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Backpacks and Boundaries: Navigating Two Homes During the School Year After Separation You Are Not Alone. We Will Be Your Partner Through This Challenging Time. Schedule a Call With One of Our Client Services Coordinators Schedule Now
A young child wearing a blue backpack walks while holding hands with two adults, one on each side, on a sunny street.

Backpacks and Boundaries: Navigating Two Homes During the School Year After Separation

September 15, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody, Uncategorized

Back-to-school season brings the familiar flurry of school supplies, early wake-up times, and new routines. But for newly separated parents, it can also create lots of conflict and stress. The new school year will require a coordination of schedules, transportation, supplies, and communication, all during a difficult shifting family dynamic. With the right structure in …

Close-up of a child’s small hand resting in an adult’s open palm, symbolizing care and support.

Can I Deny Visitation If They Miss Child Support?

September 12, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Support

It’s one of the most frustrating situations divorced or separated parents face – when the other parent hasn’t paid their child support obligation. If you are the parent covering the bulk of the expenses for your child, it can feel unfair to continue allowing the other parent visitation when they haven’t fulfilled their financial responsibilities. …

Adult comforting teen girl

Suicide Prevention Month: The Link Between Divorce, Custody Battles, and Teen Mental Health

September 10, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

Divorce doesn’t just end a marriage. It affects every corner of the family. And for teenagers, this family shift can be especially difficult. Unlike younger children, teens are old enough to understand what’s going on. But they often lack the tools to process it effectively. High-conflict divorces and drawn-out custody disputes can make teens feel …

Grandparents interacting with their grandkids

Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights? What the Law Says in Virginia

September 8, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

Celebrating Grandparents’ Day: The Pillars of Family Support Each year, National Grandparents’ Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day, this year falling on September 7. And this is the perfect time to explore the roles of grandparents in family law cases. For many families, grandparents aren’t just extended family members; they’ve been …

Woman holding the keys to a house

Who Pays the Mortgage During a Divorce?

September 5, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Divorce Lawyer

Divorce often triggers a cascade of financial concerns, and one of the biggest is what happens to the marital home. In many Virginia divorces, not only is the house the most valuable asset owned by the couple, but it is also the most significant liability. Determining who pays the mortgage during a divorce isn’t just …

The Hidden Costs of Divorce You Need to Budget for Now

The Hidden Costs of Divorce You Need to Budget for Now

September 3, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Divorce Lawyer

 When people think about divorce, the first cost that often comes to mind is their attorney’s hourly rate. But what many don’t realize (until they’re in the thick of it) is that their attorney’s legal fees are only one part of the costs involved. Divorce impacts nearly every aspect of your financial life, and …

Teenager holding broken toy while parents are arguing

Back to School – What Happens When Parents Can’t Agree on School Enrollment or Extracurriculars?

August 25, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

With the first day of school approaching, families across the country are busy with back-to-school chores, buying supplies, and coordinating schedules. But for parents who are separated or divorced, back-to-school time brings its own unique set of challenges. Decisions once made casually around the dinner table now require collaboration between two households. And when communication …

Young married couple in an argument

Living Apart Without Divorce – What Separation Really Means in Texas

August 22, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Divorce Lawyer

Marriage is complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it unravels. Whatever the reason, separation can feel like an appropriate, responsible, even compassionate choice as married couples reassess the future of their relationship. In Texas, however, the choice to separate can come with complications. Unlike some other states, Texas does not recognize legal separation as …

Young couple on a date taking a selfie

Can You Date While Separated? Legal and Emotional Considerations

August 20, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Separation Lawyer

You and your spouse have decided to separate, and with that comes a whirlwind of change. You’re trying to care for your children, redefine your life, and move forward after the unraveling of your marriage. But while it’s natural to want companionship and feel connected again after all this turmoil, separation isn’t the same as …

Lawyer reviewing documents with a separated woman

The Perks (And Risks) of a Trial Separation

August 18, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Separation Lawyer

When a marriage hits a rough patch, spouses often face agonizing decisions. Is it just a difficult time they’ll be able to overcome, or is it the end of the relationship? For couples who aren’t sure which way it will go, a trial separation can offer a middle ground, allowing them to take time apart …

Photo of Texas legal justice symbol

Major 2025 Texas Law Changes That Impact Custody, Support, and Protective Orders

August 15, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

As of September 1, 2025, several important changes to Texas family law go into effect, directly impacting how courts handle protective orders, child custody, and child support. For families in San Antonio, these are more than just legal technicalities. They could shape the outcome of your case. Why These Changes Matter for San Antonio Families …

Group of teenagers taking a break at school

They’re 18 – Now What? Navigating Custody and Support After High School

August 13, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Support

 If your child is celebrating that big birthday or walking across the stage at graduation, you are probably misty-eyed and caught up in moments of nostalgia. Where have the years gone? It was just yesterday you were dropping them off on the first day of kindergarten, and now…. What’s next in your parenting journey? …

Child raising their hand in class

Can You Modify Your School Custody Schedule? Legal Guidance to Adjusting Custody Schedules to Fit Your New Routines

August 11, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

Legal Guidance on Adjusting Custody Schedules to Fit Your New Routines As children grow, families relocate, and work schedules shift, a custody schedule that once met everyone’s needs may feel out of sync with your new reality — especially when a new school year rolls around. Fortunately, custody schedules can be modified, but they also …

Child upset and covering his eyes

Domestic Violence Impacts Child Custody Decisions in Texas

August 8, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Custody

When families go through custody disputes, few issues carry as much weight with the court as domestic violence. Allegations or evidence of abuse have the power to reshape the course of a custody case, especially when the safety and well-being of children are at stake. In Texas, family courts are tasked with making critical decisions …

Photo of child and parent holding hands

Virginia’s July 2025 Child Support Overhaul: What it Means for Parents

August 4, 2025 | Melone Hatley, P.C. | Child Support

What parents, caregivers, and family law professionals need to know about Virginia Senate Bill 805 As of July 1, 2025, Virginia has implemented significant changes to its child support laws, marking the first major update to its guidelines in over a decade. These updates reflect the rising costs of living, shifts in parenting arrangements, and …