World Adoption Day is a day to uplift all voices in the adoption community, to share their stories, reflect on their journeys, and connect with those touched by this experience.  Adoption provides a wonderful solution for family formation.  There are several steps, processes, and rights to consider before pursuing this path. Navigating the Adoption Process:….

Embarking on the journey of adoption is a monumental decision filled with hope, anticipation and perhaps a touch of anxiety. One of the critical steps in this process is the home study — a thorough assessment conducted by adoption agencies or social workers to evaluate the prospective adoptive family’s readiness and suitability to provide a….

Typically, an estate plan includes accommodations for your spouse, children, grandchildren and even future generations. But some members of the family can be overlooked, such as your parents or in-laws. Yet the older generation may also need your financial assistance. How can you best handle the financial affairs of parents in the later stages of….

Creating and adhering to an estate plan is no simple task. Generally, the end goal of estate planning is to divide up and transfer assets to loved ones at minimal or zero tax cost. Of course, a will is a good starting point, but it may be supplemented by various other estate planning techniques, including….

Building flexibility into your estate plan allows you to adapt to changing circumstances, evolving tax laws, and new family situations. You can achieve that flexibility by providing your trustee with the ability to decant your trust. “Decanting” Defined One definition of decanting is to pour wine or another liquid from one vessel into another. In….

Are you aware of the do’s and don’ts of marijuana use in Virginia? Partners at Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner PLLC share their knowledge on navigating marijuana use in the state. Find out what the new laws mean for smoking in public, traveling with marijuana, and more. Stay informed and avoid potential legal issues.

Learn everything you need to know about gun rights and laws in Virginia. Find out if there’s a minimum age requirement, what can prevent you from owning a firearm, and the rules on open and concealed carry.

Learn how the recent legalization of recreational marijuana use in Virginia affects child custody proceedings. Partners at Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner PLLC explains the legal uncertainties surrounding marijuana use and child custody cases, including drug testing and navigating the law in varying jurisdictions.

In domestic violence cases, bond conditions often prohibit the alleged aggressor from contacting the victim. Violating these bond conditions may result in jail time. Learn more.

Navigating a traffic stop can be stressful, but knowing your rights can help. Learn about what to do when pulled over in Virginia.

Don’t make the mistake of locking out your spouse in Virginia! Doing so could break the law, as explained by attorney Jessica Leischner. Discover the legal implications of locking out your spouse and the alternatives you can pursue in this informative article.

High net worth divorces are more complex than regular divorces, and the divorce between Bill and Melinda Gates offers insights into these differences. They also highlight the importance of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and the consequences of how a state views marital property. Learn more.

Learn how to protect your finances and avoid a frozen bank account due to bankruptcy. Attorney Xue Connelly explains the process and offers solutions to secure your assets.

Move over blockbuster breakups — there’s a new (or not-so-new) couple calling it quits. Iconic actor Hugh Jackman, known for his portrayal of Wolverine, is now navigating the world of gray divorce with his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness. As the headlines buzz with their separation, Carolyn Grimes, partner at Friedman, Grimes, Meinken &….

You’ve probably heard that Bieber and Baldwin got married, which is big news. But another detail arose that created a large media buzz. The couple got married without a prenup.