Our Personal Injury, Business & Criminal Defense Library

Contemplating a divorce is never an easy task, but when the spouse is an alcoholic, circumstances become even more complicated. Due to Virginia’s no-fault divorce laws, there’s no requirement to prove the other person’s alcoholism in order to file. But if alcohol misuse negatively impacted your marriage, and you have evidence for it, this information may influence a judge’s decision regarding aspects such as finances, child custody, and no-contact orders. Here are four key factors...

MacDowell Law Group can help shepherd you through every aspect of your estate planning and the administration of an estate after the passing of a loved one. Our services include: Drafting of wills, Creating a living trust, Drawing up medical directives and general powers of attorney, and Creating spendthrift, education, pour over, and other trusts You’ve worked hard for all you have – your home, financial assets, and your personal possessions. Deciding the disposition of...

Divorce is seldom an easy process. For those with significant assets in the form of retirement and investment accounts, the process of dividing these resources becomes very complex and often contentious. Putting a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) or division of property order (DOPO) in place may be an option for protecting your financial interests during marital property and asset division. At MacDowell Law Group, PC, our family law attorneys help with the division of retirement and...

Rear-end car accidents are quite common. Many of us have experienced being rear-ended, and some of us have unfortunately even rear-ended someone else. While many of these incidents are simple “fender benders,” where everyone walks away unscathed, there are times when a rear-end accident is more serious. If a driver has hit your car, it is important that you know how to react and what to do to get any compensation that is deserved. Common...

We have all made mistakes while driving. Whether it’s been failing to stop at a 4-way stop or something more serious like driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, we have all had moments of poor judgment. Unfortunately, in Virginia, many traffic crimes come with hefty consequences. If you are a licensed driver, it is important to know the penalty for such actions, and how a defense attorney can help you navigate through any...

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...

At MacDowell Law Group, PC, our child support lawyers advise clients about their right to receive or obligation to pay child support. We provide a practical approach to these issues that is designed to protect your interests while saving you time and money. If you have children and are going through a divorce or otherwise need help with support issues, speak with us. Please call 571-748-5647 to consult with a legal professional. Child Support Commitments Are Calculated Under...

At MacDowell Law Group, PC, our Fairfax property division attorneys provide cost-effective solutions to a wide range of asset division problems. We will work hard to help craft an agreement that protects your valuable interests, rather than having a judge decide these issues following extensive litigation. We can help you protect the value of a family business, review the terms of a prenuptial agreement and advise you about the division of marital debts. If you are...

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, PC, has the legal skill set necessary to protect your property division rights. We will work hard to...

At MacDowell Law Group, PC, our alimony lawyers advise clients about their right to receive or obligation to pay spousal support. Our sensible approach to these issues can protect your interests while saving you both time and money. Whether you expect to receive or pay spousal support, or if you question whether the support terms of a prenuptial agreement will be honored, we will review your circumstances and advise you accordingly. Factors That Affect Spousal Maintenance...