Information about family law matters including Divorce, Grounds for divorce, Same Sex Divorce, Military Divorce, Uncontested Divorce, Litigation vs. Alternative Dispute Resolution, Post-Divorce Enforcement, Modification of Orders and Appeals, Spousal Support, Child Custody Support and Visitation, Property Division, Alimony and Spousal Support, Marital Agreements, International Family Law and Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

Ask General Counsel: How to Protect Your Business in a Divorce

Published by Ask General Counsel on InsideNova, 4/13/2022 Image from Inside Nova In this edition of Ask General Counsel, we discuss how business owners can (and should) protect their business before (and during) a divorce. If you don’t want to read this article, you don’t have to. . . . instead, you can watch a webinar
Read more
No Comments

Ask General Counsel: Court Allows Ex-AOL Executive Reduction in Alimony Obligations

Published by Ask General Counsel on InsideNova, 3/23/2022 Image from Inside Nova In this edition of Ask General Counsel, we discuss a July 2021 court order reducing the spousal support obligations for a former AOL executive. If you have questions about this case, divorce or family law matters, please contact Joanna Foard, who leads General Counsel P.C.’s divorce
Read more
No Comments

Ask General Counsel: Video edition – family law overview

V Previous PREVIOUS Sisters Thai restaurant to open at Capital One Center in Tysons Sisters Thai restaurant to open at Capital One Center in Tys… Sisters Thai will open its fifth Washington area restaurant … NEXT Next Up NEXT UP Mayor casts tie-breaker to OK Wawa in Manassas Mayor casts tie-breaker to OK Wawa in Manassas The Manassas City Council cleared the way for a new 233-home… SPONSORED Ask General Counsel: Video edition – family law overview
Published by Ask General Counsel on InsideNova, 01/13/02022 Image from Inside Nova In this edition of Ask General Counsel, a bi-monthly publication of the law firm, General Counsel, P.C., we are trying something different.  Instead of writing a page or two about family law issues, we have a series of videos that answer common questions about divorce,
Read more
No Comments

Virginia Court of Appeals Grants Decrease In Spousal Support Award After Husband Takes New Job With Lower Salary

Virginia Court of Appeals Grants Decrease In Spousal Support Award After Husband Takes New Job With Lower Salary
One of the biggest considerations during divorce proceedings is the matter of spousal support. Spousal support is an amount of money paid by one spouse to the more financially dependent spouse. An award of spousal support can typically be modified if a spouse can show a material change in circumstances justifying a modification of the
Read more
No Comments

Virginia Court Rules on Former Spouse’s Right to Military Retirement Pay: Finds Spouse Entitled to Share

Divorce proceedings, specifically the process of equitable distribution, can be more complex when they involve active members of the military. Divorcing couples when one or both spouses are members of the military often involves some unique issues surrounding the classification and equitable distribution of military marital assets. In a recent case, the Circuit Court for
Read more
No Comments

Ask General Counsel: Does divorce affect my security clearance?

Is your security affected by your divorce?
Published by Ask General Counsel on InsideNova, 6/10/2021 Divorces are often difficult and can be even more complex when one or both spouses have careers requiring security clearance. Naturally, people may worry about finances, children and where to live when thinking about divorce. However, people may not realize that their security clearance could also be
Read more
No Comments

Webinar: How to Protect your Business in a Divorce

How to Protect Your Business in a Divorce
Often, a business owner’s most valuable asset is their business. Further, a divorce can cause disruption and, in some circumstances, result in the destruction of a business. Business owners need to protect their business from the negative impacts of a divorce. In this webinar, General Counsel, P.C. business attorney Evan St. John will discuss preventative
Read more
No Comments

Advice from Divorce Attorney – How to Protect Your Business During a Divorce

Negotiating Business Ownership in Divorce
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels Couples typically do not enter into marriage thinking about divorce, but, unfortunately, not planning for the possibility can oftentimes have serious consequences. Divorces can be difficult, and even more complex when business assets are at stake. For many business owners, the business itself is the individual’s most valuable asset. Business owners
Read more
No Comments

What is Equitable Distribution in Virginia?

What is Equitable Distribution in Virginia?
In Virginia, in the event of a divorce, courts follow the equitable distribution method of dividing property. Under equitable distribution, courts will divide property “equitably,” or fairly, between spouses, but not necessarily evenly. Often, courts decide on a 50/50 distribution, but may choose a different distribution after considering the relevant factors. The court may achieve
Read more
No Comments

What is the Discovery Process in Virginia Family Law Cases?

What is the Discovery Process in Virginia Family Law Cases?
Discovery is the formal process of exchanging information between parties about the witnesses and evidence they’ll present at trial. In Virginia, discovery in family law cases, such as divorce or child custody proceedings, may include interrogatories, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions, depositions, and subpoenas. The purpose of these tools is for parties
Read more
No Comments

Video: Spousal Support and Alimony in Virginia Divorce, Part 2

Video 2 of 2 about Spousal Support in Virginia Divorce
This is a continuation from the first video in this pair about spousal support and alimony in Virginia. There are 3 classifications of spousal support in Virginia divorces: 1. Support for an undefined period of time 2. Support for a defined period of time 3. Lump sum payment Spousal support will end upon the death
Read more
No Comments

Video: Spousal Support in Virginia, Part 1 of 2

Video 1 on Virginia Alimony and Spousal Support
This is the first part of a 2-part video series on spousal support in Virginia by Joanna Foard, Family and Divorce Attorney in McLean, VA. Very common questions we hear are “will I have to pay support?” Or, “Am I eligible to receive support?” Spousal support obligations are governed by statute in Virginia, and take
Read more
No Comments

Video: Overview of Child Support in Virginia

Video introduces basic concepts of child support in Virginia divorce
Virginia uses a child support calculator that factors in both parents income, the child care and other costs, are put in to generate the child support financial obligation. Child support typically ends at the minor child’s 19th birthday, although many other circumstances and agreements can dictate different terms.  
Read more
No Comments

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      
Read more
No Comments

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.
Read more
No Comments

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.
Read more
No Comments

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.      
Read more
No Comments

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.  
Read more
No Comments

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
Read more
No Comments

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
Read more
No Comments