Shenandoah Valley Legal Blog
When can an officer stop a motorist and request a breath test?
A Virginia highway patrol officer may stop a vehicle after observing a motorist violating a traffic law. If a vehicle has a broken taillight or its driver runs a stop sign, an officer may initiate a traffic stop to issue a citation. Once stopped, an officer may ask a...
Why couples use mediation for their divorce
Divorce is rarely easy for either spouse. Ending a years-long relationship that may involve children presents a highly emotional challenge for the whole family. When emotions drive the divorce process, spouses often must manage hostility, tension and resentment...
Understanding “nesting”
The most common form of child custody after a divorce is co-parenting. This is because, even if the parents are not married, children do best if both parents are equally involved in their lives. However, co-parenting presents a number of problems. One of the more...
Are new vehicle safety features making the roads unsafe?
While numerous auto manufacturers are moving toward fully autonomous vehicles in the future, they must reach that goal by clearing several technological advances. These high-tech safety features can include things like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning...
Can your child lose financial aid because of a drug conviction?
For many families, securing financial aid is the only way to make a child's dream of attending college a reality. If you are among them, you may have felt considerable relief after finding out your son or daughter would receive it. It is important to understand,...
What is a fiduciary duty?
Fiduciary duty is a term applied to you when someone designates you as the trustee of his or her trust or as the executor of his or her will, and therefore the administrator of his or her estate when (s)he dies. FindLaw explains that, in essence, “fiduciary duty”...
How can I provide for my child with special needs in a divorce?
Child custody issues during a divorce are tough to begin with and are compounded when you have a child with special needs. There are many additional considerations to factor into your planning and negotiations. Here is some information from the Special Needs Alliance...
What you should know about breathalyzers
If officers pull you over for alleged DUI, Virginia’s implied consent law requires you to submit to a breathalyzer test if the officers ask you to do so. Failure to do so likely will result in the immediate suspension of your driver’s license. As you likely already...
How to avoid common mistakes in estate planning
When done correctly, estate planning provides a level of confidence to a family. It ensures the assets of a person go to the designated beneficiaries and that money is not lost in the probate process. As with any area of law, though, common mistakes exist that have...
Filing a motor vehicle wrongful death lawsuit in Virginia
A legal action filed over the wrongful death of a loved one involved in a vehicle accident may provide some relief and help a family move forward. As noted on Virginia’s Legislative Information System website, the state’s laws require showing how another party's...
