Our Personal Injury, Business & Criminal Defense Library

As a successful business owner, you've worked hard to get where you are today, and if you're like most of our clients, you may hope that the company you've built is strong enough to continue on when you're no longer there to run it. However, if you want your business to outlast you, having a business succession plan is crucial – as is having it ready to go well in advance of any need. Have...

A property settlement agreement (PSA) is a contract between spouses that outlines each party’s rights and responsibilities. If either party does not follow through with the agreement, the court may intervene. This flexible document is an indispensable feature of any uncontested divorce. An agreement can also bring an end to any litigation on contested divorce issues such as alimony or child custody. At the law firm of MacDowell Law Group, P.C., our family law attorneys can effectively negotiate favorable terms...

Whenever divorcing spouses operate a family business that accounts for a significant portion of their income, the valuation and division of business assets will present important issues throughout the case. Any mistakes in the valuation and characterization of these assets could cost you part of your fair share of the marital estate. In Fairfax, the MacDowell Law Group, P.C., has the legal skill set necessary to protect your property division rights. We will work hard to...

You’ve recently lost a loved one in a Virginia accident. It may be an extraordinary effort to get through each day as you grieve, but there are things that you have to do. You have to work or attend school, and you have to take care of yourself and your family while you mourn. The thought of pursuing a wrongful death case may be overwhelming, but the reality of pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit doesn’t...

You have a choice to make. You are ready to go into business, but what kind of business are you going to form? Your decision will have a significant impact on your business and should be made with the benefit of experienced legal counsel. Starting a business involves some personal and financial risk. An attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons of your business formation options and execute all of the necessary documentation...

OK, so you don’t have a Warhol. But you do have a collection of original art and antiques that are worth a considerable amount of money. Given that the worth of these pieces often depends on the current market and the uncertainty of an auction, how can you equitably divide the value of your collection in a divorce? And what if one of you wants to keep a piece? It is a complicated process that...

Transactions are at the heart of most business operations. The transactions you make often have legal considerations that need to be weighed, and your business can benefit greatly from the advice of an experienced attorney. Our team of Northern Virginia and Maryland business lawyers can partner with you to help ensure the success and legal integrity of all of your business transactions. Types of Business Transactions A successful business transaction achieves your business goals and...

While issues of child support are frequently resolved under state guidelines, custody and visitation issues can present major problems for parents who are separating from each other, especially when there is a history of substance abuse, mental illness or domestic violence. Even in less troubled situations, the complex emotional dynamic of parent-child relationships and conflicts between parents can make the resolution of custody and visitation issues more difficult. At MacDowell Law Group, P.C., our attorneys work...

For all but the most affluent Virginia families, divorce means financial strain. After all, you are dividing a single household into two households, each with separate expenses but without any corresponding increase in income. However, a solid understanding of the tax consequences of your divorce settlement can relieve some of this financial strain and even improve your bargaining position. At MacDowell Law Group, P.C., our divorce attorneys can ensure that all tax aspects are identified and...

Being charged with manslaughter is a truly terrifying experience. Felony charges are life-altering, and incredibly serious consequences loom. Whether it’s voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, both are considered felony charges in Virginia. While these are less serious than murder charges, you can still face a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines if you are convicted. Working with the right attorney and properly understanding the law can make a world of difference. What Is Voluntary Manslaughter? Under...