When a marriage fails, children are often stuck in the middle of the divorce. Custody battles, access, and visitation often cause untold complications, especially for children who may already be insecure and fragile at this time. It is important t…

In any divorce or separation involving children, it’s important that the children understand what is happening and parents address their concerns at each stage. No matter their age or maturity level, every child will have some anxiety about the pr…

Understanding the ins and outs of your divorce case can be nearly as troubling and stressful as making the decision to file for divorce. Equipping yourself with a solid grasp of the nature of separation and divorce in Virginia can help you reach t…

Today, 25% of households in the United States have a member with special needs. An estimated eight percent of children in the United States under the age of 15 have some type of disability or special need. Caring for a child with special needs oft…

If you’re filing for divorce in Virginia, you likely have many questions. Should I file for a no-fault or fault-based divorce? Who will get custody of my children? Am I eligible for an annulment instead of a divorce? At Melone Hatley, we understan…

“If I have sole custody, can the other parent prevent me from relocating with my child?” Possibly, depending on how the move will impact the child and the current visitation schedule with the non-custodial parent. In any custody case, the cou…

If a child’s health or safety is at risk in their current environment, parents or other interested parties can petition the court for emergency child custody. There are specific rules that apply to emergency custody. At any time, parents, step…

In Virginia, custody of a child may be awarded to any non-parent with a legitimate interest. The statute provides a presumption for the “primacy of the parent-child relationship.” Va Code 20-124.2(B). Anyone who wishes to overcome this presump…