Executive Summary: Virginia’s trial courts include the General District Court, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and the Circuit Court. General District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, preliminary felony hearings, and many civil claims. Under Virginia Code § 16.1-77, General District Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over many civil claims up to $4,500 and concurrent jurisdiction Read More

Learn how Virginia law allows “any other person” to qualify on an unclaimed estate after 60 days under Va. Code § 64.2-502 and how to protect your family from probate risks. Executive Summary: Under Virginia Code § 64.2-502, if no qualified person steps forward within 60 days of death, “any other person” may petition to administer an estate. While probate is supervised by the Commissioner of Accounts, this Read More

Executive Summary:  The Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment protects against financial penalties that are too harsh for the crime. In Virginia and across the U.S., courts and police agencies often impose heavy fines and property seizures, sometimes far out of proportion to the offense. Understanding your rights and pushing back when the punishment doesn’t match the crime is key to protecting your property Read More

Summary: Virginia law requires parents with custody orders to give 30 days’ written notice to the court and other parent before moving. As the adult, you are not prohibited from moving, but the Court does have authority to decide whether your child can move with you. Courts won’t automatically approve relocation of the child, especially if it negatively affects the other parent’s time with the child. Any proposed Read More

  Executive Summary: Estate plans should be reviewed at least every 2-3 years, or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth, death, or significant financial changes. Keeping your plan updated ensures that your wishes are honored, your family is protected, and costly court issues are avoided. Virginia-specific updates and legal changes make it even more important to stay current. It’s easy to forget Read More

  Executive Summary: Virginia’s 2025 child support reform, under SB 805, raises the monthly income threshold from $35,000 to $42,500, accounts for the increased price of child care and health care, and mandates the Child Support Guidelines Review Panel review how the Department of Child Support Enforcement is handling arrearages. These changes aim to make child support more fair and responsive, but existing orders Read More