Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Virginia Family Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Virginia on
Q: If I do not agree/consent to it, can my ex take our son out of state for a trip to Texas for Christmas?

If I do not agree/consent to it, can my ex take our son out of state for a trip to Texas for Christmas?

Other facts: -We are still legally married, pending divorce, no court dates until Feb-April. -We’re both the child’s parents, both have rights, both on the birth certificate. -My son... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Virginia on
Q: I am in need of an attorney to assist with my suit against the henrico county judicial system/ JDR and Circuit court

My rights was violated on multiple attempts per my 14th amendment by many law officials including judges since 2017 who I have evidence and names on all

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: 13yo daughter desperately wants us to have full custody of her and get away from her train wreck of a mother.

Her mother is somewhat unstable and likely bi-polar (opinion) but our oldest daughter left her at 16 and never went back and now our youngest, 13, begs us to not make her go to her house. We have shared custody, half the week with us and half the week with her mother. Her mother has been caught... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Nov 18, 2024

I’m not sure what you are asking, but it is obvious that you need to consult with a lawyer who covers child custody and family issues. Seek a lawyer who practices in your judicial circuit.

0 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Virginia on
Q: Greetings! My brother is locked up because of child support and his lawyer has yet to reach out to him what can I do

The lawyer has not returned any calls and he has no clue as to what’s happening. Letters have been sent and thirty or more calls made but nothing. When my mom tried to find out she became nasty stating she is not the client. However she has not reached out to him. What would be the course of... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Virginia on
Q: Can anyone help me find a probono lawyer to sue the department of social services and individual workers, please?

Also, to sue the foster parents/adoption parents for violating the paca agreement. I have 2 cases against dss. And 1 case for the paca agreement.

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: What does the law say about running away from home at 18 if you are still in high school? Would truancy laws apply?
David G. Parker
David G. Parker pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 25, 2024

Attendance requirements are governed by Virginia Code § 22.1-254. There should be a process with the local school board by which a student can officially withdraw from school even without parental involvement (if the student has reached the age of 18). Dropping out of school is not recommended, of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: Can I get a VA Protective order for stalking/harassment without a specific threat of bodily harm?

I have a family member who is having a mental breakdown and has been continually harassing my pregnant wife and I with hurtful messages over the last few weeks. This individual continually insulted us through social media and phone over the last few weeks, and even tried to contact me from a... View More

David G. Parker
David G. Parker pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 23, 2024

As you indicate, there is no evidence that would establish an apprehension of physical harm; however, it sounds like this person is returning to your residence uninvited. Accordingly, trespassing may be an avenue to keep him away from your home. Just be sure to comply with notice requirements as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: My husband has power of attorney over his uncle whom is in a nursing home, he is mentally fine but physically not.

His uncle owns property that connects with ours we would like to purchase that property but not sure since the power of attorney. My husband and his uncle are the only remaining people in his family so there are no other heirs.. we do not want the nursing home to make us sell it which is why we... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Oct 7, 2024

The question presents potential issues of self-dealing in derogation of fiduciary duties and credit fraud, elder abuse, and even potential Medicaid fraud. But, the funny part is one of the first lessons I learned in practice from my mentor’s mentor: If nobody is going to object, there are many... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Virginia on
Q: My mother passed away in Virginia and have been told there was a will.

I contacted the law firm that created the will and know the lawyer. I was told they would call me right back and haven't heard anything. My brother and I are the only surviving relatives. I wanted to if I had the right to see the will. There is also the question of what happens if it was... View More

James H. Wilson Jr.
PREMIUM
James H. Wilson Jr.
answered on Sep 27, 2024

One way for a testator to revoke a will is through physical obliteration - tearing it up, marking through it, burning it, etc. Many lawyers will not keep an original will because it would deprive the testator of the ability to revoke a will in this manner. Instead, the lawyer or law firm may make... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Virginia on
Q: I retained my lawyer 3 weeks ago after my consult, and I have yet to receive any followup communication. is this normal?

I have left several voicemails requesting an estimate to time frame.

James H. Wilson Jr.
PREMIUM
James H. Wilson Jr.
answered on Sep 15, 2024

It is important for a lawyer and his or her client to discuss expectations regarding communications and the preferred method of communication. In general, lawyers communicate with clients when it is necessary to the purpose of representation. Some lawyers and clients prefer e-mail, some prefer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Adoption for Virginia on
Q: How do I adopt my girlfriends teenage son whose father lives in the Philippines. The father is not a US citizen.

