Divorce can be an emotionally charged and challenging process, and you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to protect your interests if your marriage is at an end. As taking proactive steps to avoid an unfair settlement is essential, it’s important to seek...
Family Law
How is spousal support determined in West Virginia?
Some people stay in unhappy marriages for financial reasons. They worry they will have no way to support themselves if they are on their own. Therefore, it's essential for anyone considering divorce to understand how the court determines the amount of spousal support...
Things you should avoid doing during divorce
Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging and emotionally draining experiences. It is a time when emotions run high, and decision-making becomes even more crucial. While it may be tempting to act on impulse or seek revenge, it is essential to approach your divorce...
Can I get full custody of the dog in a divorce?
In West Virginia and other states, some couples treat their treasured pets as children and, during a divorce, can dispute who keeps the dog and whether they should have visitation or custody rights. The law is still evolving to address this situation, and most courts...
Can child support arrears be discharged in a bankruptcy?
Fewer than half of the custodial parents in West Virginia and around the country receive the correct amount of child support each month. Noncustodial parents who fall behind on their child support payments can be denied driver’s licenses and have their wages...
What happens to your pension after divorce
West Virginia residents face many difficult financial decisions during the divorce process. One of those decisions is how to handle retirement plans, like a 401K or pension. This joint asset can be particularly difficult to divide between spouses. Joint asset In a...
What does parallel parenting mean, and when does it apply?
Although many divorced West Virginia couples rely on co-parenting to continue raising their children, that isn’t always an option. Depending on the circumstances of the split, child custody is sometimes best using parallel parenting. This is what to know about it....
Grandparent’s visitation rights in a West Virginia divorce
Your child is going through a divorce in West Virginia, and their spouse is the custodial parent of your grandchild. The thought of not being able to see your grandchild as often as you'd like is devastating. However, you can take steps to legally establish...
Women initiate the divorce process more often than men
The divorce rate has decreased over time. However, it remains at over 40% in general. There are a variety of reasons why people seek a divorce, and some of these reasons are connected to the way societal expectations and opportunities have changed over time. This, in...
A guide to alimony in West Virginia
While divorce is a legal and formal way to terminate a marriage, spouses' responsibility to each other doesn't always end there. Often, the court may order one spouse to help the other establish their life post-divorce in West Virginia through financial support called...