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...
Year: 2026
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...
Money laundering charges must be handled carefully
Money laundering occurs when money that’s made from illegal activities is put through various steps to make it appear like it was legally earned. This includes moving the money through businesses, accounts, and transactions so it’s difficult or impossible to trace....
Do divorcing spouses in West Virginia divide assets 50/50?
Economic separation is a key component of virtually all divorce scenarios. Spouses have to sever joint ownership and divide their responsibility for shared debts. Many people have inaccurate expectations for that process, possibly due to a misunderstanding about the...
First DUI vs. second DUI in West Virginia: What really changes?
Getting a driving-under-the-influence (DUI) charge is a serious matter. The legal system often provides a path toward rehabilitation for a first offense. However, if a second DUI occurs within a 10-year look-back period, the state shifts its focus from education to...
How is legal child custody different?
When parents in West Virginia get divorced, they have to determine how to split up custody. This can be done through the court, which will make a child custody determination. West Virginia law stipulates that this can refer to both physical and legal custody. Physical...
Can a DUI charge be dismissed because the stop was unlawful?
Under the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement needs reasonable suspicion to pull over a vehicle for suspected drunk driving. This means that officers must point to specific facts suggesting a traffic violation or criminal activity before stopping you, not just a gut...
What should co-parents remember about vacations with their child?
Planning summer vacations comes with a mixture of emotions. There’s usually excitement about the trip, but there may also be a bit of stress because of having to plan. For parents who have co-parenting arrangements, there’s another level of stress that’s added. It’s...