Blog: Divorce

Johnny Cash sang, “Because you’re mine, I walk the line,” but what happens when lines get crossed in a marriage? How far are you willing to let your partner go before you find your limit, and how badly will the ensuing argument(s) fracture your relationship? What happens to everything you brought into the marriage if it ends? When a couple gets engaged, there may be only love in their eyes. However, the American Psychological Association...

First things first—if you are in imminent danger from your abusive spouse, get out of the house with your children and call the police. Do not worry about eventually getting custody or alimony when you file for divorce—your safety comes first. However, if you are not under immediate threat, and you believe that you can safely take a bit of time to get some things in place first, it could benefit you during the divorce...

There is no other job quite like serving in the military. While servicemembers are on active duty, they are basically at work 24/7. In many cases, they are out of the country for months at a time. Because of this, they cannot respond to civil litigation in the same way civilians can. That is why, under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), members of the military are protected from civil litigation while they are on...

When MacKenzie Scott filed for divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019, it made headlines owing to the vast wealth that would be divided. Many people were surprised when she re-married in 2021, but we should not be that surprised that she has now filed for divorce for a second time. Over 60 percent of second marriages end in divorce, and apparently, the uber-wealthy are no exception. You might not have a net worth...

You are divorced and have an opportunity for a better life in a state other than Virginia. Maybe the move will take you closer to your family, or perhaps you have been offered a better job. Regardless of the reason, if you believe it is the right decision for you, you should be free to make the move. However, if you have children and share custody with your ex, you will have to get their...

Now that you've decided to end your marriage, you may wonder whether you need to hire a lawyer or if you can handle the divorce on your own. Though you may be a competent and capable do-it-yourselfer in many other areas, law – and especially divorce law – is one field that's best left to the professionals. Here's what you need to know about the dangers of a DIY Virginia divorce and how MacDowell Law...

There’s no doubt that ending a marriage can be a messy process. When tensions run high, spouses may lash out by saying things that are incredibly hurtful. Sometimes, this may even rise to the level of defamation—as seen in John C. Depp, II v. Amber Laura Heard (CL-2019-2911). At the heart of the dispute between actor Johnny Depp and actress Amber Heard is a December 2018 opinion column in Depp is suing Heard for $50...

Divorce is a devastating circumstance for all involved, no matter how amicable the divorcing couple is. While there are plenty of things to worry about, from finances to child custody, sometimes it’s the details that make things complicated and painful. One example of this might be family heirlooms. These precious and sentimental objects can be a point of contention and pain for many parting couples. The ownership of family heirlooms following divorce depends upon a...

Divorce is a heartbreaking process. The goal should be for it to be as amicable as possible, especially when there are children involved. One way to accomplish this is through an uncontested divorce. This route will save you time and money, along with a lot of stress and hurt. Unfortunately, too many couples make the mistake of navigating through an uncontested divorce without the guidance of an attorney. What Is an Uncontested Divorce? In the...

Divorce is difficult under any circumstance, but it is especially painful when children are involved. You likely have many unanswered questions. How can you best protect your child emotionally? What happens if you or a spouse move out of the area? How does child support work? How Child Custody Is Determined Family courts in Virginia try to maintain the child’s time and contact with both parents whenever possible and appropriate. The judge will consider a variety...