Blogs

Divorce and Family Law

Why Choose Divorce Mediation? Key Benefits and Differences in VA, MD & D.C.

The end of a marriage doesn’t have to lead to a courtroom battle. Divorce mediation is a popular option for couples who want to resolve issues respectfully and efficiently. It offers a cost-effective, private, and often quicker alternative to litigation. Most importantly, it provides the opportunity to maintain control over the outcome, rather than letting a judge decide your family’s fate – which can vary wildly from Virginia to Maryland to Washington, D.C., and even among different judges in…

April 21, 2025

Divorce and Family Law

Bridging the Gap: Mediation vs. Parenting Coordination in Custody Disputes

Navigating divorce and custody disputes is rarely easy, especially when children are involved. If you’re facing separation or already managing a contentious parenting arrangement, you’ve likely heard of divorce mediation and parenting coordination . These two processes can both help reduce conflict, but the processes themselves are quite different. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between custody mediation and parenting coordination, along with their advantages and…

April 9, 2025

Divorce and Family Law

The Impact of DOGE on Child and Spousal Support: A Guide for Federal Workers

In the D.C. metro area, one would have to be living under a proverbial rock to not know of the recent reduction in federal workers by the Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) across a myriad of federal agencies. Indeed, as of April 1, 2025, The New York Times confirms at least 56,000 confirmed involuntary cuts (although a fraction of those have been reinstated due to court order), approximately 75,000 federal employees have taken buyouts, and at least an additional 170,000 federal jobs…

April 4, 2025

Divorce and Family Law

Dividing Complex Assets in a Divorce: The Role of Forensic Accountants in High-Asset Divorces (Part 1 of 3)

Welcome to our three-part series on navigating the complexities of high-asset divorces. In cases involving significant financial holdings, retirement accounts, and high-value personal assets, achieving a fair division often requires an expert in forensic accounting or valuation issues. Certain assets, such as financial accounts, debt accounts, or assets bought or sold near in time have an value which is easily established. Other assets, such as businesses or real estate (residential or…

December 9, 2024

Divorce and Family Law

Co-Parenting Under One Roof: Is Staying in the Marital Home the Right Choice?

Divorce is one of the most challenging experiences a family can face, especially when children are involved. One question that often arises is whether both parties should remain in the marital home during the separation and divorce process. Not only does a decision to move out of the marital home carry both emotional and financial implications, but it can also have legal consequences that divorcing spouses must carefully consider. Why Some Parties Choose to Continue to Live in the Marital Home…

November 22, 2024

Divorce and Family Law

Post-Divorce Conflict Resolution: How Mediation Can Help Modify Custody or Child Support Agreements

Divorce marks the beginning of a new chapter for many families, but it doesn’t always mean the end of the legal process. As circumstances change, modifications to child custody and child support agreements often become necessary. Whether a party relocates, experiences a financial shift, or a child’s needs evolve, post-divorce conflict can resurface. Mediation offers a practical, cost-effective, and less stressful approach to resolve these disputes, providing a collaborative platform to amend…

September 9, 2024

Divorce and Family Law

Navigating Child Custody Issues and Public/Private School Placement

By Christian Lapham and Livia Paschke In Northern Virginia, as in many other locations, highly ranked public schools often compete with a myriad of prestigious private schools. It is a challenge for many parents within an intact family to decide where to send their child or children to school. In a family with separated or divorced parents, particularly those experiencing trust issues and communication challenges, the issue of school placement can become a source of tremendous conflict that…

August 19, 2024

Divorce and Family Law

Understanding “Equitable Distribution” in Virginia Divorce

Divorce is not just a separation of two lives but also the division of their shared assets, including property and debts accumulated during the marriage. In Virginia, this division is governed by a principle known as “equitable distribution.” Unlike the term might suggest, “equitable” does not mean “equal” but rather what the court deems fair based on several factors enumerated in Virginia Code § 20-107.3. This blog will guide you through the nuances of equitable distribution in Virginia,…

May 22, 2024

Divorce and Family Law

Spousal Support: Navigating Uncertainties in Virginia Divorce

Spousal support, commonly referred to as alimony, can be one of the more contentious and unpredictable aspects of a divorce in Virginia. Unlike child support, which follows relatively straightforward guidelines, spousal support considerations are more nuanced, with significant discretion left to the court. This blog aims to shed light on how spousal support is determined in Virginia, helping you navigate through the uncertainties that surround these decisions. Understanding Spousal Support in…

April 29, 2024

Divorce and Family Law

Advanced Mediation and Collaborative Divorce: Tailoring Solutions for Complex Situations

Navigating divorce can be challenging enough without adding to the additional stresses and expenses of the judicial system and litigation. What you may not know is, there are other options! When considering options, consider advanced mediation or collaborative divorce. Both options offer a more nuanced and cooperative framework than traditional litigation or simple mediation, making them ideal for couples facing intricate financial, custody, or personal issues. This blog article delves into…

April 15, 2024