News


Making financial decisions for a cohabiting partner

Posted on July 31, 2011 in General News

Potential clients often approach me about what arrangements, if any, can be made to grant their cohabiting partner the authority to make financial decisions for him or her. Sometimes, they are surprised to hear that they have the same options as the members of a married couple.
Any individual over the age of eighteen years can execute a document called a Power of Attorney.

Disposing of real estate when the relationship ends

Posted on July 27, 2011 in Commercial Real Estate, Personal Representation

In May, I posted a blog in which I discussed buying real estate with a cohabiting partner. (If you have not yet read it, it is certainly not too late! Just scroll back through the previous blog posts, making sure to stop on any others that interest you along the way!) In that post,

Sam Kaufman elected President of URAA

Posted on July 25, 2011 in General News

The University of Richmond Alumni Association elected Owen & Owens partner Sam Kaufman as its 2011-2012 President. The URAA encompasses alumni from all colleges of the University and works to promote and foster a dynamic, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship between the University and its alumni, with opportunities for alumni to connect with each other through meaningful programs and activities.

FAQ Criminal Law – DUI

in Criminal Defense, Personal Representation

Even good people and their children sometimes find themselves having difficult discussions with the police, or worse under arrest. So what to do? Let’s look at some of the more common situations that occur with DUI.
What should I do when I see the flashing lights on the car behind me?

Determining a Fault vs. No-Fault Divorce

Posted on July 03, 2011 in Divorce, Family Law

In Virginia, couples face two options regarding the type of divorce sought. A divorce can be granted for fault reasons, such as adultery, cruelty or desertion. A “no-fault” divorce can be granted based upon a separation of the parties (one year if the couple have children under 18 years of age or six months if there are no minor children),

Protection for a cohabiting partner in cases of family abuse.

Posted on June 30, 2011 in Family Law, Personal Representation

Pursuant to Section 16.1-279.1 of the Code of Virginia, one spouse may seek protection from the other in the appropriate Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court when there has been an act of family abuse, and when it is necessary to protect the health and safety of the person seeking the protective order.

Bon Air Rotary Charity Golf Tournament

Posted on June 28, 2011 in General News

On September 12, 2011, the Bon Air Rotary Club will be holding its 18th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Stonehenge Golf & Country Club. This year's tournament will benefit both the Alexander O. Kalata Memorial Fund and the Families of the Wounded Fund, Inc. The tournament will be an 18-holecaptain's choice format.

Northstar

Posted on June 25, 2011 in General News

For over 12 years I have been a part of an amazing ministry called Northstar Community. A recovery ministry for anyone with “Hurts, Habits or Hang-ups,” it began as an eight-week pilot program of Bon Air Baptist Church in Chesterfield County. At its heart is a Christ-centered twelve-step program.Lori and I showed up the first week to support our friends the McBeans.Teresa McBean,

Four from Owen & Owens Named to 2011 Virginia ‘Super Lawyers’

Posted on June 23, 2011 in General News

Owen & Owens is proud to announce that its three founding partners and one of its senior associates were all voted by their peers for the 2011 edition of Virginia Super Lawyers(r). W. Joseph Owen III and Mary Burkey Owens were named to Virginia Super Lawyers. Samuel J. Kaufman and Kimberly A.

Making medical decisions for your cohabiting partner.

Posted on June 15, 2011 in General News

As an estate planning and domestic relations attorney, from time to time, I am asked whether there is a way to ensure that an individual in a non-marital cohabiting relationship can make health care decisions for his or her partner. The answer is yes. By executing a legally valid Durable Health Care Power of Attorney,