Domestic Relations
Overview
Divorce, child custody, support, marriage and adoption are all integral parts of the Bean, Kinney & Korman domestic relations practice.
Our experience and familiarity with these issues that most intensely affect the lives of our clients makes us exceptionally responsive to both their emotional and legal needs. We serve clients throughout Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, including those in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Reston, McLean and the surrounding areas.
Separation and Divorce
The breakup of a marriage is uniquely stressful, with emotion coloring choices at a time when important legal rights are at stake. Our attorneys, who have several decades (not just collectively, but for some, individually) of experience in representing clients in Virginia, suburban Maryland and the District of Columbia, can help guide you through this most difficult process.
We are courtroom veterans, who know the value and benefit of negotiation and mediation, providing objective counsel to our clients through separation and divorce actions of every nature, from uncontested through the most bitterly litigated. We have achieved peer recognition in numerous local and national publications including Washingtonian magazine and The Washington Post. We are also included in ratings services, such as Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, as outstanding family law advocates.
Personal Approach
First of all, we listen. The dissolution of a marriage is difficult, emotional, stressful and can be extraordinarily complicated, but above all, it is acutely personal – we want to understand your position, your needs and your objectives. And our lawyers want to help you understand your rights and your options. We will not compromise our ethical obligations as professionals, but our development of strategies and choices of action will be responsive to your direction – this is your life and future. We don’t lose sight of that.
There are many strategies that can be pursued to accomplish your objectives – direct negotiation, alternative resolution processes, such as mediation or neutral case evaluation , collaborative law or, as a last resort, contested litigation.
We cannot make the emotional pain of a divorce go away. We can, and do, employ our skills, experience and judgment to help guide clients through the process. We protect their interests with all of the resources at our disposal and work with them to achieve a fresh start on which to build their future.
Child Custody and Support
Children are often the unfortunate casualties in a divorce. Our attorneys are sensitive to the intense emotions that are part of every contested custody matter. We provide understanding guidance on bringing in professional counseling assistance when that is constructive and appropriate. Our depth of experience litigating custody matters gives us an invaluable knowledge base to draw upon in advising our clients who face these challenges.
Division of Property
Apart from the knowledge that comes from experience in litigating property division, our domestic relations attorneys have immediate access within the firm to other practices focusing on the business , real estate , tax issues and estate planning that are frequently involved in divorces (which can include the division of the value of a spousal-owned business enterprise).
An important, and often poorly understood, aspect of property division is the handling of retirement benefits of each spouse. With the large federal workforce in our region, there is an additional need for specific knowledge about how federal benefits are handled in a divorce. These benefits require thorough analysis, have significant potential tax consequences, and require technically-qualified treatment in final divorce decrees. We make that knowledge available to you.
Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements
There are times and circumstances, whether before or after marriage, when a couple may wish to have an agreement settling how their assets will be divided, or not, if they later divorce. Although the parties may seem to be in complete agreement at the time, things can change when the marriage later fails. We are skilled in the preparation of agreements protective of our clients’ interests and designed to withstand any later challenge.
For couples seeking to end their marriage cooperatively, collaborative law is a means of resolving divorce issues without adversarial litigation. Instead, the parties sign an agreement binding them to the process and disqualifying their respective attorneys from representing them in any future domestic relations litigation. They are then brought together with their attorneys and any other professionals who may be necessary to address the matters involved, with the goal of reaching a negotiated resolution of those issues not previously agreed upon. Our attorneys are skilled in this process and are happy to discuss how collaborative law could work for you.
Our attorneys (Theresa Mihalik, Lynn Hawkins, and Michelle Bieber) are certified in collaborative law and affiliated with the D.C. Academy of Collaborative Professionals and Collaborative Professionals of Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, MD. Learn more.
Adoption
To the adoptive parent or parents, adoption is usually a happier occasion for our engagement as counsel. Sometimes there are difficulties presented by adoption procedures, and unfortunate times when the process is challenged by birth parents or others. We have the sensitivity, knowledge and skills to guide clients through the process while making it understandable.
Publications
- When Parents Split
Arlington Magazine, September 16, 2024 - Post-Divorce Conflict Resolution: How Mediation Can Help Modify Custody or Child Support Agreements
September 9, 2024 - Navigating Child Custody Issues and Public/Private School Placement
August 19, 2024 - Understanding “Equitable Distribution” in Virginia Divorce
May 22, 2024 - Spousal Support: Navigating Uncertainties in Virginia Divorce
April 29, 2024 - Advanced Mediation and Collaborative Divorce: Tailoring Solutions for Complex Situations
April 15, 2024 - Getting to Yes: Traditional Negotiation vs. Mediation in Virginia Divorces
April 3, 2024 - What to Expect from Divorce Proceedings in Virginia
March 6, 2024 - Essential Steps for Modifying Child Support and Custody in Virginia
January 31, 2024 - Significant Changes in District of Columbia Divorce Law
December 19, 2023 - Divorce Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Virginia
December 7, 2023 - Third-Party Custody and Visitation: What is the Standard?
December 6, 2023 - Resist/Refuse In Custody Cases: Thought Leaders Weigh In
Virginia Lawyer, official publication of the Virginia State Bar, July 25, 2023 - Navigating the Holidays While Sharing Custody
December 12, 2022 - Is Collaborative Divorce Right for Me?
October 28, 2022 - Commentary: Hook Shot
Virginia Lawyers Weekly, October 3, 2022 - Moving Out of the Marital Home – Should You Stay or Go?
August 3, 2022 - How I Became an Award-Winning Sculptor
Family Lawyer Magazine, January 5, 2021 - Business Valuation in the Time of the Plague
Virginia Lawyers Weekly, May 11, 2020 - I Want to Get Divorced, but I Can’t Get a Court Date…Now What?
