In a Turkey Baster Pregnancy, Father Has Rights

Last week the Virginia Court of Appeals ruled that a father who used a turkey baster to impregnate a woman is more than a sperm donor, and thus has rights to be part of the minor child’s life. Two friends, Joyce Bruce
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Custody laws proposing equal parenting time

Approximately 20 states are proposing laws that would change how custody is determined after separation or divorce. Generally the laws would encourage the maximum time for each parent. In New York and Washington, the laws are proposing equal time between parenting. Many
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Snooping During Divorce in Virginia

People sometimes ask about information obtained from snooping – tape recording, emails, voicemails, and Facebook.  Is it legal in Virginia? Can I use that evidence in negotiation or trial? Tape recordings – some spouses will try to tape record their spouse to
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Imputing Income – What Does It Mean?

Because of the financial situation in the job market, many individuals have changed jobs and even careers in the past few years.  The employment change almost always impacts child support calculation. What options are available to the Court?  The court has the
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My Ex Is Not Following Our Agreement – Now What?

When your ex spouse or significant other and you enter into an agreement regarding custody and visitation, what do you do when your ex decides not to follow it? Is it worth it to call your attorney?  You may try to work
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Child Support After 18 in the District of Columbia

In the District of Columbia, child support continues until the age of 21 or until the minor child is deemed emancipated. This law creates some unique situations.  Courts cannot decide custody for children over 18, but child support is still on the
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In Which State Can I File For Custody?

Living in this area, many people are confused about which state is the correct forum to resolve custody disputes.  Many families have one parent living in Virginia and one parent living in DC.  So where do you file? Generally, a state has
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Making the Holidays Fun for Kids of Divorce

The holiday season brings up a lot of emotion for children.  Usually, kids associate good feelings with the holidays – relatives, parties, cookies, and presents.  The enjoyment of the holidays does not have to stop just because the parents split up.  For
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Taking Your Kid Late to School? Now You Won’t Be Charged With a Misdemeanor In Virginia

A few days ago, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a parent cannot be charged of a crime when their child arrives late to school.  The ruling stemmed from a Loudoun County 2012 case involving a mother who was convicted of 3
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