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Understanding Monetary and Nonmonetary Contributions to the Family
When marriages end, the finances are a complex and contentious aspect of any legal proceedings to formalize the new family composition. In divorce disputes, Virginia law outlines numerous factors to consider when making decisions regarding asset division and spousal support. When these matters go before the court, an important consideration is the respective contributions of each party to the relationship.
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When A Family Law Matter Involves Substance Abuse
When a family goes through a major transition like divorce, the presence of substance abuse adds a layer of complexity to an already fraught situation. Not only is substance abuse a potential basis for the end of the relationship, but it also impacts divorce or custody matters on numerous levels. It is vital to be aware of the potential roadblocks presented by addiction issues and plan accordingly.
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How to Maximize your Attorney-Client Relationship
Going through a change in your family composition can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, often making it feel like you have lost control over your life. Although it is not possible to regain control entirely, there are concrete steps you can take to manage certain aspects of the process, giving you a voice.
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What is the Benefit of A Paid Consultation with a Family Law Attorney?
A consultation is a substantive meeting. Our time and advice have value, and we hope that potential clients recognize and respect this. If you are considering a family law matter and want to have the complete attention of seasoned professionals who can help you decide what to do in a timely manner, contact us for a consultation.
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Protecting Privacy in Family Law Matters
ReeseLaw, P.C., can provide guidance and representation in the best strategy to protect privacy in a family law matter. Contact us today for a consultation from an experienced family law attorney in Fairfax, VA.
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Protecting Children In A High-Conflict Divorce
When a family goes through a divorce, the change will always be a challenge. However, some adult relationships end with intense, long-lasting emotional, financial, and even physical disputes. These are referred to as “high conflict divorce,” and they can occur in a marital relationship as well as when unmarried parents end their relationship.
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Giving Back is Fundamental to Our Firm
ReeseLaw is proud of its commitment to giving back. As we approach the holidays this year, we plan to continue sharing our blessings with others. We believe that this commitment makes us better lawyers and better people. If you want to work with a firm that is dedicated to its clients, not only as litigants; but as unique individuals with interests, needs, hopes and dreams well outside of the litigation, contact us today.
Topics: Family Law
Alternatives to Legal Separation in Virginia | Experienced Postnuptial Lawyers in Virginia
This article discusses alternatives to legal separation in Virginia, as the state does not recognize the status of "legal separation" in marriage. Instead, couples can consider postnuptial or separation agreements, which are binding contracts outlining the rights and responsibilities of each spouse. These agreements offer a way to live apart without divorce. Learn more by reading through our blog written by experienced postnuptial attorneys here at Reese Law Office.
Topics: Family Law
Grey Prenuptial Agreements: A Guide for Marriages Later in Life
Recently, there has been a lot written about “grey divorce,” referring to couples who divorce later in life, and some unique issues that they need to consider. Similarly, for individuals entering marriage after age 50, or those marrying for the second or third time, a “grey” prenuptial agreement can be a valuable tool.
Topics: Grey Divorce, Prenuptials
Bringing Out the Best in Her Team Through Learning and Growth
Since founding ReeseLaw, P.C., Kate Reese has fostered an environment that encourages lifelong learning and development. Mentorship is a priority for Kate, as she sees it as a critical part of offering the best client services in the family law arena, a critical emphasis in her management style and an opportunity to promote excellence in her field
Topics: Choosing a Lawyer, Collaborative Divorce, Family Law
Coming Out as LGBTQ+: Navigating Relationships with Grace and Preparation
June was LGBTQ+ Pride month, a time to celebrate the diverse ways people live and love. It is also a time when many people choose to acknowledge, own, and even embrace their own LGBTQ+ identity. When this happens to a person in a committed relationship, particularly one with children, this journey involves speaking truth to loved ones who have a vision and expectations that may be disrupted by the information. It requires courage, sensitivity, and thoughtful planning. Read more for some essential steps to consider:
Topics: LGBTQ, Mental Health
ReeseLaw Turns 20: A Conversation with Kate Reese
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of ReeseLaw, P.C., we talked to the founder and namesake, Catherine “Kate” Reese, about the firm.
Topics: Choosing a Lawyer
Coping With Grief When the Family Composition Changes
As with all things, family life inevitably includes change. Whether it's through separation, custodial changes, divorce, or the loss of a loved one, navigating loss and grief can be a daunting journey.
Topics: Child Custody, Mental Health, Parenting
Surviving the Sandwich Generation
In Episode 18 of the Family Matters With ReeseLaw podcast, How Do I Care for My Parents and Children, Kate Reese spoke with Jennifer Folsom, author of The Ringmaster: Work, Life, and Keeping it All Together, about her experience with this issue. Their conversation touched on some important ways to manage the additional responsibilities that come with being in the Sandwich Generation.
Topics: Mental Health, Parenting
Co-Parenting a Neurodivergent Child
When parents share legal or physical custody of their child, they must have some measurement of agreement on how to raise the child.
Topics: Child Custody, Parenting
Parenting and Teen Safe Driving
The US Department of Transportation designates October 15-21, 2023, as National Teen Safe Driving Week - an important initiative to raise awareness about teenage drivers' risks and challenges and promote safe driving habits among young drivers.
