Melone Hatley, P.C.

FAQs

Divorce Lawyer

Business Assets in a Divorce and How They Will be Divided

If you are going through a divorce and own a business, you need to take careful steps to ensure your spouse will not be able to take what…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

Can I Contest a Will in Virginia?

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, only interested parties can contest a will.  An interested party is an individual that has standing to challenge the estate and is usually…

Divorce Lawyer

Can I Get an Annulment in Virginia?

The simple answer is yes, but in very limited situations.  In the Commonwealth of Virginia, marriage is considered a contract between two people, and with it come obligations…

Wills

Can I Get Child Support Without a Custody Agreement in Loudoun, Virginia?

Child custody and support are two essential components of family law, ensuring that the best interests of the child are maintained even after the separation or divorce of…

Wills

Can I Get Custody of My Grandchild?

In some cases a grandparent may want to petition for full custody of their grandchild where the child’s parent suffers from mental health problems, drug or alcohol addiction,…

Divorce Lawyer

Can I Get Divorced in Texas if My Spouse Doesn’t Agree?

Divorce is always challenging, but it can be even more overwhelming when one spouse refuses to participate or contests the divorce. If you are considering a divorce in…

Divorce Lawyer

Coping with Divorce as a Christian

The topic of divorce is one that is tough for everyone. But when divorce directly conflicts with your faith, getting out of the bad situation can become overwhelming.…

Guardianship and Conservatorship

Do Guardians Get Paid in Virginia?

Legal guardians get paid in Virginia for the services they provide to incapacitated adults. The commissioner of accounts with your local circuit court oversees guardianships. This department conducts…

Divorce Lawyer

How Can I File for Divorce in Tampa, Florida?

Filing for divorce – legally known as a “Dissolution of Marriage” in Tampa, Florida — can be overwhelming for anyone. Fortunately, understanding the legal process and your responsibilities…

Divorce Lawyer

How Can I Get an Annulment in San Antonio?

A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Annulment Under Texas Law When a marriage begins under stressful, confusing, or unexpected circumstances, people sometimes wonder whether an annulment might offer the…

Wills

How Divorce is Different for the Special Needs Child

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…

Separation Lawyer

How Do I Separate From My Spouse in Virginia?

So you’ve made the difficult decision – the relationship is not working, and you and your spouse need to part ways. What’s first – do you file for…

Wills

How do You Become a Legal Guardian in Virginia?

You can become a legal guardian in Virginia by petitioning the circuit court. In Virginia, specific laws and procedures govern the process of establishing legal guardianship to ensure…

Spousal Support

How Is Spousal Support Determined in Virginia?

Many factors will be considered when a judge decides on your spousal support in Virginia. Virginia Code § 20–107.1 outlines what the court will consider when making a…

Divorce Lawyer

How Long Does a Military Divorce Take?

Military divorces often take longer than civilian divorces because divorce for a military couple has additional rules that don’t apply to civilian couples. The emotional burden for military…

Divorce Lawyer

How Long Does a Military Divorce Take?

Just like a civilian divorce, a military divorce is emotionally and financially challenging. And for military families, divorce comes with its own unique complexities that can affect how…

Divorce Lawyer

How Long Does it Take to Get Divorced in South Carolina?

If you are going through a divorce in South Carolina, you are probably looking forward to getting it over with and moving on with your life.  However, divorce…

Divorce Lawyer

How Many Years do You Have to Be Married in Virginia to Get Alimony?

Virginia law does not specify a minimum number of years that you must be married to qualify for spousal support or alimony. There is no fixed rule or…

Spousal Support

How Many Years Do You Have to Be Married to Get Spousal Maintenance in San Antonio?

Understanding Spousal Maintenance Laws and Alimony Options in San Antonio, Texas When a marriage ends, the financial stability of both spouses becomes a pressing concern. If you are…

Divorce Lawyer

How Modern Family Structures Are Changing Family Law

What a family looks like has been rapidly changing over the past few decades—no longer do we have a common family and are more turning to modern family…

Guardianship and Conservatorship

How Much Power does a Conservator Have in Virginia?

The authority of a conservator in Virginia depends on whether they are granted full or limited conservatorship. A party with full conservatorship has broad powers to manage various…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

How Often Should I Review My Will, Trust, and Estate Plan?

