When a custody dispute reaches a West Virginia family court, the judge sometimes needs more than each parent's version of events. The court may then bring in a neutral person to study your family and report back. Knowing why a judge orders that review, and how the...
Year: 2026
Suppressing evidence after police officer misconduct
Police officers have an obligation to follow and uphold the law. In some cases, their eagerness to enforce the law may result in them violating the rights of people they suspect of criminal activity. Police officers sometimes conduct warrantless searches without...
What should parents know before filing for divorce?
A decision to divorce is one that affects everyone in a family home, including one’s children. While people who are going through a divorce often focus on property division, it’s also critical to include parenting time, decision making, child support and similar...
What to bring to your first criminal defense consultation
Meeting with a criminal defense attorney for the first time is your opportunity to explain your situation and begin building a legal strategy. To make the most out of that meeting, bringing the right information can help clarify the circumstances and identify the...
Co-parents need parenting plan provisions for sick days
Most parenting plans address regular schedules, holidays, vacations and transportation arrangements. However, many parents overlook an issue that inevitably arises at some point: illness. Whether it is a child with the flu or a parent recovering from a serious medical...
Motorists, avoid a DUI charge this summer
With summer only days away, many people are out on the roads in force. Summertime is always a period of increased traffic on the highways due to travelers heading to vacation destinations and the influx of newly licensed drivers. Add into the mix the many occasions...
Contested divorce: What happens when you and your spouse disagree
Not all divorces end amicably. When spouses disagree on key issues like asset division or child custody, the divorce becomes contested. West Virginia courts often step in to settle these disputes through legal proceedings. Learning about this process can help you...
Getting help for an overdose can provide some legal immunity
Being around someone who appears to be suffering a drug overdose can be extremely frightening – especially for someone who is also using or in possession of illegal drugs. While most people’s instinct is to call 911, that instinct may be overwhelmed by a fear of...
Tax fraud vs. tax mistake: Understanding the difference
Filing taxes is stressful, especially for business people, independent contractors and anyone managing multiple sources of income. Errors happen more often than many people realize. However, not every tax issue is considered criminal conduct. There is a major...
Has your spouse begun spending more before divorce?
The financial side of a divorce can be complex, and it is important to keep an eye on your spouse’s spending. This may be true even before the divorce has been finalized. If there are significant changes, especially if spending has increased, that is a red flag that...