Video: Virginia Divorce Attorney Joanna Foard on Mediation

Video Explaining Mediation in Divorce in Virginia
Divorce cases often settle in a process called Mediation. This video contains a brief overview of mediation as a type of alternative dispute resolution for divorce in Virginia that can avoid the stress and much of the cost of a trial in court. Learn more about mediation and uncontested divorce here: https://www.generalcounsellaw.com/practice-areas-family-law-divorce-uncontested-divorce      
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Video: Overview of Grounds for Divorce in Virginia

Video explaining grounds for divorce in Virginia
Overview of Grounds for Filing for Divorce in Virginnia including separation periods that depend on your circumstances, for instance if you have minor children together, or can agree on an “uncontested” divorce. Find more detailed information on this page about the Grounds for Divorce.
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Video: Virginia Attorney Joanna Foard on Equitable Distribution

Video explaining what Equitable Distribution means in Virginia Divorce
A brief overview of equitable distribution of assets in divorce in Virginia. Equitable distribution is different than “equal” distribution which is used in other states. There are 3 classifications of property that need to be considered: marital property, separate property, and hybrid property. Check with an attorney before signing any agreements on assets and debts.
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I Want to Get a Divorce, but Don’t Know Where to Start

Divorce
The idea of filing for divorce may be overwhelming. Naturally, people may worry about finances, children, and where to live. On top of that, the actual process of filing for divorce may seem daunting. Before moving forward, individuals should gather their thoughts and create an action plan to follow. Consulting a family law attorney may
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Family Law Financial Issues: A Webinar for Financial, Tax, and Accounting Professionals

Family Law Financial Issues: A Webinar for Financial, Tax, and Accounting Professionals
Joanna Foard, Senior Counsel, Family and Marital Law Legal information for accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals involved in the handling of finance in Virginia divorces.      
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Answers to 20 Common Questions About Divorce in Virginia

Webinar answering 20 common questions about divorce in Virginia
Joanna Foard, Senior Counsel, Family and Marital Law Joanna answers 20 of the most common questions have for her related to divorce in this one-hour webinar.  
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Employer May Be Liable for Defamation for Making Statements to Former Employee’s New Employer

In a recent case, the Eastern District of Virginia found an employer may be liable for defamation after making allegedly false statements to a former employee’s new employer. The employer stated the employee was fired for insubordination, was a disgruntled former employee, and might sabotage their products. The employee claimed the statements were false and
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How to Discuss the Topic of Divorce with your Spouse

Divorces can be complicated and difficult and the idea of discussing divorce with your spouse may seem overwhelming. Having fully thought through the matter beforehand, being confident in the decision, and being prepared for the conversation can help make discussing divorce a little easier. Below are some tips to consider before broaching the subject with
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What Does the Court Consider When Making Custody or Visitation Decisions?

When making custody or visitation decisions, courts will determine what is in the best interests of the child, based on multiple factors set out in the Virginia Code. Virginia law favors custody and visitation arrangements that allow both parents to be involved in the lives of their children. Child Custody In Virginia there are two
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The Importance of Employers Having Enforceable Written Commission & Bonus Plans

A recent case filed in the Western District of Virginia highlights the importance of employers creating written commission and bonus plans for applicable employees. Additionally, these plans need to be carefully drafted to ensure they are enforceable. In Morris v. Taylor Communications Secure & Customer Solutions, Inc., the court found that although there was a
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Ask General Counsel: How to get divorced in Virginia?

Guide to Divorce in Virginia
Published by Ask General Counsel on InsideNova, 3/9/2021 Getting divorced is no fun. If you have kids, it is worse. Husband or wife, young or old, talk to your friends who have gotten divorced and you will hear horror stories. But, you might also hear a few individuals jokingly say, “why is divorce so expensive.
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10 Things to Know About Getting Divorced in Virginia

The idea of filing for divorce may be overwhelming. Naturally, people may worry about finances, children, and where to live. On top of that, the actual process of filing for divorce may seem daunting. The process itself doesn’t always need to be complicated. Additionally, consulting a family law attorney may also help prepare individuals for
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What to do After You’ve Been Served with Divorce Paperwork

Whether you saw it coming or felt blindsided, being served with divorce paperwork can be the start of a difficult road. The divorce process can be complex and may seem overwhelming. If you’re not sure what to do next, the below list may provide some helpful guidance. Consult with a Family Law Attorney One of
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Joanna Foard Joins General Counsel, P.C. to Lead Family Law Practice

Virginia Family Law Attorney Joanna Foard
General Counsel, P.C. is pleased to announce that we have convinced Joanna M. Foard  to relocate from sunny and warm Florida to join our legal team to build and lead a family law practice. As recently awarded by the Orlando Family Magazine (from where she recently relocated), she is an AWESOME ATTORNEY in the family law category.  Her 120 (and
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2021 NDAA Makes Important Changes to Past Performance Evaluations for Small Businesses

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (“NDAA”) took some significant steps to help small businesses make the leap from subcontracting to becoming a Prime. Having been an in-house counsel at some small businesses and going through the struggle of identifying the best past performance reference, I understand just how important these rule
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Understanding Parental Rights for Unmarried Parents in Virginia

While establishing parental rights for married parents is usually straightforward, establishing rights of unmarried parents is not as clear cut. If you’re an unmarried parent in Virginia and are interested in establishing your child custody, visitation, or support rights, you should consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help you protect your rights.
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Overview and Compliance with Virginia’s Permanent Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention

Webinar-2-9-2021-Covid-Standard-Overivew
The standard is Enforced by Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH), Applies to all employers covered by VOSH, Most requirements must be in place immediately, Training and infectious disease preparedness and response plan, if applicable, must be implemented by March 26, 2021 [Also look at the COVID Compliance Plan packages that make it easier and
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Employers: COVID-19 Rules adopted by Safety and Health Codes Board became effective January 27, 2021

Virginia-Permanent-Covid-Health-and-Safety-Announcement
In the absence of a federal standard, Virginia took action last year to create the nation’s first emergency temporary workplace safety and health requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective January 27, 2021, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam released Virginia’s a permanent standard replacing the temporary standard which has been in place since July 2020. The Permanent Standard has
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Webinar – Introduction to Virginia’s Permanent Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention, Feb. 2, 2021

Virginia Permanent COVID Prevention Webinar 2-2-2021
On January 27th Governor Northam approved the Final Permanent Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus that Causes COVID-19. This Permanent Standard will be applicable to most Virginia Employers. Jennifer Rose, Cooperative Programs Manager with Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH), joined host, Merritt Green, with the law firm General Counsel, P.C., for
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Virginia’s New Mandatory COVID Workplace Standard

Virginia Governor Executive Order
On January 13, 2021, the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board approved a Permanent Standard on COVID-19 that will require ALL VIRGINIA EMPLOYERS to implement workplace policies and procedures to protect their employees and customers.  This standard is meant to replace and supersede the Temporary Standard enacted last summer. The final draft of the Permanent
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