Executive Summary: Virginia is a one-party consent state, meaning you can legally record a conversation if you’re part of it. But under Virginia Code § 8.01-420.2, that recording may not be admissible in a civil case like divorce or custody unless all parties knew about it, or it contains a confession of criminal activity. This also applies to FaceTime and other video calls. If you're involved in a family law matter, Read More

Executive Summary: Virginia does not currently require the non-birthing parent to pay for pregnancy-related expenses. The law allows reimbursement for birth-related costs, but only if those expenses are unpaid at the time of the court hearing. While there’s been legislative discussion about expanding child support to begin during pregnancy, no law has been passed yet. Parents seeking support should understand what is Read More

Executive Summary: In Virginia divorce cases, judges are limited by law in what they can order. However, if both spouses agree to terms in writing such as paying for college after age 18 or waiving the right to modify spousal support, those terms can become enforceable. Many people unknowingly commit to obligations a judge couldn’t have imposed, which can lead to long-term financial consequences. Always review any Read More

Executive Summary: Virginia’s updated child support guidelines took effect on July 1, 2025, increasing the presumptive support amounts for most income levels. Cases filed before that date but heard after may involve two different sets of calculations: one under the old law and one under the new. These changes could affect your current or future child support order, and reviewing your case with a local attorney may be Read More

  Executive Summary: Online templates may seem like a fast and cheap way to create a settlement agreement during divorce, but they often overlook critical Virginia-specific legal requirements. These gaps can lead to confusion, conflict, and even future court battles. For something this important, it’s worth getting it done right the first time. If you’ve looked up how to file for divorce in Virginia, chances are Read More

  When you’re raising kids together after a divorce or separation, there’s already a lot to figure out. But when one parent is active-duty military, the usual challenges of co-parenting take on a whole new layer of difficulty. One parent might be stationed across the country, or even the world. Orders can change with little notice. Travel time isn’t just a drive across town; it could involve flights, hotels, and time Read More

  Divorce is a challenge in its own right, but when military service is a factor, there are other streams of income and financial matters that must be attended to. If you or your spouse are serving, or have served, it’s normal to wonder how pensions and disability benefits will be handled during the process. At Rinehart Bryant, we’ve worked closely with service members and military families for 17 years, helping them Read More

  Most people contact a family law attorney for help with divorce, child custody, or support matters. But sometimes, things don’t stay contained in the family court. In Virginia, arguments at home can turn into criminal cases faster than anyone expects. That’s why you need a legal team that doesn’t back away when the pressure rises and stands by Virginia families through it all. At Rinehart Bryant, we focus on family Read More

  When you're caught in the middle of a family law case, whether it’s a divorce, custody dispute, or something else, you might feel tempted to speak your truth as bluntly as possible. We want to empower you to do just that, but it’s important to understand the weight of the words you speak. Court isn’t the place to let emotions steer the conversation. Judges don’t base decisions on passion, frustration, or strong Read More

  Ending a marriage is never easy. You both made a commitment that you meant to keep from the beginning but plans change, and lives diverge. If you’ve gotten as far as reading this blog, you likely feel like divorce is a realistic option or even inevitable, with stress building. We’re here for you. You may feel overwhelmed by uncertainty, stressed about your kids, your future, or your finances, and unsure where to Read More