not readily available or you wish to research your legal situation deeper, use of an AI to explain documents could make it helpful for you better understand procedural actions like definitions and explanations. That said, its capacity to subjectively analyze those terms and provide advice as

Divorce Lawyers Specializing in Narcissism Near Me

March 7, 2024

Divorce is hard for anyone, but it is much more complicated when your spouse is a narcissist. If you have found yourself searching for “divorce lawyers specializing in narcissism near me” then you’re in the right place. Hiring a skilled divorce attorney to deal with this type of personality in court is essential to your case. Understanding Narcissism Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or narcissism for short, is a pervasive pattern of behavior. It is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, self-centeredness, sense of entitlement, need for admiration, and seeing people as objects to suit their needs. These individuals lack empathy for others and always blame their problems on other people. This disorder typically begins in early adulthood. The individual may exhibit traits ranging from simple narcissism to a clinically diagnosed psychological disorder. Is My Spouse a Narcissist? A narcissist life is unstable, filled with unexpected relationship conflicts. Due to their extensive craving for attention and approval, narcissists have mastered the art of making themselves appear charismatic and respectable to others. Unfortunately, this means their personality disorder may not be noticeable at first. [Related: Divorce FAQ] Narcissists view marriage as more of a business transaction. They are psychologically unable to have

Virginia Child Support Guide

October 3, 2023

If you have children and are considering a divorce, or if you are not married but have children with an ex-partner, you likely have many questions about Virginia’s child support standards. This Virginia child support guide is a brief overview of what you can expect. Of course, we highly recommend speaking to an attorney about your particular circumstances as soon as possible. Virginia Laws Virginia child support laws are primarily located in the Code of Virginia 20-107.2, 20-108.1, and 20-108.2. These laws provide a guideline for how child support is determined and calculated. Virginia Child Support Process The first thing you should do is speak with and, ideally, hire an attorney. An attorney experienced in child support matters can advise you as to what you can expect to receive (or, conversely, pay to the custodial parent), help you file the necessary paperwork to initiate a child support action or respond to the other parent’s petition, and development the evidence and argument for your case. Importance of a Child Support Attorney After you or the other parent has filed a complaint or petition, its time to prepare. You will meet with your attorney to discuss your situation and the best way