As Virginia Beach child support attorneys, one of the most common questions we get is about whether there is a statute of limitations for child support payments. Child custody and child support are two of the most contentious issues in a Virginia divorce. In Virginia, there is really no statute of limitations with respect to child support orders. As a parent, you can pursue your right to unpaid child support at any time – even after your child is emancipated. It is also important to remember that child support obligations are not dischargeable in bankruptcy.

Remember, if you have not acted on your Virginia child support orders after going through a divorce, there is no need for concern. Since Virginia does not have a statute of limitations for child support, your court order will never expire. You have the legal right to collect unpaid child support when you are ready. Even if your ex-husband declares bankruptcy, he is still responsible for making those child support payments. (more…)

If you are a woman who is getting divorced in Virginia, it is important to be wary of some of the financial pitfalls of divorce. According to WIFE.org, each year, nearly 2.8 million men and women go through divorce in the United States. The article states recent studies show that in the first year after divorce, the woman’s standard of living drops by about 27 percent and the man’s may increase by up to 10 percent. These are interesting, yet disturbing numbers.

What causes women’s financial situation in general to dip in the aftermath of a divorce? Many factors may come into play here. The woman may have lost many important years of career growth as she stayed home to raise children. The child support she received just may not be enough to cover all costs. Given these unique post-divorce financial challenges, women would be well-advised to familiarize with the major financial pitfalls of divorce.

First and foremost, it is a good idea to start saving money as soon as the divorce process commences or even before that. Legal fees, court costs, therapist bills, new housing expenses – the bills can add up very quickly. Before you begin the divorce process, talk to a financial consultant. Do your research. Try to obtain copies of all financial records even before your divorce begins. Examples of important financial documents include tax returns, loan applications, credit card statements, property deeds and insurance policies. (more…)

For your Virginia divorce case to have the best possible outcome, it is critical that you and your Newport News divorce lawyer, work together as a team. It takes two to make your team a winning one. In this case, your attitude and approach can matter as much as your lawyer’s attitude and approach to your case. It is important that as a client, you are calm, business-like, and well-prepared. Ideal clients will be able to control their emotions, remain organized and listen to their attorney’s advice.

If you are getting divorced in Virginia, and have already retained a lawyer, it is in your best interest to understand the issues that will help build a successful professional relationship with your divorce lawyer. First, remember that you should contact your lawyer only about legal issues. The divorce lawyer is someone who will and should look out for your best interests. But, he or she is not your friend or confidante. (more…)

Facebook, Twitter or MySpace can be wonderful tools to connect with family members and friends. But, did you know social media can cast a deathly curse on your Virginia divorce case? It’s true. If you’re not careful what you post on Facebook, what you say or post on there could jeopardize or even destroy your Virginia divorce case.

According to a recent article in USA Today, more than 80 percent of divorce lawyers have seen an increase in evidence gathered from social networking sites such as Facebook. Divorce attorneys are combing these sites looking for dirt on the other side. There have been extreme cases such as a person finding out about their spouse’s “online affair” with an old flame or in some cases learning through a Facebook status update that their spouse filed for divorce! As Newport News divorce lawyers, we are seeing increasing evidence that social networking sites can seriously affect cases. (more…)

There is no question that social media websites such as Facebook are a good way to keep in touch with family members and friends. But, according to recent reports, including one by the American Academy of Matrimonial Layers, more than 80 percent of divorce attorneys polled for the study said the number of people using social media to engage in extramarital activity is on the rise. In fact, one in five marriages end because of Facebook. As Newport News divorce lawyers, we are seeing that such breakups have become a growing trend locally and nationally.