April 24, 2020 - ER Doctor’s Temporary Loss of Custody and a Possible Path Forward
April 20, 2020 - Coronavirus and Custody: Implications of Stay at Home Orders
April 20, 2020 - COVID-19: I Lost My Job and/or am Furloughed. Can I stop paying child support while I am unemployed?
April 1, 2020 - COVID-19: Daycare is Closed. Does My Child Support Obligation Change?
April 1, 2020 - Divorce Toolkit – A Guide to Separation and Divorce in Virginia
March 31, 2020 - Coronavirus and Custody: What You Need to Know During the Crisis
March 29, 2020 - Do You Have a Pre-Nuptial Agreement that Has a Provision for Alimony?
March 2, 2018 - Children and Taxes: De-Mystifying Five Key Tax Issues Impacting Divorcing Parents
Virginia Family Law Quarterly, April 12, 2016 - The Seven Things You Wish You Knew At the Beginning of Your Divorce
BKK Family Law Newsletter, October 7, 2015 - Family Law Attorney and Counsellor at Law
BKK Family Law Newsletter, April 29, 2015 - Protective Orders in Virginia
BKK Family Law Newsletter, October 8, 2014 - New Child Support Guidelines under Virginia Code Section 20-108.2: What do They Mean for You?
BKK Family Law Newsletter, May 1, 2014 - What Are My Options in a Divorce Besides Going to Court?
October 21, 2013 - Divorce, Child Support and Alimony
October 16, 2013 - Divorce and the Professional: Division of Property and Business Interests
August 7, 2013 - When You Are Divorced, What Happens to Child Custody if a Parent Moves?
June 11, 2013 - How Is Child Custody Determined?
May 3, 2013 - Emergency Points if a Divorce is Impending: Financial Accounts and Personal Property
March 27, 2013 - Separated But Not Divorced: Don’t Wait to Update Your Estate Plan
February 1, 2013 - Marriage, Divorce and Your Business
September 16, 2012 - Estate Planning and Divorce: What to Consider When You’re Separating or Divorced
May 1, 2012 - Adultery and the Fifth Amendment
The Matrimonial Strategist, April 1, 2012 - The Drafting of Property Settlement Agreements: DeMayo v. DeMayo – A Cautionary Tale
The Fee Simple, May 1, 2011
Reported Cases
News
- Four Bean, Kinney & Korman Attorneys Named in the Washingtonian’s 2023 Top Divorce Lawyers List
Monday December 4, 2023 - Bean, Kinney & Korman Named a 2024 “Best Law Firm” for Thirteenth Consecutive Year
Thursday November 2, 2023 - Alexandra M. Fletcher, Allison K. Riddle and Joseph P. Macy Join Bean, Kinney & Korman
Friday July 7, 2023 - James W. Korman, Emeritus, Retires After 54 Years at Bean, Kinney & Korman
Wednesday March 29, 2023 - Six Bean, Kinney & Korman Attorneys Named in the Washingtonian’s 2022 Top Lawyers List
Monday November 28, 2022 - Bean, Kinney & Korman Named a 2023 “Best Law Firm” for Twelfth Consecutive Year
Thursday November 3, 2022 - Theresa M. Mihalik Joins Bean, Kinney & Korman
Thursday May 5, 2022 - Bean, Kinney & Korman Named a 2022 “Best Law Firm” for Eleventh Consecutive Year
Thursday November 4, 2021 - D. Justin Roberts and Taylor N. Klauza Join Bean, Kinney & Korman
Tuesday November 2, 2021 - Bean, Kinney & Korman Named a 2021 “Best Law Firm” for Tenth Consecutive Year
Thursday November 5, 2020 - Emily R. Nerino Joins Bean, Kinney & Korman
Monday September 23, 2019 - Michelle A. Bieber Joins Bean, Kinney & Korman
Friday December 14, 2018 - Jill C. Seiferth Joins Bean, Kinney & Korman
Tuesday November 20, 2018 - Jamie J. Sack was quoted in “Is Your Spouse Hiding Money From You?”
Forbes, Friday September 22, 2017 - When power couples melt down
Politico, Friday May 9, 2014 - Dissecting the Stigma of Family Law: An Interview with Jim Korman
LAWS.com, Tuesday April 30, 2013 - Bean, Kinney & Korman Named a Best Law Firm by U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers in America
Thursday November 1, 2012 - James Korman of Bean, Kinney & Korman recognized by Best Lawyers as Lawyer of the Year in Family Law
Friday October 21, 2011 - Bean, Kinney & Korman Represents Winning Defendant DeMayo in a Case Involving A Complicated Property Settlement Agreement
Monday April 4, 2011 - Bean, Kinney & Korman Recognized as First-Tier Law Firm For Family Law and Family Law Mediation
Monday September 27, 2010
Events
- Done with Divorce Workshop
Online, Wednesday, May 19, 2021 - Second Saturday Divorce Webinar
Online, Wednesday, April 14, 2021 - Done with Divorce Seminar
Online, Wednesday, October 14, 2020 - Second Saturday Divorce Workshop
Online, Wednesday, October 7, 2020 - Dividing and Valuing Complex Assets in Divorce
Webinar - 1:00 - 2:30 pm EST, Wednesday, August 7, 2019 - Second Saturday – Arlington/Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Navy League Building, 1st Floor, Arlington, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Arlington/Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Navy League Building, 1st Floor, Arlington, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Arlington: Free Seminar on Divorce
Navy League Building, 1st Floor, Arlington, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970 - Second Saturday – Fairfax: Free Seminar on Divorce
Fair Oaks Courtyard Marriott in Fairfax, Virginia, Thursday, January 1, 1970