For many families, stepparents play an important role in a child's life. Over time, the bond between a child and stepparent can become just as strong as any biological connection. In Virginia, stepparent adoption gives families a way to make that bond legal. It can offer emotional security for th...
Your life online can be just as significant as your life in the real world. We store family photos in the cloud, keep our finances in online accounts, and use social media to stay connected. But when it comes to planning for the future, many people forget to include their digital assets in their ...
Speeding down an open road, running a red light, or passing another car on a two-lane highway may not seem like a big deal to you. However, these are the sorts of actions that can lead to a reckless driving charge. Unlike a simple speeding ticket, reckless driving is a criminal offense. It carrie...
Divorce is as much a financial separation as it is a personal one. Joint bank accounts and credit cards quickly become sources of tension and conflict. Protect assets and prevent unnecessary debt proactively because it will help you organize your budget post-divorce. Failing to act early leads to...
Passing down wealth to your child is meant to provide security and stability, but without the proper protections, those assets could end up in the hands of a future spouse. Divorce, financial mismanagement, or even well-intended joint ownership decisions put a person's inheritance at risk. Howeve...
Legal strategies and considerations Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors. The presence of a mental illness can significan...
If you are contemplating remarriage, it is crucial to understand the legal stipulations surrounding your current divorce proceedings. In Virginia, as in all states, there are clear legal guidelines regarding remarriage after divorce. Keep reading for more information from our Fairfax divorce lawy...
Know your rights under Virginia law In high-conflict divorce situations, it's not uncommon for one ex-spouse to take aggressive measures such as changing the locks or barring entry to the other from a family home or jointly owned property. If you find yourself locked out of your own home or other...
Finalizing a divorce brings a sense of well-earned relief, even when the divorce is amicable. When there is still work to be done, a Fairfax divorce lawyer from Select Law Partners PLLC can help you figure out what to do after your divorce is final. Our experienced team has guided many just-divor...
Divorce proceedings are expensive, often depleting financial, emotional, and even physical resources. Exes often experience relief when their decree is finalized, and they can move on with their lives. Unfortunately, one partner sometimes makes it extremely difficult for the other to move on by f...
Creating a living will is an important part of advance care planning. It allows you to formalize your medical wishes in writing to be referenced If you become incapacitated or too ill to communicate. The benefits of a living will include allowing you to keep control of your medical care and takin...
In Virginia, parents are encouraged to create a plan that serves the best interests of their children. When parents cannot agree, state laws and precedents dictate how custody and visitation will be awarded. Our Fairfax child custody lawyers answer some of the most common questions when determini...
Life isn't predictable, and unexpected changes can occur at any time. Your estate plan should reflect that. Suppose you have questions about updating your will or trust in Virginia, a Fairfax wills and trusts attorney at Select Law Partners. In that case, PLLC can provide valuable guidance to pro...
Your finalized divorce brings many changes to your life and end-of-life plans. The answer to “Does divorce affect a will?” is a resounding “Yes.” A divorce revokes your spouse's standing in your will. To implement new end-of-life plans, seek help from a Fairfax wills and trusts attorney from Sele...
Couples who can no longer live together in harmony can still end their marriages without conflict and contention by opting for a collaborative divorce or divorce through mediation. There are differences between collaborative divorce vs. mediation, but the two processes share an important similari...
Changing your estate plan once it's been formalized is possible and advisable. Whenever you experience significant life events, you should revisit your will and other documents to ensure they still fit your needs. A skilled Fairfax estate planning attorney from Select Law Partners PLLC can review...
Protective orders can be obtained in two different ways in Virginia. First, protective orders can be automatically issued for the protection of a crime victim following a defendant's arrest. Second, any person can make a sworn statement before a magistrate. Both methods can result in the issuance...
Many people utilize tracking capabilities in their devices to prevent the loss of those devices and keep track of loved ones. Unfortunately, though, some use these tracking capabilities to harass others or even assist with criminal activity. As highlighted in Good Morning America, Apple AirTags a...
If you're facing a charge alleging domestic violence, you have the right to a defense. However, the idea of defending yourself against such a charge can be overwhelming, especially if there are ongoing family law issues as well. There's no one specific way to defend against a domestic violence ch...
In Virginia, sentencing guidelines provide a framework for judges to determine appropriate sentences based on the circumstances of each felony. Aggravated factors increase the severity of a person's sentence for certain factors. If you are charged with a felony in Virginia, a Fairfax criminal def...
Popular holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and Fourth of July warrant additional police checkpoints to look for and arrest drunk drivers. An experienced Fairfax DUI lawyer from Select Law Partners PLLC discusses the times of year with the most DUI arrests. What time of year do most DUIs happen...
The primary concern of individuals in child custody cases should be what's in the best interest of their child, which requires consideration of both parents' mental health. Suppose a parent exhibits symptoms of a mental illness that could affect their child's well-being. In that case, it may be n...
It is always good to review and update your estate plan periodically. Changes to family, finances, income, and life events can require people to change the configuration of their estate planning tools for end-of-life care and asset management. Please continue reading to learn more about people wh...
While driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal every day of the year, you may wonder what holiday has the most DUIs. If you are charged with DUI, contact a Fairfax DUI lawyer at Select Law Partners PLLC. We are here to help you build your defense strategy and keep you from suffering the conse...
From parental to property rights Unmarried couples living together face unique challenges, as they aren't afforded the same protections married couples are given under Virginia law. Knowing your rights as a partner in an unmarried, cohabitating relationship is essential. The Fairfax child custody...
Select Law Partners, PLLC is committed to answering your questions about Family Law, Estate Planning and Criminal Defense law issues throughout Virginia.
We'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.