There are two primary reasons for having an estate plan: To make sure that your family and loved ones are taken care of to the best extent possible…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?

Keeping Your Plan Current and Your Family Protected in Reston, VA and Fairfax, VA Estate planning is one of the most important ways to protect your family, assets,…

Divorce Lawyer

How Residency Requirements Affect Divorce in Virginia

While you always have the right to represent yourself in a divorce, you may be unknowingly giving up important rights.  In filing for a divorce, the parties need…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

How to Avoid or Reduce Probate in Virginia

When you die, you want to leave your loved ones in a good financial position and minimize the complications they face regarding accessing the property and assets you…

How To Plan Your Estate To Avoid Taxes

Mistakes in your estate plan can create confusion for your heirs or spouse during the end-of-life planning process. Unfortunate mistakes can cost your heirs or spouse extra in…

Estate Planning

How To Support Your Minor Children After Death

Preparing for life’s “what ifs” can be a seemingly daunting task, but it is one that is necessary for every family. In the event of unforeseen tragedy, parents…

Wills

How Will The New Marijuana Laws Affect My Custody Case?

As of July 1, 2021 it is legal for adults to possess up to 1 oz of marijuana in Virginia. Many are excited about this change in the…

Divorce Lawyer

Is Florida a Community Property State?

If you are facing a divorce in Florida, understanding how your property will be divided will be one of the most important aspects of the process. How property…

Divorce Lawyer

Is Texas a Community Property State, and What Does That Mean?

One of the biggest concerns couples encounter when going through a divorce is how their property and debts will be divided. If you are divorcing in Texas, it’s…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

Is Texas a Community Property State?

Understanding How Texas Property Laws Impact Your San Antonio Divorce When couples in San Antonio begin the divorce process, one of the most important things they must do…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

Is Texas Considered a Community Property State? – Fort Worth FAQs

Understanding Community Property Laws for Divorcing Couples in Fort Worth, Texas Divorcing couples in Fort Worth must divide their property as part of the divorce process. But Texas…

Wills

Understanding Child Custody Terminologies in Tampa, FL

How Florida’s Parenting Laws Define Parental Responsibility, Time-Sharing, and Parenting Plans If you are a parent navigating a divorce in Tampa, one of your first concerns will be…

Wills

Virginia Child Custody and Visitation FAQs

After a divorce or the dissolution of a relationship, there are decisions to make regarding custody and visitation of minor children. Who will be the primary caregiver of…

Divorce Lawyer

What Are Florida’s Divorce Laws?

Navigating a divorce is never easy, no matter how amicable. Divorce is an emotional process for everyone, and divorce laws can be complex. Not only is each divorce…

Divorce Lawyer

What are the Grounds for Divorce in South Carolina?

If you are considering filing for divorce in South Carolina, you must have a legally accepted reason for seeking it. This is called “grounds” for divorce.  In South…

Guardianship and Conservatorship

What Are the Pros and Cons of Conservatorship?

Understanding the pros and cons of a conservatorship helps families weigh its benefits and drawbacks. While these arrangements can safeguard finances and well-being, they may also raise concerns…

Wills

What is “Discovery” in a Family Law Case?

In any family law case, you have the right to certain information from the other party. Whether it’s a divorce, custody, or child support case, your attorney may…

Wills

What is “status quo” in custody cases?

Anyone that has gone through a custody or visitation battle in court, or is about to, may have heard the term “status quo.” Status quo, in terms of…

Divorce Lawyer

What Is a Divorce Decree?

Divorce is a stressful and painful process that can be emotionally devastating. If there are children involved, the divorce can stretch on for a long time due to…

Wills

What Is a Guardian Ad Litem in Virginia?

A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is an attorney appointed by the court to represent the interests of a child or incapacitated person. This person is a lawyer who…

Wills

What is a Prenup in Fort Worth?

Frequently Asked Questions for Fort Worth, TX Couples If you’re getting married in Fort Worth, you’re not just planning a wedding. You’re planning a future together, and for…

Wills

What is a Prenup in San Antonio?

Frequently Asked Questions for San Antonio, TX Couples Prenuptial agreements – often called prenups – are becoming increasingly common among couples in San Antonio and throughout Texas. Whether…

Wills

What is a Show Cause Hearing in Fort Worth?