Topics: Child Custody, Parenting
Changes That Come With Remarriage
A divorce does not always mean that the relationship doesn’t continue to impact the lives of the former spouses. If there are children, then issues of custody and support may require continued communication. In some cases, one spouse is awarded spousal support, which may create an additional basis for interaction. When one of the parties moves on to a new romantic partnership, there can be significant changes to the status quo. While this should not be the basis for deciding whether to start a new relationship or consider remarriage, it is essential to understand some of the possible consequences.
Topics: Mental Health, Parenting, PrenuptialsEffectively Putting the Kids First in a Divorce
In Episode 22 of the Family Matters podcast, Kate Reese said, "Even though I work for the parents, I am always mindful of the children in my case: how old are they, what do they need, how are things going at home for them." Throughout this informative and insightful episode, Kate and her guest, mental health counselor, Phyllis Palombi, shared their professional experience and insights into the parties least likely to be represented in a divorce - the children. And yet, these are the ones most likely to suffer repeated traumas, long-term because of the divorce. Together, Kate and Phyllis offered some important considerations for divorced parents.
Topics: Child Custody, Divorce Law, ParentingManaging the Custody and Support During Summer Break
When school lets out, the regular schedule for the kids goes out the window, and managing their summer schedule presents a co-parenting challenge. Camps, playdates, vacations, and even day-to-day childcare all require planning and often have an associated expense. While some custodial arrangements will go into detail about how to handle the basics of summer break, it is unlikely that every eventuality will be covered. Here are some tips for avoiding conflict in the dog days of summer.
Topics: Child Custody, Child Support, Mental Health, ParentingIt's Graduation. What Happens to Custody and Support?
High school graduation is a significant rite of passage for young people, but it also signals a transition for parents, especially when they are not together. As the graduate prepares to enter the next phase of their life, parents should be aware of the many ways that adulthood can impact their rights and obligations concerning their children
Topics: Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce Law, ParentingCo-parenting A Special Needs Child
Children can bring out the best and worst in parents, and when that child has special needs, it can be a struggle to address those needs unless the parents are aligned. A change in the family system should not interfere with the care of a child, but in the real world, this can be a challenge that many families face,
Topics: Child Custody, Child Support, Mental Health, ParentingLove and Prenups Make for a Strong Marital Foundation
A prenuptial agreement or "prenup" is a written agreement between two people who are contemplating marriage. If done properly, it is a valid, enforceable alternative to the provisions thatf family law makes for married and divorcing couples. While the scope of a prenup can be as narrow or broad as a couple chooses, the conversations around the agreement bring up fundamental issues about marriage and relationships that all couples should be having before they get married. Even if a couple chooses to forgo a prenup, having the discussions can be a loving, healthy way to enter into marriage with clarity and joint purpose.
Topics: PrenuptialsOur Holiday Traditions: Families in Transition
At Reese Law, we work closely with families in transition. In past posts, we have talked about helping children adapt to a new normal by keeping some traditions and starting new ones. We know every family is different, so there are many ways to go about establishing a new tradition. We thought it would be worth sharing some of the range of activities our team finds fulfilling and fun for their holidays. We asked the team, and here are some great ideas to add to the mix of possibilities for your holidays.
Topics: Choosing a LawyerPlanning for Tough Conversations
When a family dynamic is heading for a change, communicating about what is happening can be difficult and stressful for all involved. In the latest episode of the podcast Family Matters With Reese Law, Kate had an enlightening conversation with Jennifer Dalton, the founder, and CEO of BrandMirror, and author of the book Listen: How to Embrace the Difficult Conversations Life Throws at You. They talked about the important findings in the book and some of Kate's insights from 25 years as a Family Law attorney, and they shared best practices for planning, holding, and surviving the most challenging conversations.
Topics: Mediation, Mental HealthDe-Escalating Conflict Between Parents and Teens by Bethany Bray
It's natural for adolescent development and parent-child conflict to go hand in hand. Le-Ann Solmonson, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who owns a private practice in Nacogdoches, Texas, has worked with children and adolescents in school and clinical settings throughout her career. Time and time again, she's seen families fall into a pattern as children reach adolescence: The youth wants more autonomy - a normal aspect of adolescent development - and begins to push against their parent's rules and boundaries. In response, the parents tighten their control or inflict punishment, only to have the adolescent push back harder, break more rules and chafe against their parents' preferences. Thus begins a repeating spiral of friction, frustration and misunderstanding - on the part of both the teenager and the parents.
Topics: Child Custody, Mental Health, ParentingThe Essentials of Emotional Intelligence
As Family Law practitioners, we see people at an incredibly emotional and transitional time. We need to understand what is going on with our clients, offer appropriate support, and be able to take care of ourselves as well. In the latest episode of Family Law Matters, Kate Reese and Christal Benton, both attorneys with the firm who happen to have Master's degrees in the counseling field, engaged in a lively exchange about emotional intelligence that covered some important aspects of this important skill to develop for ourselves and in relation to others.
