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 …
When courts determine child custody, they typically make decisions that allow both parents to play an active role in their child’s life. This approach is rooted in the legal standard known as the best interest of the child, which guides all court custody decisions. In most cases, courts believe that when children maintain strong relationships …
When navigating child support matters in Virginia, military parents often wonder how their benefits will impact their financial obligations. One of these benefits is the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Given Virginia’s strong military presence, this question arises frequently in family law cases. If you are a service member or co-parenting with one, understanding what …
May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and support those facing mental health challenges. In the United States alone, approximately 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health issue each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar …
Not all divorces end up in a courtroom. In fact, many couples are able to reach a settlement through cooperative effort or negotiation, avoiding litigation altogether. But if you still have unresolved issues and your case does go to court, not knowing what to expect can feel intimidating. Knowing how to prepare for your court …
Mother’s Day after a divorce can stir up a whole mix of emotions for everyone – anger, betrayal, sadness, or even relief. But as a co-parent, your focus should always be on one simple truth: that your child still wants (and deserves) to celebrate their mom, even if you are no longer married. Special occasions …
Divorce isn’t only a major legal decision — it’s also a major financial one. Unfortunately, any missteps can cost you thousands of dollars. The choices you make now could shape the outcome of your entire case. Before you take that next step, you’ll want to educate yourself on the pitfalls that could jeopardize your future. …
Springs means warmer weather and fresh starts, and for many people, spring cleaning is a seasonal rite. But spring cleaning should be more than just decluttering your closets and organizing the garage. If you haven’t addressed your legal paperwork recently, some legal spring cleaning may also be in order. This year, while you’re deep cleaning …
Winning a custody battle isn’t about being the perfect parent. It’s about demonstrating that you provide the most stable environment for your child. If you are navigating a custody dispute, understanding what judges truly look for can make all the difference in your custody case. Big Mistakes That Can Cost You Custody Custody battles are …
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, but unfortunately, many children today experience neglect, physical harm, emotional abuse, or sexual exploitation. April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the realities of child abuse. By recognizing the warning signs of abuse and being vigilant …
Property division, custody, alimony – divorce can present a horror story around each corner if you’re not careful. Even in the “friendliest” divorces, one small misunderstanding, misinterpretation, or lack of legal understanding and all “friendly” bets are off. Here, we’ll explore some shocking yet very real horror stories, debunk some common myths, and reveal why …
For many families, religious holidays have deep emotional significance and are central to family traditions. But when parents divorce or separate, navigating custody arrangements around these holidays can be challenging. Unfortunately, holiday custody scheduling often creates unnecessary conflict for many divorced parents. But by approaching custody around the holidays with a clear plan, cooperation, and …
Spring break is exciting for most families. Travelling, seeing extended family, spending quality time together. But for divorced parents who share custody, this time of year comes with logistical and emotional challenges. Balancing schedules, expectations, and family traditions can feel overwhelming, often leading to co-parenting disputes. For co-parents who must navigate spring break and other …
Family law cases are some of the most emotionally and legally complex challenges a person will ever face. Whether you are navigating a divorce, working through a child custody dispute, or looking out for your future financial stability through a support agreement, understanding your legal rights will be critical. Many enter these situations unprepared, relying …
Separating from a spouse can be one of the most painful and pivotal moments in a person’s life. You may be reevaluating your marriage, working diligently on keeping it afloat, or even separating as a condition of a divorce. Unfortunately, without careful planning, you could risk losing assets, accumulating unexpected debts, and even jeopardizing your …