If you are going through divorce in North Carolina, it can raise several challenges. Even if you have successfully litigated and fought for child custody and visitation, child support, alimony or spousal support, and the division of the marital assets through equitable distribution, there may still be more that needs to be done. During the …
Are you considering estate planning but feeling hesitant about delving into the details? While it may not be the most enjoyable task, working with a Virginia Beach trust and estate planning attorney is crucial to ensure your affairs are in order. Estate planning encompasses creating wills, medical directives, powers of attorney, and trusts, but one …
Melone Hatley, PC had six lawyers selected by their professional peers for inclusion in Coastal Virginia Business magazine’s 2024 Top Lawyers, published in the January 2024 issue. The firm’s lawyers were honored in 3 Top Lawyers categories. “As a relatively small firm, we were honored to have so many of our Virginia Beach attorneys recognized …
Melone Hatley, PC had eight lawyers selected by their professional peers for inclusion in Virginia Business magazine’s 2023 Legal Elite, published in the December 2023 issue. The firm’s lawyers were honored in 3 Legal Elite categories. “As a relatively small firm, we were honored to have so many of our attorneys recognized by their peers …
Having children is one of life’s most joyful experiences for countless people in the US today. As a parent, however, you might worry that something may happen one day that leads to your children being taken away from you. This fear can become a reality if the other parent is fighting for custody. Virginia law …
Divorce is an unpleasant reality for many people in North Carolina. The divorce rate in 2021 was 3.2 per 1000 people, an increase compared to the previous year. Divorces are most likely to happen in January around the holiday season, but they can, of course, occur at any time of the year. If you are …
Separation is a life-altering event that often necessitates the division and sale of assets acquired during the course of a marriage. This process can be emotionally challenging, as it involves untangling the intertwined financial lives of two individuals. Navigating the division and sale of assets during separation requires careful consideration, communication, and a focus on …
Divorce is a life-altering event that can have far-reaching consequences, particularly in the realm of personal finances. The dissolution of a marriage often involves the division of assets, changes in income, potential alimony or child support payments, and a myriad of other financial considerations. Understanding and navigating these financial impacts is crucial to safeguarding one’s …
Facing separation or divorce can be stressful and overwhelming for all involved, especially if it involves allegations of adultery. Military members are held to a higher standard of conduct than civilians and can face legal repercussions for committing adultery, even while divorcing their spouse. However, recently the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) has changed …
When it comes to estate planning – clarity rules. Aretha Franklin’s passing resulted in drawn out litigation over the past 4 years that has finally ended with a two-day trial. Ms. Franklin handwrote a will in 2014 that was located in her couch and has been determined to be controlling of her estate. When the …
According to the 2019 U.S. Census, approximately 2.6 million U.S. households have at least one child with a disability. Divorce and co-parenting children is difficult enough, but the process becomes even more complicated when your child has special emotional or medical needs. Due to the additional care requirements, special needs children require a more thorough …
When families break up, it can be a very difficult process. Starting over can be stressful, and it is even more nerve-racking when you are attempting to relocate with a child. When it comes to relocation with a child, one of the court’s most important concerns is doing whatever is in the child’s best interest. …
Child custody disputes are a complex process. If you are a disabled parent, or on SSDI, SSI, or VA Benefits, you might feel as if you are at a disadvantage in receiving a fair outcome in a custody trial. It can seem like no one believes you are capable of caring for your children. A …
Being in the military can add stress to an already difficult relationship that can ultimately end in divorce. While the divorce rate for military families is low, around 3 percent overall, the issues involved in those cases tend to be more complex. The military divorce rate appears to be much higher than the rate for …
Divorces often cause tension between ex-spouses. When a child is involved, the parents cannot simply go their separate ways. They must continue to co-parent their child or children. Unfortunately, some parents act irrationally out of anger toward the other parent. This can include attempts to interfere with the relationship between the child and the parent, …
No matter the circumstances that have prompted your divorce, going through the divorce process can be tedious and complex. If one or both of you are service members, questions such as what happens to your pension can complicate the divorce. This question is important, and you need to know where you stand before you enter …
For North Carolina military couples, it can be difficult to come to terms with the situation of a divorce while one spouse is deployed. If your relationship has come to an end and you are in the middle of a deployment, you may be asking yourself if you have any options for filing for a …
There is an expectation and duty for a parent to support their child and to make decisions on their behalf until they reach adulthood . Yet, these responsibilities can extend much longer when the child has special needs. Caring for and raising a special needs child will be a different experience and may require you …
