A common questions clients ask me after their estate plan has been finalized and signed is “How often do I need to update my plan?”. While there is no simple answer to this question as it all depends on life changes and your circumstances, I do always provide the following general guidelines:

After years of practicing family law, I've observed distinct patterns emerge based on when marriages tend to end. While every relationship is unique, divorces often cluster around three specific timeframes: after approximately 3 years, around the 10-year mark, and following a child's high school graduation. Each of these periods presents unique challenges and motivations that drive couples to separate.

If you die without a Will, or more generally speaking without estate planning in place, then your assets will be distributed by default state law. This is called dying intestate and your assets will pass by intestate succession. This process and who inherits varies by state law and your specific circumstances; intestate succession in Washington, DC is controlled by D.C. Code § 19-301 et. seq. and intestate succession in Virginia is controlled by Code of Virginia § 64.2-200.

Co-parenting with someone struggling with addiction creates a unique form of anxiety that rarely subsides completely. For the sober parent, concerns persist whether their co-parent is actively using substances or in recovery. This article addresses the challenging questions many face in these situations.

The Predictable Pattern of Relationship Endings

"I had no idea this was coming."

This statement—or some variation of it—is uttered countless times in therapists' offices, lawyers' conference rooms, and during difficult conversations in living rooms around the world. One spouse announces they want a divorce, and the other is completely shocked.

Yet what appears to be a sudden decision rarely is. What we often see instead is what relationship experts call "the 3-month gap” a period representing the emotional and psychological distance between spouses at different stages of accepting the end of their marriage.

Between song lyrics and divorce horror stories, prenuptial agreements (“prenups”) are often touted as being a wise decision for anyone getting married. However, you should speak with one of our attorneys to determine if one is right for your unique circumstances. A prenup is a contract executed prior to your marriage that allows you and your future spouse to create certain rules and define expectations for your marriage. Often these rules will relate to how property is divided, what alimony/spousal support will be, and your respective rights to take from each other upon your death.  Without a prenup stating otherwise, the default rules in the event of a divorce, or your death, will control. These rules are created by statutes and case law.

In Northern Virginia's affluent communities, the term "financial abuse" is increasingly invoked during marital disputes and divorce proceedings. However, there appears to be significant confusion about what financial abuse entails, its legal standing, and how it differs from common financial disagreements or disparities in marriages.

If you had a civil trial in a Virginia Circuit Court that you believe was decided in violation of the law, you may consider appealing it to the Virginia Court of Appeals. To do this, you will need to file a notice of appeal within thirty days of the entry of a final order or judgment. Virginia Code § 8.01-675.3. Appeals are complicated, and you should hire an experienced attorney to help you navigate the process. The timeline moves quickly so it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to make sure you are prepared to meet all the deadlines.

In order to separate from your spouse, you must inform them of your intention to separate, remain separated thereafter, and begin holding yourself out in the community as separated. This includes removing your wedding ring and no longer referring to them as your spouse.

A common question I get asked is “Do I need a Trust?” and of course the classic lawyer answer is “It depends.”  A common misconception regarding Trusts is that they are only needed for complex situations or high net-worth individuals. While Trusts are absolutely recommended for complex situations and high net-worth individuals,  the majority of the Trusts I draft are due to (1) minor or young beneficiaries and (2) ease of administration:

There is no denying that children are expensive. However, the court only has authority to order parents pay for certain expenses for children. Below are some common additional expenses that parent can agree to share but the court cannot order either parent to pay.

Divorce is rarely straightforward, but in Northern Virginia's distinctive ecosystem of Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William, Loudoun and Fairfax County, couples face a unique set of challenges that can complicate an already difficult process.

Child support is calculated based on a formula issued by the Virginia legislature, which was most recently updated in July of 2025. The Court must calculate child support based on these guidelines. While you can make a request for a deviation to these child support guidelines, it is your burden to show why the guidelines are inappropriate or unjust for your specific case.

Navigating Divorce During Active IVF Treatment: Legal and Practical Considerations

It all begins with an idea or two.

As assisted reproductive technologies (ART) become increasingly common, family law practitioners must adapt their approach to prenuptial agreements to address the unique challenges presented by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments. This article examines the complex intersection of prenuptial planning and fertility treatments, offering guidance for attorneys advising clients who may pursue IVF during their marriage.

Divorce After Successful IVF: Special Considerations for Family Law Practitioners

Introduction

When couples divorce after successfully conceiving through in vitro fertilization (IVF), family law practitioners face unique challenges that extend beyond typical divorce proceedings. This article explores the complex legal, financial, and emotional issues that arise in post-IVF divorces, with particular attention to remaining embryos, parental relationships, and long-term obligations that continue long after the marital relationship ends.