Our Personal Injury, Business & Criminal Defense Library

Dividing retirement assets in a divorce can be a complex and sometimes emotional process. This is especially true when dividing military pensions and other pension accounts. There are very specific requirements about when a former spouse can access pension funds and the percentage that he or she is entitled to receive. It is important that you hire a pension division lawyer who understands these processes and who can protect your interests. At MacDowell Law Group, PC,...

Virginia is home to many men and women in the armed services and their families. Like any divorce, there are a number of issues that must be addressed. However, past or present military service can present unique challenges in regard to child custody and visitation, and the division of pensions. Issues such as deployment out of state or overseas, military benefits and federal law all need to be considered when dissolving a military marriage. At MacDowell...

There is never an excuse for domestic abuse. If abuse is a factor in the decision to end your marriage, you have unique issues to deal with in order to protect yourself and your family. Your first challenge is to ensure the personal safety and security of yourself and your children. At MacDowell Law Group, PC, our attorneys can explain the process of obtaining and enforcing a protective order. This can help provide the breathing space...

I was charged with reckless driving by speed — do I need to hire a lawyer for this? As a traffic and criminal defense lawyer defending people throughout Northern Virginia courts for many years, I have been asked this question countless times. While some law firms will try to scare you into hiring them immediately by suggesting you are going to jail for up to 12 months, the truly correct answer on whether to retain counsel for...

You’ve worked too hard building your business to risk everything in litigation. Our experienced legal team can help you resolve legal disputes efficiently and cost-effectively. We Are Experienced in All Types of Business Litigation Whether you are the plaintiff or defendant, our attorneys can help you with a wide variety of litigation matters, including: Breach of contract Unfair trade practices Collection of debts and actions Construction litigation Mechanics’ liens Covenants not to compete Employment law...

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...

If you are a commercial landlord, leasing property is your business. If you are a commercial tenant, you need favorable lease terms to protect your business. Either way, a lease is essential to your business, and you can set your business up for success by understanding how to negotiate commercial leases, dispute commercial lease terms, and end a commercial lease early. Negotiating Commercial Leases Commercial leases are different from residential leases. Since you are renting...

The decision to buy or sell a business is one of the most important business decisions you will ever make. Whether you are buying or selling a business, our Fairfax business attorneys can help you identify your priorities, negotiate a deal, and execute a fair agreement. Getting Ready to Buy a Business Buying an existing business often has advantages over creating a business from the ground up. However, whether you add to your existing business...

Contract negotiations can be long, complicated, and—we will admit—pretty dull. However, contracts are also legally binding and essential to your business. Accordingly, business owners must understand how to draft beneficial contracts and how an experienced business lawyer can help. Types of Business Contracts Different businesses need different kinds of contracts to operate successfully. These contracts might include the following: Sales contracts Employment contracts Insurance contracts Confidentiality agreements Leases Vendor contracts Drafting and Reviewing Business Contracts...

Whether you own a small business or a large company, you have relationships and contracts with many different parties that are critical to the success of your business. Disputes will arise. Disagreements are part of doing business, but so too is the process of resolving disagreements. How you resolve a business dispute can have a significant impact on your bottom line and continued profitability. Types of Business Disputes Business disputes often arise from disagreements over...