What’s the reasoning behind this trend? Extramarital relationships are fueled by opportunity and temptation. Facebook and other social media provide plenty of both. A classic example is when a married man or woman, initially out of curiosity, looks up an old crush or ex-boyfriend/girlfriend on Facebook. Once the connection is made, there is a good chance that the old flame will be rekindled. Facebook provides the temptation and opportunity for people to pay more attention to social media contacts than “real-time” connections, also known as family members or loved ones. Such obsessive behavior can deal a death blow to one’s marriage. (more…)

It is extremely important for military women, who are struggling through a tough divorce, to talk to a Virginia military divorce lawyer, who understands specific issues that these women are going through. According to a recent Associated Press news report, female GIs are experiencing a much higher rate of divorce than male GIs. About 220,000 women have served in various roles in Afghanistan and Iraq. According to statistics provided by the Pentagon, in 2010, 7.8 percent of military women got a divorce, compared to 3 percent of military men. A similar trend was noted in the military’s enlisted corps where nearly 9 percent of women saw their marriages come to an end compared to just 3 percent of the men.

A divorce is a tough road and a stressful situation for anyone to be in – let alone a woman who is married or married with children and is serving in a battlefield thousands of miles away from home. Add to this, challenges such as societal pressures, financial instability, psychological and emotional insecurities, physical injuries and post-traumatic stress syndrome – women in the military do have to fight an uphill battle when it comes to their marital lives. (more…)

A divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging for the couple involved. However, it can be traumatic and have long-term effects on children who are involved. Therefore, it is extremely important to consider the best interests of the children, who are often the helpless victims of a divorce. Some of the contentious issues during a Virginia divorce involve children – child custody, child support and visitation rights.

These days, technology is making it easier for noncustodial, divorced parents to stay in touch and maintain a relationship with their children even when they are miles apart. This is known as virtual visitation. In virtual visitation, computers are equipped with webcams that allow parents and children to see each other. This is not the same as meeting in person, but virtual visitation makes a phone call much more personal and easier for younger children.

Statistics provided by the U.S. Census Bureau show that states such as Utah, Wisconsin and Missouri have passed virtual visitation laws. In several other states including Virgina, bills are pending on this issue. Opponents of this type of visitation say that it could encourage divorced parents and their children to grow apart and that this could become an excuse for parents moving away from their children. (more…)

Every marriage is unique and so are the issues that drive a couple apart. Even so, there are some basic types of marital stressors that often lead to a Virginia divorce.

Listed below are 3 common catalysts for a Virginia divorce:

• The major event – this is a one-time event that tests the strength of the marriage. Sometimes it’s an affair. Other times, it’s a disagreement over an important issue for which you just can’t compromise. In some cases, a couple can come through this type of event but at other times, it turns out to be more than their marriage can handle.

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One of the most delicate situations a couple must deal with during the divorce process is to tell their children that they are getting a divorce. Child support, spousal support and child custody in Virgina, can be contentious issues during the divorce. However, many couples struggle with several questions during the initial phase of breaking the bad news to their children. Should they tell the children? When should they tell them? How should they tell them? The fact remains that children must be told the truth. It is the very first step for them in the process of accepting that their parents have broken up and that this is going to change their lives dramatically.

There is no question that the first time children hear about their parents’ separation will be traumatic for them. When possible, it is important that both parents talk to their children at once in a calm manner without being hostile toward one another. It is up to the parents to decide whether they want to speak jointly or separately to their children. If self-restraint seems impossible, it is in the children’s best interests to talk to one parent at a time. (more…)

Forgiveness can be an issue of concern following a Virginia divorce. You may have been wronged by your ex-husband and are now left sorting out your feelings of resentment and pain, and seeking ways to help yourself forgive him once and for all.

While forgiveness is a virtue, it isn’t always the highest thing to strive for after a Virginia divorce. Your first priority should be coping with the divorce in the best way you can and building a new, stable life for yourself and your children. It’s completely normal and understandable to be angry with someone who’s treated you unfairly, and to decide that he’s not someone you want in your life.

If you do have children with your ex, and the two of you have a child custody arrangement, you won’t be able to avoid him entirely, but that doesn’t mean the two of you have to be the best of friends. Civility and forgiveness are two different things. (more…)