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.