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 …
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. …
