Family law covers a larger area of legal topics that are primarily based on marriage & children. If you have an issue to be resolved in Family Court, you’ve found an effective law firm to represent you in family law matters throughout Northern Virginia.
Protecting your assets and your family is important. Planning with a knowledgeable attorney can provide you with the peace of mind you are possibly seeking. Williams Stone, PC is here to help you with the following family law matters.
Divorce
Seeking a divorce? A divorce can be a stressful and traumatic experience. A way to alleviate some of the emotional stress involved with divorce in Virginia is to hire our firm as we can give you peace of mind by guiding you through the entire divorce process.
There are two types of divorce in Virginia: Divorce from bed and board, and divorce from the bond of matrimony. Divorce from bed and board is basically a legal separation; the spouses are not free to remarry. Divorce from the bond of matrimony is absolute and final. Couples can usually separate on their own. However, the issues of property rights and child custody may require the assistance of a qualified attorney.
Don’t always believe what you read on the Internet. Yes, it’s possible to get a divorce in just three weeks — if it’s an uncontested divorce and there are no complications to resolve such as child custody or property to divide. When matters are more complex, however, you need a family law attorney who is willing to take the time to thoroughly understand your situation. You need someone to provide intelligent counsel so you can make informed decisions that work for you and your family.
Our lawyers at Williams Stone, PC have represented many people seeking a divorce. Asset division, child custody, and spousal support often require cool-headed negotiation. We can make sure that your rights are protected and your children receive the support they need to grow into healthy, productive adults.
Custody & Visitation
Conflicts over time spent with children often add stress to an already complicated situation. When it comes right down to it, the question isn’t, “Who gets the kids?” It’s, “What’s best for the kids?” That’s what Virginia courts look at when they determine child custody. You need an experienced child custody lawyer. Time and time again, we’ve seen judges choose the parent they feel can best provide for the children not just in a financial sense, but emotionally, too.
Sometimes parents have to put their own wants aside. We can guide you through the child custody process and help you and your ex-reach a compromise. We’ll keep things on track.
Unless you pose a severe threat to your child, you have a right to regular visits with him or her. Visitation rights are negotiable, and we can help you devise a parenting plan that works best for the entire family. Your child may split the week, spending part of it with you and part with the other parent. You may see your kids during school vacations. We can work things out. As your children grow up, their needs will change. We can renegotiate your visitation agreement.
If you have been named the custodial parent, you still have an obligation to your ex-spouse. You must give him or her 30 days’ notice if you intend to relocate with your children. You may be required to provide your former spouse with your new address. If you intend to move out of state, consult us about your custody agreement. As your attorney, we can advise you. If you simply move, you could violate not only your custody order but the other parent’s visitation rights, too. You could also be charged with parental kidnapping, which is against Virginia law. Don’t jeopardize your relationship with your children by a hasty move.
Spousal Support
You put time into your marriage. You deserve credit for that. You worked while your spouse went to school. You deserve credit for that. You have a child who needs constant care that prevents you from going out and earning a living. You deserve credit for that. These are just some of the factors Virginia courts look at when they determine spousal support after the marriage has ended. Our attorneys work to ensure that you get the support you need.
“Alimony” is kind of an old-fashioned term that has connotations of giving someone an allowance. Virginia courts today prefer “spousal support” or “spousal maintenance.” Whatever you call it, spousal support may be paid out in a lump sum, monthly payments until one of you dies or remarries or for a set period of time. The amounts and conditions vary according to the couple.
We will explore all factors with you. Did you give up your education or your career for the good of the family? How long were you married? What was your standard of living? Can you support yourself, or do you need additional schooling to prepare you to re-enter the workforce? How will you divide your marital property?
We try to keep things even and smooth between spouses when we negotiate spousal support. Every marriage is different, and there are no automatic solutions. Our goal is to work toward a fair resolution that works for both parties without favoring one over the other. If circumstances change and your support order needs modification, we’ll be there for you.
Child Support
Financial considerations are critical to everyone in a divorce. When kids are involved, financial aspects that affect them – such as child support – are important to parents. Having an experienced, intelligent attorney helping you with issues that arise during the divorce process is important.
Child support payments are determined by the courts and are based on Virginia statutes. These calculations are made based on income and other factors, including the number of children. For military members, child support calculations may be different based on the circumstances that military members often face with one parent living away, or based on custody arrangements.
Our attorneys are particularly passionate about divorce cases involving children, recognizing that this process is not easy for kids. Our family lawyers are creative in developing effective custody arrangements and putting the financial well-being of children at the top of the priority list.
Protective/Restraining Orders
At Williams Stone, PC, we represent men and women in legal matters involving civilian or military protective orders and domestic violence issues relating to family law. Our firm has experience advocating for those seeking protection and those challenging allegations of abuse.
In Virginia, there are three types of protective orders, which include:
- Emergency protective orders
- Preliminary protective orders
- Permanent protective orders
Issues involving protective orders can arise from family strife, fights or other types of heated disputes. It is important you contact our attorney if you fear for your safety or if you are concerned about false allegations of abuse.
Use of military protective orders may be used against military personnel in addition to Virginia protective orders. Military protective orders are much more invasive and have different effects than Virginia protective orders. Our lawyers have a clear understanding of the implications of both types of protective orders and have a proven track record in this area of law.
Prenuptial Agreements
A legal contract between partners is otherwise known as a prenuptial agreement. There is very important information contained in this contract regarding spousal support, the division of property, and other important issues that would affect the couple in the event of a Virginia divorce. Why do couples choose prenuptial agreements? Well, mainly because these agreements give them more options and control. A Virginia divorce is complicated, but a prenuptial agreement can help properly prepare couples if divorce does occur.
Estate Planning
There is no way to predict the future. However, you can take meaningful action to help protect your family’s assets for years to come. At Williams Stone, PC, we can draft wills, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives that accurately convey your unique wishes.
Name Change
Individuals consider a name change for a variety of other reasons. It could simply be divorce or the fact you may not like your given name. At Williams Stone, PC, we can assist you with any necessary documents required to complete a name change in Virginia.
Contact Williams Stone, PC Today
A lawyer experienced in family law will know how to navigate through the complicated legal process in an efficient manner and be there when you have questions. At our law firm, we serve residents of Northern Virginia and surrounding areas. Contact Williams Stone, PC today to schedule an initial consultation.
