While second marriages offer hope for new beginnings, they also introduce some unique challenges. This is especially true when trying to ensure the future of your new blended family with a new or updated estate plan. Second marriages can involve very different needs and concerns than first marriages, which can become apparent when crafting an …
To ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones, you need legal guidance to protect your family, finances, and future. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our Chesapeake guardianship and conservatorship lawyers bring over 20 years of combined experience to every case. Whether you’re seeking to establish guardianship for a vulnerable family member or need assistance …
Estate tax planning isn’t just about preserving wealth. It’s about ensuring your hard-earned assets are protected and transferred efficiently to future generations while minimizing financial burdens. From mitigating significant tax liabilities to simplifying the distribution process, effective estate tax planning can protect your loved ones from unnecessary complications and tax consequences. Whether your goals are …
Family law matters are some of the most stressful and legally challenging processes you will go through in your lifetime. Navigating marital property division, disputes over custody and visitation issues, or fighting for child or spousal support can leave you feeling overwhelmed and legally vulnerable. When facing a family law challenge, having a trusted legal …
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly. For anyone with children, a house, investments, or other assets, an intuitive and intelligent estate plan ensures peace of mind for you, your heirs and beneficiaries, and your financial future. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our experienced Newport News, Virginia trusts and estates lawyers have dedicated themselves …
Appealing a court order or responding to a petition from a family member requires a thorough understanding of family law. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our Chesapeake family law appeals attorneys are committed to providing the legal support you need. We are here to assist you, whether you’re looking to challenge a court decision or defend …
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 audits of guardian’s accounts and allows them to access reasonable funds for the support they provide. You can consult a Virginia guardianship and conservatorship lawyer for help …
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 the best interests of the person in need of guardianship. Whether you’re considering guardianship for a relative or someone else with special needs, the legal process is …
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 financial matters for their incapacitated ward. In contrast, someone with limited conservatorship is restricted to making decisions only in specific circumstances as outlined by the court. A …
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 has taken special training and is being assigned to represent the best interest of your children. The court generally appoints a GAL in custody and visitation case …
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 and medical decisions. If an adult can no longer manage their personal affairs, the court will appoint a substitute decision–maker. An adult who lost their ability to …
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 their parents. While custody and support are interrelated and often inform each other, they are considered separate issues. Consequently, having a custody agreement is not always a …
Few things in life are as emotionally overwhelming as a divorce. Not only are you navigating the end of a relationship, but you are also dissolving a complex legal contract and making decisions that can affect you well into the future. Unfortunately, it is easy to make decisions based on emotional reactions and immediate needs …
The outcome of a family law case significantly impacts your life, including your financial stability, living arrangements, and relationships with your children. Unfortunately, you may not always achieve the desired result during court proceedings due to factors like judicial discretion, lack of sufficient evidence, or procedural issues. You may have the right to challenge the …
Having an adoption lawyer in Richmond by your side can be critical for dealing with legal issues and helping to simplify the process of adopting a child. Your attorney will be aware of all the rules and procedures that must be followed and will help ensure your adoption goes smoothly. Whether you are adopting a …
If you’re adopting a child, you know it involves numerous legal details that must be handled effectively. Hiring an experienced Virginia Beach adoption lawyer is essential for managing legal issues and simplifying the process. Our attorneys ensure your adoption complies with relevant state and federal regulations, including paperwork, timelines, and court requirements, to proceed smoothly. …
Adopting a child is a profound and life-changing decision that brings joy and fulfillment to families. However, the adoption process requires a thorough understanding of the legal requirements involved. A Fairfax adoption lawyer will help you with the legal aspects of this journey. Whether you are considering domestic adoption, international adoption, or stepparent adoption, having …
Life has its ups and downs, and they will continue well after your divorce. Relocations, job losses, financial and healthcare needs are all just normal parts of life. However, these changes could also impact your ability to comply with the terms of your divorce, such as paying child or spousal support or maintaining custodial responsibility …