Topics: Mental HealthNavigating the Holidays for the Sandwich Generation
The "sandwich generation" refers to adults who are caring for aging parents and minor children at the same time. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2022, 23% of separated or divorced spouses are part of the sandwich generation. For them, planning and celebrating holidays can have an extra layer of challenge, particularly for people who share custody of their children. Fostering togetherness and honoring the traditions associated with the holidays can feel overwhelming, with two generations of family needing support and attention. Here are some tips for navigating the complex family dynamics and demands while still celebrating the holidays.
Topics: Mental Health, ParentingTackling Homework With Your Kids
With the new school year come challenges and opportunities to help your children succeed in school. Every family and every child is different, so it can be hard to know what approach to take with a perennial struggle with homework. Whether a child is in one house or two, there are some approaches that can help bring about success. In Podcast Episode 17, Kate Reese spoke with Ann K. Dolin, M. Ed., the founder and owner of Education Connections, a tutoring business that serves the Northern Virginia area. Ann shared some useful perspectives and practices that apply to all families with school-aged children.
Topics: ParentingWhen and how do I talk to my spouse about the Collaborative Process?
Once the thought of separation and divorce enters your mind, your second thought should be about process. It is never too soon for you and your spouse to seek information about options. When you understand your options, you are in a better position to make informed decisions about how to move forward.
Topics: Choosing a Lawyer, Collaborative Divorce, Divorce LawHow Step Parents Can Obtain Further Parental Rights
Every family is different, and often the parent of a child marries another adult who wants to play a part in the life of the child. Where both biological parents continue to be interested in maintaining their parental rights, there are limits to a step-parent's legal right to assume a parental role for the child. However, in many instances, there are opportunities for an adult to have their relationship with a step-child recognized by the court.
Topics: Child Custody, Divorce LawAfter the Separation: Tips for Making a Healthy New Family Unit
When parents split up, children are forced out of the lives they know into unknown territory. No matter the level of acrimony, this transition is difficult, and often traumatic. While each family is different, and many factors can impact how children survive and thrive with this major change, parents can take some specific steps to ease the kids into a new normal.
Topics: Child Custody, Mental Health, ParentingLaunching a Business as a Women Business Owner
In Episode 15, of our Podcast, Kate talks with Kelly McLaughlan. Kelly is the owner and originator of KME Digital that is a digital marketing agency in Fairfax, Virginia. They discussed what it is like launching a business as a woman for Women's History Month, sharing their knowledge on creating and growing a business as a woman.
Topics: Choosing a Lawyer5 Keys to an Effective Conversation
In Episode 14 of our podcast, Kate talks with Dr. Kevin Miller. Dr. Miller provides therapy to adults of all ages. He also has extensive experience addressing relationship difficulties, including marital, dating, family, and workplace relationships. He uses an integrative therapeutic style, incorporating existential psychology. We are going to be discussing How to Start the Conversation with your Spouse to Avoid Divorce.
Topics: Mental Health, ParentingA Uniform Collaborative Law Act is in Effect in Virginia
In 2021, the Virginia legislature took a major step in acknowledging and encouraging the Collaborative Law Process in Virginia by passing the Uniform Collaborative Law Act (UCLA). More general than collaborative divorce, this new law is a significant development in alternative dispute resolution of family law matters in Virginia. The new law clarifies certain critical issues, providing guidance to attorneys as well as Virginia judges with respect to Collaborative Law. Contact Reese Law today to speak with a collaborative divorce attorney in Northern VA.
Topics: Choosing a Lawyer, Collaborative Divorce, Divorce LawNew Year Financial Planning
New Year Financial planning requires teamwork on so many levels, and finances take a lot of communication, trust and planning. One of the leading causes of divorce is a disconnect between couples on money issues. Whether you are in a strained place in your relationship or taking steps to make sure you don't get there, it's important to take a thorough look at your finances to make sure things are in order. In our most recent podcast, Getting Your Finances Together for the New Year and Beyond, Kate Reese, a divorce attorney serving Northern VA, had the chance to talk to Jamie Blum, a divorce financial consultant and litigation support manager with Councilor, Buchanan and Mitchell, a CPA firm. Kate and Jamie identified some key areas of financial organization and thought.
Topics: Divorce Law, Property DistributionFour Tips When it is Two Homes for the Holidays
When custody is shared between two households, the holidays can be a challenge. As a time traditionally spent with family, it can be difficult when the children can only be one place at a time. Over the decades that we’ve worked in family law in Northern Virginia, we’ve learned that this can turn joy into stress for the parents and the children. In our latest podcast, we discuss the issue, and we identify four ways to help minimize difficulties.
Topics: Child Custody, Mental Health, Parenting5 Common Physical Custody Mistakes
When it comes to a change in family relationships and new custodial arrangements, the transition and implementation can get bitter and divisive. Some of this is a natural byproduct of change, but other issues arise because the underlying relationships were negative already. To lessen the impact of these factors, parents and other custodians need to be careful to avoid some critical mistakes that add to the challenge.
Topics: Child Custody, Child Support, Parenting