A Guide for Fort Worth Families Facing Court Order Violations When judges issue orders in Tarrant County family law cases – whether involving custody and visitation, child support,…

Wills

What is a Show Cause Hearing in San Antonio?

Understanding Court Enforcement, Your Rights, and What to Expect in a Texas Family Law Case If you are involved in a court case in Bexar County, especially regarding…

Divorce Lawyer

What Is a Show Cause Hearing?

A show cause hearing in a family law case occurs when one party fails to comply with a court order. During the hearing, both parties present their arguments…

Wills

What is a Standard Possession Order in a Texas Custody Case?

When parents decide to separate or divorce in Texas, one of the most important decisions they must make is how they will divide time with their child. Most…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

What is a Transfer on Death Deed?

Estate planning comes in all shapes and sizes. It includes updating beneficiary designations on financial accounts and insurance policies, adding joint owners to accounts, and gifting personal property…

Separation Lawyer

What is Equitable Distribution

Equitable distribution is a legal claim for property division where a spouse can ask the court to divide assets and debts acquired during the marriage between both spouses.…

Divorce Lawyer

What is Equitable Distribution of Property in Divorce?

What is Equitable Distribution During Property Division? Equitable distribution is a legal claim for property division where a spouse can ask the court to divide assets and debts…

Wills

What is Family Law?

Our firm focuses primarily on the practice areas of family law and estate planning, but often non-lawyers will ask “what is ‘family law’ anyway?” It encompasses a broad…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

What is the Best Way to Leave Your House to Your Kids?

And Why Some Options Are Better Than Others Your home isn’t just a piece of real estate. It’s where your children were raised, birthdays were celebrated, holidays were…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

What Is the Difference Between a Conservator and a Guardian?

In general terms, a conservator is responsible for managing an incapacitated person’s financial affairs. A guardian is appointed to make broader decisions focusing on the incapacitated person’s personal…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

What is the Value of a Special Needs Trust?

A special needs trust, also referred to as a supplemental needs trust, provides for a person with a mental or physical disability and allows the beneficiary to receive…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

What Qualifies a Spouse for Alimony/Spousal Support in a Fairfax, VA Divorce?

Understanding how Virginia courts evaluate support, what factors matter most, and how to protect your financial stability during and after divorce When you’re facing a divorce, financial concerns…

Divorce Lawyer

What Steps Are Involved in the Divorce Process in South Carolina?

If you are considering a divorce in South Carolina, where do you begin? Laws can vary significantly from one state to the next. You will want to understand…

Divorce Lawyer

What You Need to Know About Getting Divorced in Virginia

Deciding it’s time to end your marriage is difficult and stressful. Because obtaining a divorce is a legal process, you need to understand your rights and how the…

Wills

What You Should Know About Child Visitation Laws in Virginia

When your marriage falls apart, children can find themselves caught in the middle. Custody disputes and visitation arrangements can be especially challenging for kids who may already be…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

When is an Irrevocable Trust the Right Option?

As the name implies, an irrevocable trust is a trust that cannot be revoked, modified, amended, or terminated by its creator (the grantor) with very limited and specific…

Separation Lawyer

When Should I Seek a Protective Order?

In any family law situation, whether it’s a divorce, child custody, or support case, emotions can run high and can even turn violent. Family violence has a broad…

Trust and Estate Planning Lawyer

Which Assets Don’t Go Through Probate?

Understanding Non-Probate Assets and How Property Can Transfer Without Court Involvement After the death of a loved one, families are usually unprepared for the legal steps that follow.…

Divorce Lawyer

Who Gets the House in a Fort Worth Divorce?

Understanding How Texas Law Impacts the Marital Home When a marriage ends in Fort Worth, TX, one of the most emotionally charged issues is what happens to the…

Divorce Lawyer

Who Gets the House in a San Antonio Divorce?

A Practical FAQ Guide for Divorcing Spouses in Texas Dividing the family home in a divorce isn’t just a financial decision. It’s also usually a highly emotional one.…

Wills

Why Use a Co-Parenting App?

In contentious custody and visitation matters, the court may order parties to use a third party messaging application or other software to track their correspondence. When evidence has…

Child Support

During the Divorce Process How You Can Protect Your Children

Going through a divorce with children is tough on parents. It can have an even worse impact on children. Because although the children are completely innocent in the…