Roanoke Legal Blog

The decision to end a marriage is often one that is arrived at after a great deal of contemplation. While it may be a difficult choice, most couples who choose to do so come to the realization that it is in their best interests. Once the decision is made, they must then begin the divorce process, which includes the somewhat complicated step of determining how retirement accounts will be divided.

As Virginia state laws dictate, marital property must be divided equitably during a divorce. Separate property, assets that were obtained after the date of separation, as an individual gift such as an inheritance or before the marriage, are typically excluded from these considerations. For many couples, their most substantial asset is their retirement accounts, and their division could ultimately impact a person's ability to retire as planned. These assets include VRS benefits, pension plans and traditional and Roth IRAs, among others.

For most people in Virginia, their relationship with their spouse is one of the most significant ones in their lives. Because of this, the prospect of ending their marriage can be intimidating. Even though most people know someone who has gone through a divorce or have seen it portrayed on television, they often do not fully understand what decisions are made during the process. Having a better understanding can help.

For example, the divorce process achieves several purposes. First, marital property will be divided in the process; this likely excludes certain assets that a spouse had prior to the marriage. During this, there may need to be difficult decisions, such as whether to retain a personal business or the family home. Certain financial obligations -- such as if a child or spousal support is necessary -- is also determined. Additionally, determinations regarding child custody and visitation are also made.

When people are involved in a car accident, adrenaline often kicks in and potentially causes them to react in a way that may be out of character. In fact, a man in Virginia is now facing drunk driving charges, among others, after he allegedly crashed into a restaurant. Police say that he fled the scene following the crash.

Reports indicate that the accident happened around 1:30 a.m. on a day in late October. Police say they responded to reports that a vehicle struck a Moe's Southwest Grill. The driver, police claim, left the scene.

You were fine with your child going to the mall with their friends. After all, they're getting to an age where they deserve more independence.

Unfortunately, the friends you thought they were going to see were not the friends they met up with. Instead, they were hanging out with a group that you knew was previously in trouble for shoplifting, using drugs and getting involved in criminal activity. At such a young age, you know that some teenagers get in trouble, but you tried to shield your child by explaining why they shouldn't be friends with these people. Unfortunately, that discussion fell on deaf ears, and you received a call stating that your child was caught shoplifting a very expensive piece of jewelry.