Blogs

Divorce and Family Law

Updated Virginia Child Support Laws and the Impact on High Income Families

By Christian Lapham and Livia Paschke In July 2025, Virginia implemented its first major update to child support guidelines in more than a decade.[1] For families with higher earnings, these changes may significantly affect the amount of child support in cases filed both before and after July 1, 2025. For parents who either pay or receive child support in Virginia, understanding this updated Statute is essential for protecting your financial interests and ensuring your child’s needs are met.…

October 23, 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

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

Divorce Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Virginia

Navigating through a divorce is a challenging journey, and it becomes particularly intricate when one or both of the parties has an ownership interest in a business. For entrepreneurs, a divorce is not just a personal transition; it’s an event that can have profound implications on their business. The process involves not only emotional and personal adjustments but also critical financial and legal decisions, especially concerning the valuation and division of business assets. Understanding…

December 7, 2023

Divorce and Family Law

Coronavirus and Custody: Implications of Stay at Home Orders

On March 23, 2020, Governor Northam issued Executive Order 53, and a week later issued Executive Order 55, which together have defined the Commonwealth’s stay at home regulations for individuals and businesses. In our last posting prior to Executive Order 55, we opined that custody orders should still be followed even where there was no direct guidance from the government as to how the stay at home order would impact existing custody orders. Fortunately, Executive Order 55 allows people to…

April 20, 2020

Divorce and Family Law

ER Doctor’s Temporary Loss of Custody and a Possible Path Forward

In a stunning decision in the 11th Judicial Circuit last week, emergency room doctor Theresa Greene lost temporary custody of her 4-year-old daughter solely because of her profession and potential risk of exposure to COVID-19. Judge Bernard Shapiro suspended Dr. Greene’s 50/50 custodial rights based upon the virus outbreak, despite Dr. Greene’s assurances she has repeatedly worn protective equipment and has tested negative for the virus. The Miami Third District Court of Appeals temporarily…

April 20, 2020

Divorce and Family Law

Coronavirus and Custody: What You Need to Know During the Crisis

The recent pandemic has fundamentally changed virtually every aspect of our society. On the health, education, business, and economic levels, COVID-19 is dramatically impacting us in many ways. Family law attorneys and their clients are also confronted with novel and different challenges. Parents have many questions about how COVID-19 impacts existing custody agreements and whether and how to account for these challenges in the future. The following are some of the frequently asked questions…

March 29, 2020