Does BAH Count as Income for Child Support in Virginia?

Shawna L. Stevens — family law attorney Fredericksburg Virginia

Yes, BAH counts as income for child support in Virginia. So does BAS. This surprises a lot of military families because those allowances do not show up on a tax return and people assume they are invisible for legal purposes. They are not. Virginia’s child support guidelines are based on gross income, not taxable income, […]

Survivor Benefit Plan and Divorce in Virginia | SLS PLLC

Shawna L. Stevens — family law attorney Fredericksburg Virginia

The Survivor Benefit Plan comes up in almost every military retirement divorce case, and it is almost always mishandled. The reason is simple: SBP is not mentioned in the USFSPA, it has its own separate rules, and the deadline to secure former spouse coverage is absolute. Miss the one-year window and the coverage is gone […]

SCRA Divorce Rights Virginia: Protections for Service Members

Shawna L. Stevens — family law attorney Fredericksburg Virginia

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is a federal law that most service members have heard of but few understand well enough to actually use when it matters. If your spouse files for divorce while you are deployed or in training, the SCRA gives you specific rights that Virginia courts are required to respect. Knowing what […]

Military Divorce Near Dahlgren VA: Navy Families Guide

Shawna L. Stevens — family law attorney Fredericksburg Virginia

If you work or live near Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, your divorce case will be handled in King George County Circuit Court. That court has a smaller docket than Stafford or Fredericksburg, which can work in your favor on scheduling. But it also means the judges see fewer military retirement division orders than […]

Family Law in King George VA: 8 Essential Clear Rights

Family law attorney King George VA — courthouse Virginia

Navigating a family law matter in King George County requires a clear understanding of your legal standing under Virginia statutes. Whether you are facing a divorce, negotiating child custody, or seeking a modification of a previous court order, knowing your rights is the first step toward a secure future. The local court system has specific […]

Child Support Modification in Virginia: 8 Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Child support modification Virginia — financial documents

If you are facing a significant change in your financial life, you may be wondering how to adjust your child support payments to reflect your new reality. Child support modification in Virginia is a formal legal process that requires more than just a change in your bank balance. Whether you have lost a job, received […]

Divorce Lawyer in Stafford VA: 6 Smart Secure Steps

Divorce lawyer Stafford VA — Stafford County courthouse

If you are facing the possibility of a divorce in Stafford, Virginia, the path forward may feel overwhelming and uncertain. Deciding to end a marriage involves complex legal procedures, emotional transitions, and significant financial decisions that will affect your life for years to come. Finding a dedicated divorce lawyer in Stafford VA is a critical […]

Custody Lawyers in Fredericksburg: 11 Essential Steps for a Confident Case

Shawna L. Stevens — family law attorney Fredericksburg Virginia

If you are navigating a custody dispute in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the complexity of the legal system can feel overwhelming. Your relationship with your children is the most important aspect of your life, and ensuring their stability is your top priority. This comprehensive guide explains how to work effectively with custody lawyers in Fredericksburg to achieve […]

Your Quick-Start Guide to Child Support Modification in Virginia: Do This First

Child support modification Virginia — attorney reviewing income documents at desk

If you are facing a significant change in your financial situation or family dynamic, seeking a child support modification in Virginia is often the most important legal step you can take. Whether your income has decreased due to a job loss or the other parent has received a substantial raise, the legal framework in Virginia […]

Stafford VA Divorce: 8 Critical Mistakes to Avoid for a Strong Result

Stafford VA divorce attorney — Stafford County courthouse Virginia

If you are navigating a divorce in Stafford, Virginia, you are likely facing one of the most significant transitions of your life. This process involves more than just the dissolution of a legal contract; it is a complex realignment of your finances, your living situation, and your parental relationships. While the legal hurdles can feel […]