Divorce can be a messy process that takes a toll on you emotionally, physically, and financially. It is not just about dividing assets and selling your home. It is essential that you understand the legal aspects of it, including your responsibilities and obligations towards your estate. One thing you might overlook during this process is …
Are you considering estate planning but feeling hesitant about delving into the details? While it may not be the most enjoyable task, working with a Virginia Beach trust and estate planning attorney is crucial to ensure your affairs are in order. Estate planning encompasses creating wills, medical directives, powers of attorney, and trusts, but one …
Melone Hatley, PC had six lawyers selected by their professional peers for inclusion in Coastal Virginia Business magazine’s 2024 Top Lawyers, published in the January 2024 issue. The firm’s lawyers were honored in 3 Top Lawyers categories. “As a relatively small firm, we were honored to have so many of our Virginia Beach attorneys recognized …
Melone Hatley, PC had eight lawyers selected by their professional peers for inclusion in Virginia Business magazine’s 2023 Legal Elite, published in the December 2023 issue. The firm’s lawyers were honored in 3 Legal Elite categories. “As a relatively small firm, we were honored to have so many of our attorneys recognized by their peers …
Having children is one of life’s most joyful experiences for countless people in the US today. As a parent, however, you might worry that something may happen one day that leads to your children being taken away from you. This fear can become a reality if the other parent is fighting for custody. Virginia law …
Separation is a life-altering event that often necessitates the division and sale of assets acquired during the course of a marriage. This process can be emotionally challenging, as it involves untangling the intertwined financial lives of two individuals. Navigating the division and sale of assets during separation requires careful consideration, communication, and a focus on …
Divorce is a life-altering event that can have far-reaching consequences, particularly in the realm of personal finances. The dissolution of a marriage often involves the division of assets, changes in income, potential alimony or child support payments, and a myriad of other financial considerations. Understanding and navigating these financial impacts is crucial to safeguarding one’s …
Facing separation or divorce can be stressful and overwhelming for all involved, especially if it involves allegations of adultery. Military members are held to a higher standard of conduct than civilians and can face legal repercussions for committing adultery, even while divorcing their spouse. However, recently the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) has changed …
When it comes to estate planning – clarity rules. Aretha Franklin’s passing resulted in drawn out litigation over the past 4 years that has finally ended with a two-day trial. Ms. Franklin handwrote a will in 2014 that was located in her couch and has been determined to be controlling of her estate. When the …
According to the 2019 U.S. Census, approximately 2.6 million U.S. households have at least one child with a disability. Divorce and co-parenting children is difficult enough, but the process becomes even more complicated when your child has special emotional or medical needs. Due to the additional care requirements, special needs children require a more thorough …
When families break up, it can be a very difficult process. Starting over can be stressful, and it is even more nerve-racking when you are attempting to relocate with a child. When it comes to relocation with a child, one of the court’s most important concerns is doing whatever is in the child’s best interest. …
No matter the circumstances that have prompted your divorce, going through the divorce process can be tedious and complex. If one or both of you are service members, questions such as what happens to your pension can complicate the divorce. This question is important, and you need to know where you stand before you enter …
Child custody cases involving special needs children tend to be more complex and involve more elements than other custody cases. Your special needs child may not fully understand what is happening or require special accommodations, potentially resulting in you seeking a more flexible order from the court. Physical and legal custody of a special needs …
Approximately 17% of children, or one in six, have one or more developmental disabilities such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The challenges of raising an autistic child or a child with other special needs can become greater during a divorce. Devising a strong custody arrangement and parenting plan is essential to protect the …
Securing primary custody of your child after a divorce is a great victory, but there are often conditions you must abide by from a court order to maintain that custody. Most are obvious, like no domestic violence, but there are some unexpected obstacles you may not see coming. For example, moving out of state can …
Determining child custody for unmarried couples involves establishing legal parental rights and addressing child support, visitation, and custody agreements to ensure your child’s best interests are met. For example, if you are the father of your child, you still need legal proof of being your child’s biological parent. A Virginia custody and visitation lawyer will give …
What Steps Can A Father Take In A Child Custody Battle? In the case of child custody, it is not about winning or losing. Your child is not a prize in a game. They are precious to you, and you very naturally want full custody. You believe you are the right person to raise and …
Would you want your ex-spouse to maintain a power of attorney if you were to have an accident or get seriously ill? If you have gotten a divorce recently or you are planning to get one soon, it may be worth revisiting your estate planning to avoid unpleasant surprises. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our divorce …
