Blog

New Year Financial planning requires teamwork on so many levels, and finances take a lot of communication, trust and planning. One of the leading causes of divorce is a disconnect between couples on money issues. Whether you are in a strained place in your relationship or taking steps to make sure you don't get there, it's important to take a thorough look at your finances to make sure things are in order. In our most recent podcast, Getting Your Finances Together for the New Year and Beyond, Kate Reese, a divorce attorney serving Northern VA, had the chance to talk to Jamie Blum, a divorce financial consultant and litigation support manager with Councilor, Buchanan and Mitchell, a CPA firm. Kate and Jamie identified some key areas of financial organization and thought.

When custody is shared between two households, the holidays can be a challenge. As a time traditionally spent with family, it can be difficult when the children can only be one place at a time. Over the decades that we've worked in family law in Northern Virginia, we've learned that this can turn joy into stress for the parents and the children. In our latest podcast, we discuss the issue, and we identify four ways to help minimize difficulties.

When it comes to a change in family relationships and new custodial arrangements, the transition and implementation can get bitter and divisive. Some of this is a natural byproduct of change, but other issues arise because the underlying relationships were negative already. To lessen the impact of these factors, parents and other custodians need to be careful to avoid some critical mistakes that add to the challenge.

When a family dynamic goes sour, it impacts everyone's mental health. When taking steps to resolve the conflict, an often overlooked yet critical focus needs to be self-care. In the latest Family Matters podcast, Kate Reese had the chance to speak to Alexandra Herrera, MA-ATR, LPC, about this topic. They looked at why self-care is so essential, signs and symptoms to look out for, and some helpful self-care techniques that everyone should practice.

While family law is a state or commonwealth issue, when one or both of a married couple are active or retired US Military servicemembers, there are additional complexities that must be addressed in the divorce process.

In the most recent podcast, Kate Reese, and her guest, Cyndi Turner, an expert in counseling and co-founder and Clinical Director of Insight Into Action Therapy, had an insightful conversation about supporting a child who is grappling with their LGBTQ identity.

When it comes to accomplishments, Kate Reese doesn't disappoint. Kate is rated a Super Lawyer, has an Avvo rating of 10 and has a Martindale Hubbell "AV" Preeminent Rating. Recognized by her peers for her excellence in Family Law, Kate was inducted into the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in 2010.

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and there's little doubt that changes in a family' structure presents a mental health challenge to everyone impacted.

Are you considering getting a divorce in Virginia? The process is governed by Virginia law, particularly Title 20 of the Virginia Code. There are many requirements and details that can trip you up, which is why we always recommend consulting with a family law attorney to get clarity on your status and options.

Kate Reese and Andrea Weiss Bryk discuss estate planning and some of the reasons that a divorce in Virginia is a life change that should prompt preparation or review of your estate plan.