News


Gathering Support During a Divorce

Posted on May 03, 2011 in Civil Litigation, Divorce, Family Law

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.

Food for thought when one spouse wants out

Posted on April 30, 2011 in Child Support, Divorce, Family Law

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’

Mary Burkey Owens in “Influential Women of Virginia”

Posted on April 25, 2011 in General News

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,

Personal Injury — When to Hire a Lawyer or See a Doctor

in Personal Injury, Personal Representation

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.

“Home state” under the UCCJEA

Posted on April 24, 2011 in Child Custody & Visitation, Family Law

With today’s increasingly mobile society, it does not surprise me that I am seeing more and more custody cases involving multiple states and even different countries. Recently, I have had an influx of cases involving parents living in different locations, making it necessary to decide in which state or country custody proceedings should be initiated or restarted.

Drug Court – Effective program in the battle of addiction and crime

Posted on April 11, 2011 in General News

I recently had the opportunity to speak to a local Kiwanis Club in Midlothian about one of my favorite developments in the law.My topic was the Chesterfield Colonial Heights Drug Court. Drug Court is one of the most important developments in the practice of criminal law in the last 30 years.Statistics show that over 80% of the crimes committed in Chesterfield and the Richmond metro area are related to drug abuse in some way.Everything from car theft and grand larceny to domestic violence can be traced to drug abuse and addiction.Not to mention the felonies of possession of many controlled substances.

Casino Night and Hold ‘Em Tournament

Posted on April 04, 2011 in General News

On April
23rd, from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., the Rotary Club of Bon Air will hold its
1st Joint Annual Casino Night and Texas Hold 'Em Tournament with The Honorable
Order of the Blue Goose International. The event will be held at the
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It is the 2011 Spring Charity Fundraiser
for both groups.

What now? The incapacitated parent with no estate plan.

Posted on April 01, 2011 in General News

As an estate planning attorney, I frequently (and, perhaps, naturally) speak about the importance of having an estate plan. Often, though, I encounter people too late to have that conversation. For instance, over the last several weeks, I have met with a number of older adults who have elderly parents without an estate plan.

15 days ‘til April 15th…

in Divorce, Family Law

As April 15th rapidly approaches, our domestic clients naturally have a lot of questions regarding the preparation of their tax returns. Since I am not (for better or for worse) an accountant, I always suggest that those clients of mine who are in the process of a divorce engage an accountant or other tax professional to answer these questions.

Revisiting Your Estate Plan

Posted on March 13, 2011 in Divorce, Estate Planning, Family Law

I am often asked the question: “Why should I consult with an estate planning attorney if I’ve already had my estate plan done?” The answer is: “Because things change.”
An estate plan is not a static concept. At the least, an individual should have his or her estate plan reviewed by an attorney when he or she experiences a significant life change.