Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes, having a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out. Surprisingly, nearly two-thirds of Americans don’t have a Will, and 40% say it’s simply because they haven’t gotten around to it. 

A properly drafted Will ensures your assets are distributed according to your intentions, while helping to minimize taxes, protect your beneficiaries, and avoid unnecessary legal complications. By taking the time now to create a Will and a comprehensive estate plan, you can reduce stress and uncertainty for your family and gain peace of mind knowing your affairs are in order.

Legal fees can vary depending on the nature, scope, and complexity of your case. At our firm, we’re upfront about costs from the beginning, so there are no surprises. During your initial consultation, we’ll walk you through the expected costs, explain what’s covered, and answer any questions you have. Our goal is to provide quality representation that’s also transparent and fair.

While the adjuster may seem helpful, it is important to remember that they represent the insurance company, not you. The insurance company’s priority is to resolve your claim for the lowest possible amount. What may appear to be a fair offer could be significantly less than what you are legally entitled to. Once you accept a settlement, you often give up the right to pursue additional compensation, even if further medical issues or costs arise.

Before signing anything, consult with an experienced attorney at our firm. We will review the offer, explain your rights, and advocate to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

In Virginia, the key difference between a misdemeanor and a felony lies in the severity of the offense and the potential punishment. There are four classes of misdemeanors, and these cases are typically heard in the general district court. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, such as DUI, assault, or petit larceny, and are punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. 

 In some cases, yes. Eligibility for expungement depends on the type of charge, the outcome of your case, and your criminal history. The expungement process begins by filing a petition with the circuit court in the county where the charge was filed. You must then be fingerprinted at a police station, and those prints are submitted to the Virginia State Police, who forward the results to the court. Once received, a hearing can be scheduled. During the hearing, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may object to the request. 

Our attorneys can help you prepare and present a strong case to the judge explaining why your expungement should be granted. 

A divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage and may involve disputes over property, support, or custody that must be resolved by the court. An uncontested divorce happens when both spouses agree on all major issues like property division, support, and custody, eliminating the need for litigation. A contested divorce requires court involvement to resolve disagreements.

Evictions in Virginia must follow strict legal procedures outlined in the Virginia Code. Landlords must provide written notice and allow the tenant time to fix the issue or leave. For unpaid rent, tenants get five days to pay or vacate. For other lease violations, tenants typically have 21 days to correct the issue, or the lease may be terminated after 30 days. If the violation can’t be remedied, a 30-day notice may be given. If the tenant doesn’t comply, the landlord must file a Summons for Unlawful Detainer in the general district court. Because even minor mistakes can delay or dismiss an eviction, it’s best to consult an attorney familiar with the process. 

A civil case involves a legal dispute between two or more parties over issues such as contracts, property, personal injury, or money owed. Unlike criminal cases, which involve prosecution by the government for violating a law, civil cases are usually filed by private individuals or businesses seeking compensation or a specific legal outcome. Civil cases do not result in jail time but can lead to court orders requiring payment or other actions.