The father has no legal or physical custody rights.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 11, 2024

To adopt your girlfriend's teenage son, you will need to follow Virginia's adoption process, which involves several legal steps. Since the father is not a U.S. citizen and resides in the Philippines without custody rights, you must obtain his consent or establish that his consent is not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Virginia on
Q: my father pass away, his brother becomes the primary representative of estate.dose he become the owner off the belonging

uncle is saying all of my deceased dad’s belongings are his

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Aug 27, 2024

You need to sit down with a lawyer experienced in Virginia probate law to review the Will, if any, the property deeds, if any, the family tree, and the other assets your father owned. If your father had a wife or children and no Will, his brother is not in his intestate succession. But, if you let... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: Can I have a 18.2-57.2 charge deferred to 18.2-57.3 if it was first and only offense?

Can I have a 18.2-57.2 charge deferred to 18.2-57.3 if it was first and only offense? Charge and conviction happened in 2009 and I’m looking to see if I can have it deferred pursuant of 18.2-57.3. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

David G. Parker
David G. Parker pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 14, 2024

Unfortunately, the first offender statute only applies to a case before it's adjudicated. It sounds like you were convicted many years ago and so it is now too late to seek a deferral under 18.2-57.3.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: My ex and I have 2 kids together. She moved 45 mi away from me. I live in the family home. I want 50/50, should I move?

We lived together for 3 years before she moved out. We currently have shared physical custody and I have custody every weekend.

Quillyn Zebedeo
Quillyn Zebedeo
answered on Jun 28, 2024

Custody is determined based on the best interest of the child, of which there are several factors the court will look at. Moving your place of residence to be closer to your child would likely be considered by a court, however, it would not be the sole factor in its determination.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Social Security and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: Q: Can I force an ex-wife to file for spousal benefits under SS to offset equalization of existing benefits paid monthly

Q: Can I force an ex-wife to file for spousal benefits under SS to offset equalization of existing benefits I pay monthly?

Our divorce decree mandates I pay an equalization amount to her monthly along with 50% of my Govt Retirement. I believe she has not filed so I have to pay her from my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 15, 2024

Unfortunately, you cannot force your ex-wife to file for spousal benefits under Social Security. Social Security rules allow her to decide when to file for benefits, and there is no legal mechanism to compel her to do so. However, understanding your options can help you manage this situation.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Civil Rights and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: what are the stipulations of a capias order being recalled in circuit court
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 3, 2024

To have a capias order recalled in circuit court, you need to take specific steps. First, you or your attorney must file a motion to recall the capias with the court that issued the order. This motion should clearly explain why the capias was issued and provide any justifications or evidence that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Virginia on
Q: If I have Primary custody of my daughter but share legal custody with every other weekend visitation with her mother

Is she allowed to vist her at school every week for lunch?

Daniel J. Miller
PREMIUM
Daniel J. Miller pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 10, 2024

It will depend on if there are any restrictions in the custody order. There does not appear to be any legal restrictions that would prevent this. Virginia Code § 22.1-4.3 provides that unless a court order specifies otherwise, non-custodial parents shall not be denied the opportunity to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Virginia on
Q: How do I amend my birthdate on my marriage certificate
Daniel J. Miller
PREMIUM
Daniel J. Miller pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 10, 2024

Virginia code § 20-16.1 authorizes the clerk or deputy clerk of a circuit court of any county or city to amend the record. The process will vary by county, for example Loudon county allows you to schedule an appointment with the clerk, whereas Fairfax county requires you to attend a court hearing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Virginia on
Q: Is gun prohibition in a New Jersey restraining order (civil case only) enforced in West Virginia? I'm moving there soon.

I have NO criminal record. I'm moving from New Jersey to West Virginia soon to retire there and want to do some deer hunting and get a hand gun for home protection too. My ex wife in NJ got a restraining order against me in a divorce action (civil case) about two decades ago. Will I pass a... View More

Daniel J. Miller
PREMIUM
Daniel J. Miller pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 6, 2024

This question has been posted in Virginia. West Virginia and Virginia have slightly different laws. Please repost in W. Virginia to get accurate responses.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Collections for Virginia on
Q: Do I notify a debt collector of who the executor is if it isn’t me if they haven’t asked but are sending me letters?

My wife was the POA for her eldest sister who was in a nursing home in Kentucky for 9 months before her death in 2022. Her other sister is the executor. I do not believe that she has settled the estate but there are no assets. Apparently Medicaid must have been denied because we are getting... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on May 2, 2024

You have no obligation to cooperate or provide any information in response to their demand letters. If they are a "bill collector" under the statute, they must cease contact when you demand that, and they may not continue contact just to harass you. That means that they have no choice but... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.