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Does #6 of 54.1-2969. Authority to consent to surgical and medical treatment apply to a family member being able to give medical consent if no one has been court appointed as guardian?
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answered on Aug 25, 2023
Your question indicates that your sister is an adult, not a minor (under 18). In cases when a person has not made an advanced medical directive, then Section 54.1-2986 of the Virginia Code determines the procedure for making medical decisions in the absence of an advanced medical directive. The... View More 
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answered on Aug 17, 2023
In Virginia, the legal code 18.2-456(a)(6) relates to obstructing justice by providing false identification to law enforcement officers with the intent to deceive. It's a Class 1 misdemeanor. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, law enforcement may issue a summons or a warrant for... View More
My spouse & I have been separated for a year now, we have 1 minor child. We have a signed/notarized PSA and now my spouse wants to file for divorce now and not have the PSA included. The signed/notarized PSA states we sell the house and pay all outstanding bills with the equity. Spouse now... View More
answered on Aug 17, 2023
A spouse served with a Complaint for Divorce in Virginia has 21 days to file a responsive pleading. Typically, if the defendant spouse did not agree to the allegations in the Complaint, the responsive pleading would be an Answer and Counterclaim, starting a contested divorce case.
It is... View More
My mother moved away due to failing health. The tenant lives behind her home in a trailer. He has no electricity or water as well in the trailer. Can we condemn the trailer.
answered on Aug 14, 2023
The answer will depend on local as well as state landlord and tenant law. Virginia is relatively good for landlords compared to my other jurisdictions, but you need to get a local lawyer that covers landlord-tenant and/or real estate.
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answered on Aug 10, 2023
In Virginia, after a divorce has been finalized, it is possible for one of the ex-spouses to request a modification to certain aspects of the divorce agreement. However, the ability to modify a finalized divorce decree depends on the specific circumstances and the issues being addressed.... View More
He is now claiming medical issues and has petitioned the court for modification. Although he is employed with a 1099 position.
Can he actually be forgiven of his arrears?
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answered on Aug 3, 2023
In Virginia, child support arrears typically continue to be owed until they are paid off in full, even after the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18). Interest may continue to accrue on unpaid arrears as well. The court may order modifications to child support orders based on substantial... View More
answered on Jul 24, 2023
If he is charged with the criminal offense of strangulation in Virginia, the totality of the evidence will have to prove, beyond any reasonable doubt, that he in fact strangled you. In Virginia, "strangled" occurs when someone "impedes the blood circulation or respiration of another... View More
The transaction has been paid off, but I have not seen any deed actually signed over to officially own the property without question. I also was given possession of the deed to hold safely, but was not named executor of her will. What, if any, rights to I have in the say of what happens to her... View More
answered on Jul 23, 2023
The assumptions in your posting indicate that you haven’t a clue as to proving title in Virginia. Seek out local, Virginia, real estate counsel, run a current owner search, and review the results.
answered on Jun 24, 2023
In any way? Well, of course. If your boyfriend commits a crime, your father can report it. Indeed, if your boyfriend does not commit a crime, your father can make a false report of it thereby subjecting himself to a charge of False Statement or even perjury. But, if you are asking whether the... View More
Husband has been incarcerated for 3 years now and rarely contacts (holidays or wants money). No court papers have been filed regarding marriage or custody. Our house here is in his name only. He has no family here, but I have a few.
answered on Jun 14, 2023
In the absence of a court order, both biological parents have equal rights to, and responsibilities for, their minor children. If the parents separate, either party may file a petition for a determination of custody, visitation, and child support. Once an order is in place, that controls until it... View More
his wife. My son and his wife were separated, and she said she would file for divorce. My son recently died, and his estranged wife took our grandson and said we would not see him again. While caring for him, we never received nor asked for support from his parents. He attended school the 2022-2023... View More
answered on Jun 7, 2023
A grandparent who has stood in the position of a parent to a minor child, in loco parentis in Latin, is an appropriate custodian for that child and can be awarded custody and/or visitation of the child. A grandparent is recognized as a "person with a legitimate interest" who can file for... View More
answered on Jun 5, 2023
There are really two types of spousal support, temporary and permanent. Temporary spousal support, awarded in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, or as pendente lite support incidental to a pending divorce case, is based on a formula, the creates a presumptively correct amount.... View More
Is there a statue of limitation on how long you been married in order to get an annulment?
answered on Jun 3, 2023
An annulment may be granted in the Commonwealth of Virginia based on a number of different grounds that make the marriage void or voidable, including but not limited to, fraud or duress, prohibited co-sanguinity, bigamy, incapacity, infancy, impotency, felony conviction, pregnancy by another or... View More
If she was granted the house in an emergency protective order it says her name. The family of household member is granted possession of the exclusion of the respondent however no such Grant of possession shall affect title To any real or personal pro Property. If she is out of the state ono... View More
answered on May 28, 2023
You should have a lawyer look at the actual protective order to be certain. That much said, if it gives her sole possession of the house, then you would be prohibited from going there - even if she is at work, or on vacation, or for any reason.
answered on May 10, 2023
Most well-drafted, comprehensive, Virginia separation agreements include a release of rights outside the agreement, and a waiver of equitable distribution rights. The idea is the comprehensive written separation agreement reflects the entire agreement between the parties as to the consequences of... View More
Father has left sister and I POA, we can act jointly or separately. Issue my sister aren't seeing eye to eye on is my father's 3rd largest asset (750K) is his home that is actually a vacation home. Lived there full time before he got sick. House is deteriorating, needs at least 35k in... View More
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answered on May 3, 2023
Hire a VA attorney to file a Conservatorship. The POA is not working, and was probably drafted in error.
currently the main provider for kids in the home. Wife lives in basement currently separated. She is asking for me to pay her out of network therapy bills. What am I financially responsible for specifically for my wife during this separation period.
answered on Apr 28, 2023
Each spouse has a duty of support to the other. Every parent has a duty of support to his or her minor children, or adult children unable to live independently.
While the Virginia Court of Appeals has recognized that spouses may live separate and apart under the same roof in Bchara v.... View More
What can I do to drop charges? It’s her first offense. What should we be expecting?
answered on Apr 25, 2023
In Virginia the Commonwealth Attorney decides whether to drop the charges in court. That said, they will listen to your wishes as the "victim." Under the Va code and the Va constitution they have to seek your input before disposing of a case. You will get a chance to tell them you want... View More
I would like to know, I own 2.39 acre of lot in a R1 zone and would like to gift 1 acre to my family member by subdividing. What are the necessary requirements as an owner to do this? My HOA document does not permit any subdivision, but there is a provision to make it a new amendment, but the... View More
answered on Apr 19, 2023
There is no cookie-cutter answer to this type of question. You start with a title search and review of all controlling documents, including the HOA docs and local zoning, because they often don’t say what people say they say. From there, you start negotiating to get where you are trying to be.... View More
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answered on May 2, 2023
If the father of the stepson is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is unlikely that the stepson would be entitled to any of that money directly. SSI is a needs-based program that provides cash assistance to people who are aged, blind, or... View More
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