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Practice Area in Focus
Domestic Relations
Divorce, child custody, support, marriage and adoption lie at the heart of our domestic relations practice. With decades of experience across Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, we guide clients through emotionally charged situations—whether negotiation, mediation, collaborative law or litigation. We listen first, protect your rights, and work toward a fresh start for you and your family.
Lawyer Spotlight
Christian M. Lapham
Shareholder / Member of Management Committee
Christian Lapham is a shareholder of Bean, Kinney & Korman and has been practicing law since 2002. He has a diverse background representing clients in domestic relations and civil litigation...
Professional Profile >>
News & Highlights
Employee Leave and Time-Off Rights in Virginia: Navigating FMLA, PTO, and More
Employees will always need time away from work, whether for health, family, or civic obligations. Both federal and state laws provide leave rights and impose obligations on employers to ensure workers can take this time without risking their jobs. Understanding these requirements is essential for compliance and for maintaining a fair workplace. This guide breaks down the Family and Medical… Read more
Appealing the Trial Court’s Decision
Losing at trial does not always mean the end of the road. Appeals allow a party to ask a higher court to review the case for legal errors. Timing and Process In Virginia, a notice of appeal must typically be filed within 30 days of judgment (or 10 days if you are appealing from General District Court). Since 2022, civil… Read more
Rising National Guard Deployments: What Employers Need to Know
Military-related absences from the civilian workforce have surged in 2025, reaching their highest levels in nearly two decades. Much of this increase stems from National Guard activations for both federal and state missions. For employers, these absences create not only operational staffing challenges but also trigger legal obligations under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) (Note that… Read more
After the Trial: How to Enforce Your Judgments
Many clients are surprised to learn that the trial is not always the end of the legal process. A judgment may establish liability, but it also sets in motion a series of post-trial procedures that can determine whether a party can collect money damages, stop an unlawful practice, or challenge the outcome. Understanding judgments, appeals, and enforcement is critical for… Read more
Not Just for Taylor and Travis: What You Need to Know About Modern Prenuptial Agreements
With news of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, it’s no surprise that conversations about prenuptial agreements are once again in the spotlight. While celebrity prenups often make headlines, the truth is that these agreements are not just for the rich and famous. Couples across all income levels, from professionals in the DMV area to young entrepreneurs, to parties marrying… Read more
Managing Scope Creep in Construction Projects
Scope creep is one of the most common and, more importantly, costly challenges in commercial and public construction projects. When work expands beyond the original contract without proper documentation, contractors, owners, and subcontractors are left exposed to disputes, delays, and financial losses. Understanding how scope creep arises, and how Virginia courts and others in the region treat it, can help… Read more
Data Center Infrastructure Under Siege: Lessons from Virginia’s Digital Gateway Decision
The rapid growth of artificial‑intelligence applications has collided with America’s aging energy and permitting infrastructure. This collision of massive demand and regulatory friction creates a high-stakes environment where, as the recent invalidation of Prince William County’s 24.7 billion Digital Gateway project demonstrates, even the most monumental projects can be derailed by fundamental procedural errors. Global estimates project that data centers’… Read more
Twenty Attorneys from Bean, Kinney & Korman Listed in 2026 Best Lawyers in America and Seven Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
ARLINGTON, VA, –Bean, Kinney & Korman announced that twenty of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 Edition. The attorneys were recognized for their distinguished legal work in seventeen different practice areas, including two attorneys listed for the first time. Additionally, seven attorneys have been selected for inclusion within Best Lawyers:… Read more
Special Exceptions vs. Variances: Picking the Right Path in Virginia Land‑Use Cases
Your project is stalled. The zoning administrator says your plans don’t comply. Special exceptions and variances serve very different purposes under Virginia law. Choosing the wrong one can waste months and fees and, in some cases, force applicants to start over. To avoid those pitfalls, you need to understand the legal standards, who decides your application, and how courts treat… Read more
Support Valuations Explained: How Courts Calculate Child and Spousal Support
Part 3 of the “Untangling Finances in Divorce” Series When a marriage ends, financial uncertainty often follows. For many families, one of the most pressing concerns is the determination of child support and spousal support—how much will be paid, by whom, and for how long. Whether you are the paying or receiving spouse, understanding how Virginia courts calculate these obligations… Read more
