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,
When someone is considering a separation or divorce, he or she should consult an attorney who specializes in domestic relations law. The state bar referral service can assist people by providing the names of local attorneys who specialize in domestic relations matters. Most attorneys, including our attorneys, charge a fee for an initial consultation.
In today’s society, many adults choose to live together before they marry, or choose to make a long-term commitment to one another without formalizing the relationship with a marriage certificate, or cannot legally marry because the state in which they reside does not recognize a union between two adults of the same gender.
There are two provisions of an insurance policy that are often not fully understood by clients when they are in an accident. These are the provisions of med-pay and the rules on property damage.
Med-Pay
Most insurance policies in Virginia include coverage for medical payments for injuries suffered in an accident.
In
order to best navigate the divorce process, it is essential to understand the
different ways that the issues of divorce may be resolved.
Litigation
– People most often think of litigation when they think of divorce. Litigation may be necessary when spouses are unable
to resolve the various issues involved with divorce.
As a family law attorney, I spend a good deal of my day helping others to plan for upcoming marriages or helping them to end existing marriages. Within the last few months, however, I have met with a number of individuals contemplating, or already involved in, another type of relationship: a non-marital cohabitation relationship.
Divorce is often a slow and painful process. But people can and do make it through this difficult time period.
If a separation is imminent, it is essential to have a strong support system (family, friends, a minister or pastor) to help face the difficulties that lie ahead. I also recommend that my clients consider counseling with a licensed social worker or counselor who is trained in handling divorce-related issues.
Potential clients who are contemplating divorce always have many questions (and rightfully so). What follows is a list of questions anyone going through a divorce should consider during his or her separation from his or her spouse:
(1) What custody and visitation arrangements will be put in place during the parties’
Owen & Owens is pleased to announce that Mary Burkey Owens has been recognized as a member of the 2011 Class of Influential Women of Virginia. Virginia Lawyers Media, publishers of Virginia Lawyers Weekly and the Virginia Medical Law Report, announced the selections. This awards program, now in its third year,
Do I really need a lawyer to help me or can I handle my personal injury case myself?
There may be cases in which the insurance carrier for the person who caused your accident and injuries will treat you fairly. In cases where you have minor injuries you may be ahead of the game to resolve the case yourself.
