SECTION I - Introduction and Disclaimer
SECTION II - The Basics of Virginia Domestic Relations Law
SECTION III - If You Haven't Yet Separated
SECTION IV - If You've Already Separated
SECTION V - If You're Already Involved in a Divorce

I. Introduction and Disclaimer

The purpose of this section is to provide a site where our clients can go to have their questions answered - a sort of huge FAQ file. As you read through this section, you will see that it is laid out in such a way that, as soon as you find the topic that fits your particular situation, you will find a series of questions. These are the questions that, from our experience in several thousand initial consultations, you probably would ask us in such a consultation.

That is why you'll be asked to review this site before you come in for your first consultation. That way you'll have your basic questions answered, so that we can use the time to focus on the problems that are unique to your case.

If you decide to retain our firm, you will want to revisit this site from time to time to refresh your recollection of the subjects we've covered, and to get answers to new questions that arise. In time we hope that you will be moved to contribute one or more of your questions, or to suggest answers to existing questions, for the benefit of others to come.

Disclaimer: This information is meant only as a general guide to the basics of Virginia domestic relations law. It is only for Virginia residents or those with a domestic relations legal problem in Virginia. It is not intended as a "do it yourself" guide. You could read this site all the way through and still not know enough to do your own divorce, custody petition, or child support motion. There are some things that people can do themselves, but a domestic relations case is simply not one of them. If you really want to do it yourself and I can't talk you out of it, by all means go to the $49 forms site and knock yourself out. We'll probably meet in a few weeks at the counter of the Clerk's office, me filing another divorce decree for a judge's approval, you trying to coax a deputy clerk into explaining how you got your case all balled up.

Now, on to the basics: "SECTION II - The Basics of Virginia Domestic Relations Law"