Virginia Family Law Blog | Miles Franklin Law

Property Division in a Virginia Divorce: How Equitable Distribution Actually Works

Aug 24, 2026

Virginia is not a 50/50 state. A judge classifies every asset and debt as separate, marital, or part of each, then divides only the marital share using the eleven factors in Va. Code 20-107.3. Here is how each step works, including the two valuation dates, the tracing rules, and how retirement is handled.

Estate Planning for Virginia Parents: Wills, Guardians, and Who Raises Your Children

Updated Aug 17, 2026

Virginia decides who raises your children and when they receive your money if you do not. Here is how a parent names a guardian, the six-month deadline that voids that appointment, the standby guardian designation that works while you are alive, and what a trust changes.

Adoption in Virginia: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

Aug 17, 2026

Virginia routes adoptions through several separate tracks, each with its own consent rules, waiting periods, and paperwork. Here is how each one works, what the deadlines are, and what changes when the judge signs the final order.

Grandparents’ Rights in Virginia Custody Cases: What the Law Actually Allows

Jul 27, 2026

Virginia lists grandparents as a person with a legitimate interest, so they can petition for visitation or custody. Here is the actual-harm standard they must clear, the 2026 change for a deceased or incapacitated parent, and how to file.

Virginia Self-Defense and Castle Doctrine Laws: What Actually Holds Up in Court

Updated Jul 20, 2026

Virginia recognizes self-defense and the castle doctrine through court decisions, not statutes. A Stafford criminal defense attorney explains when force is justified, what changes inside your home, and what happens if a claim fails.

Prenuptial Agreements in Virginia: What’s Enforceable

Jun 30, 2026

Are prenups enforceable in Virginia? A Stafford attorney explains what a prenuptial agreement can and cannot do, what makes one hold up, and what can void it.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision on a VA Disability Claim?

Updated May 23, 2026

TL;DR: As of March 2026, the VA takes an average of 75.7 days to complete a disability-related claim (VA.gov). Individual claims range from 30 days or less (for a Decision Ready Claim) to more than a year for complex cases that need a C&P exam or an appeal. This guide walks Virginia veterans through the […]

What Does It Mean to Be Sanctioned in Court? Virginia Penalties Explained

Updated May 23, 2026

A court sanction in Virginia is a penalty a judge imposes for breaking court rules, ignoring discovery, or disobeying an order. Five types and when they apply.

How to File an Uncontested Divorce in Virginia: Requirements, Costs, and Timeline

Updated Apr 03, 2026

An uncontested divorce is the fastest, least expensive way to end a marriage in Virginia. National divorce cost surveys show that couples who resolve their divorce by mutual agreement spend an average of $4,000 on legal fees, compared to $10,400 or more for contested cases that settle before trial. Nationally, over 80% of divorces are […]

Beyond the Will: How a Living Trust Can Protect Your Stafford VA Family’s Future (and Avoid Probate)

Updated Mar 13, 2026

Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Table of Contents Introduction: Securing Your Legacy in Stafford, Virginia What is a Living Trust? A Clear Explanation for Stafford Residents Defining the Key Terms The Power of a Revocable Living Trust (Rev Living Trust) Living Trust vs. Will: The Critical Differences for […]

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