Articles By: Rebecca Melone

Rebecca Melone established Melone Hatley P.C. in 2014 with the goal of helping families with a range of legal services from estate and family law to traffic tickets and misdemeanor criminal matters. Over the past five years the firm has grown and expanded its services to include a wide range of estate and elder law services. Rebecca has been awarded Super Lawyers Rising Stars for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and has been named one of the top family and estate attorneys under 40 in Virginia.

Latest Articles

Mental Health Issues in Custody Cases

Mental Health Issues in Custody Cases

April 4, 2022 | Rebecca Melone

In recent years there has been a sharp increase in accusations of mental health issues in child custody cases. Parents who have a history of any mental health diagnosis are often faced with attacks based on their condition when requesting custody….

What You Need to Know About Getting Divorced in Virginia

What You Need to Know About Getting Divorced in Virginia

March 28, 2022 | Rebecca Melone

Deciding it’s time to end your marriage is difficult and stressful. Because obtaining a divorce is a legal process, you need to understand your rights and how the process works. This brief guide will walk you through the basic legal steps and give…

Children’s Testimony in Virginia

Children’s Testimony in Virginia

February 27, 2022 | Rebecca Melone

In any custody case, parents may want the court to hear directly from their children. The children can provide information about the parent’s relationship, any abuse they have experienced, and other relevant events for the court’s consideration. I…

Mask or No Mask – Who Gets to Choose?

Mask or No Mask – Who Gets to Choose?

January 28, 2022 | Rebecca Melone

Up until last week, Virginia public schools required all students to wear a face covering during school. Now, the governor has issued new guidance that parents may elect whether or not their student has to wear a mask. But for divorced or separate…

Proving Adultery in Your Divorce Case

Proving Adultery in Your Divorce Case

January 17, 2022 | Rebecca Melone

It’s more than a feeling … your spouse stays out late, “at work,” when they’re at home they’re distracted and on their devices … they have a “friend” who is just a little too close. You know something is wrong, but could you prove it in cou…

Using Social Media During Divorce

Using Social Media During Divorce

January 4, 2022 | Rebecca Melone

Social media has become a huge portion of our lives – from sharing our daily activities, funny anecdotes, photos of our families and our food, friends and colleagues get a glimpse into your private life that they otherwise would not have access to…

I’m separated and dating… will this hurt my case?

I’m separated and dating… will this hurt my case?

December 14, 2021 | Rebecca Melone

You’ve been through the hard part – you and your spouse separated and you’ve been moving through your divorce. You start living your separate lives and realizing you are ready to move on. But what about your divorce? If your case isn’t final yet, …

How Do I Separate from my spouse in Virginia?

How Do I Separate from my spouse in Virginia?

November 19, 2021 | Rebecca Melone

So you’ve made the difficult decision – the relationship is not working, and you and your spouse need to part ways. What’s first – do you file for divorce? How do you get separated? For clients already facing a difficult time, figuring out the leg…

So You’re Officially Divorced … Now What?

So You’re Officially Divorced … Now What?

November 9, 2021 | Rebecca Melone

Even after your divorce case is final, the work may not be done. Our clients are often surprised that everything may not be over just because the divorce has been signed. The emotionally draining process of exchanging information, settlement negot…

What Happens if We Agree With Divorce?

What Happens if We Agree With Divorce?

October 4, 2021 | Rebecca Melone

Sometimes co-parents are able to work out terms and schedules without court involvement. In these cases we are often asked – “Do I still need an attorney?” It’s always advisable to have an attorney review or draft your agreement to fill in any vag…

How Modern Family Structures Are Changing Family Law

How Modern Family Structures Are Changing Family Law

July 1, 2021 | Rebecca Melone

What a family looks like has been rapidly changing over the past few decades—no longer do we have a common family and are more turning to modern family structures. Beginning in the 1960s and accelerating significantly since then, changes in marria…

My Ex-Spouse and I Disagree on Vaccination. What Now?

My Ex-Spouse and I Disagree on Vaccination. What Now?

July 1, 2021 | Rebecca Melone

If you and the other parent do not agree on a big decision, it can lead to serious issues. Whether you are divorced or not, making decisions regarding your child is generally a joint obligation. Most of these decisions are small, like going to the…

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