Divorce has come a long way from what it used to be. While the emotional and financial challenges of ending a marriage remain, the legal system has made the divorce process far more manageable and less contentious over the last several decades. One of the biggest changes was the move away from fault-based divorce, where …
If you are going through a divorce or even just considering one, chances are you’ve heard the horror stories. “She took him for everything he had!” “He walked away with the house, the kids, even the dog!” These stories are enough to strike fear into the heart of anyone considering a divorce. But how true …
Divorce is never easy, and it gets even more complicated when infidelity is involved. If you are navigating a divorce in Florida and wondering how an affair could affect alimony, especially under the new alimony laws, you’re not alone. Florida recently passed significant changes to how spousal support is awarded, and yes, adultery can make …
Adultery is one of the most painful betrayals in a marriage. But while it’s one of the most common causes of divorce today, it may or may not really matter in a divorce proceeding. How can adultery affect what you get or don’t get in your divorce settlement? And how do you prove your spouse’s …
Suspecting that your spouse has been unfaithful can feel like a gut punch. The emotional fallout, the anger, the confusion, and the grief can feel overwhelming. If your suspicions have led you to consider a divorce, could you use adultery as grounds? And would you need to prove it? Let’s take a closer look at …
Summer in Richmond is all about sunshine, laid-back days, road trips, and family time. However, for co-parents, summer can also be stressful, especially when juggling custody schedules. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our Richmond family law attorneys are here to help guide you through the challenges of co-parenting. If you’re navigating shared custody this summer, here …
Let’s face it. Summer break sounds great in theory – long, lazy, sunny days with no early hours or school activities looming over your shoulder. But for many co-parents, summer often brings a whole new set of stressors. The structured routine of school is gone, and schedules get complicated. On top of that, you and …
The decision to divorce is never an easy one, and deciding when to file can further complicate it. After all, there’s never a “good” time to divorce. But when divorce is inevitable, timing can be everything, and each season has its advantages and disadvantages. Many people consider the summer months the best for taking this …
When it comes to fatherhood, your legal rights shouldn’t depend on your marital status. However, unmarried dads must take specific steps in Virginia to ensure they have the same rights and responsibilities as married fathers. If you are an unmarried father and you hope to play a meaningful role in your child’s life, understanding your …
Father’s Day is meant to celebrate the important role dads play in their children’s lives. But for many dads, especially those navigating custody and visitation disputes, Father’s Day can also be a bittersweet reminder of time lost or the ongoing struggle to maintain a meaningful presence with their children. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we believe …
Father’s Day. It’s a reminder of the vital role that dads play in their children’s lives. But for dads who have recently gone through a divorce, Father’s Day can bring up some complicated feelings. As a newly divorced dad, you may be feeling sidelined or unsure of how to create new traditions in a world …
If you’re a separated or divorced parent living in Columbia, South Carolina and thinking about taking a trip with your kids this summer, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities under South Carolina custody laws. Whether it’s a quick beach weekend or a family reunion across state lines, taking a trip with your children …
Graduation season is a huge emotional milestone filled with pride, excitement, and, often, a lot of stress, especially for divorced or separated parents. When your child walks across that stage, they should feel support and celebration, not worry over family dynamics and animosities. For co-parents and extended family navigating graduation time after divorce, a little …
Summer break brings longer days, school-free schedules, and a different pace of family life. But for co-parents, it can also bring up custody and visitation challenges, given the less structured summertime pace. Can you modify your custody agreement just for the summer? And what happens if your co-parent isn’t cooperating? The good news is that …
When married couples separate, one of the most immediate and emotionally charged issues is who gets to remain in the marital home. The answer isn’t always a simple one. Depending on the couple’s circumstances and the reason for the separation, it can depend on a variety of legal and practical factors. Whether you’re currently navigating …
Planning a summer vacation is always exciting. But if you’re divorced and sharing custody of your kids with your former spouse, it also means more than just booking reservations and packing your bags. Once a custody agreement is in place, any travel must be planned with legal and logistical considerations in mind. What was once …
When parents decide to split, child support is often one of the most misunderstood issues they face. There is a common assumption that the noncustodial parent, or the parent the child doesn’t live with most of the time, always pays child support. While this is often the case, it’s not a given. At Melone Hatley, …
Raising children is a lifelong commitment. But what happens when they turn 18 and head off for college? For many divorced co-parents, the transition from high school to their child’s higher education raises important financial concerns. Who pays for college tuition after child support ends? The experienced family law attorneys at Melone Hatley, P.C. are …
