Shenandoah Valley Legal Blog
Despite tough laws, drunk drivers continue to kill in Virginia
A drunk driving conviction leaves a person with a criminal record and may come with a set of penalties touted as quite strong. Unfortunately, these realities seem to matter not to too many people in Virginia as the state continues to record many automotive fatalities...
Should I take my divorce to trial?
Collaborative divorce is becoming an increasingly popular option for divorce. This is because collaborative divorces often end up being cheaper and moving at a faster rate as compared to a trial divorce. However, in certain situations a trial may be necessary....
How do you hire a contractor?
Architects, electricians, plumbers and carpenters: There are usually scores of professionals involved in building, renovating or repairing your home. That is especially true for major projects. You would probably hire a general contracting company to coordinate. The...
What are some common contract mistakes?
When creating a contract, you must be careful to not leave out important information or make mistakes that could allow anyone to contest the contract. Contract mistakes are common. Often, you may not even realize that you have made a misstep, so understanding what...
What to include in a business contract
Businesses do best when executives can concentrate on product development, profits and growth. However, there are times when legalities get in the way. One way to avoid legal problems is to ensure that your contracts are thorough and enforceable. A solid contract...
How should I handle a hit-and-run?
Even a minor fender-bender will add stress to your day. However, if you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you are aware of how specifically frustrating this situation can be. Hit-and-run accidents are especially infuriating because you must watch the...
Virginia may be well on its way to legalizing marijuana
All across America, federal and state governments continue to revisit how they treat marijuana and related drug crimes. However, only a minority of states have actually made marijuana legal. Virginia has not yet joined this group of states, but Virginians may see...
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...
