Author Archive

I have been in a motor vehicle accident. Should I go to a doctor?

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you should see a doctor right away. First, you should see a doctor for your own well-being. You may not be able to discern the extent of your injuries yourself; a small ache could be something significant, or it could be nothing at all. Only […]

What to Do If You Are in a Motor Vehicle Accident

When you are in an accident, you have immediate, important decisions to make. For the crucial decisions you have to make later on, consult with a personal injury attorney. Immediately after the accident If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, the first thing you need to do is stop your car or […]

No-Fault Insurance

When a driver has been in an accident, no-fault auto insurance allows the driver to collect from his or her insurance company no matter who was at fault. Not every state has a no-fault insurance structure, but those that do have very specific laws governing when, how much and for how long the injured party […]

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists

When a driver refuses or is unable to carry proper motor vehicle insurance, that driver puts more than just him- or herself at risk. If the driver injures another person, the insurance will be inadequate to cover the damages. Injured parties, however, may be covered by their own insurance policies; uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage […]

Insurance Claim Do’s and Don’ts

When you need to make an auto insurance claim, you should proceed with care. Your actions may have a significant influence on the amount of compensation you receive. Call today to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney to learn more. The Do’s DO consult an attorney for legal advice. DO review your insurance policies to […]

Auto Accident Injuries and Compensation

Auto Accident Injuries and Compensation An individual who has been injured in an automobile accident may be able to seek monetary compensation for injuries and damages. Cases are fact specific, typically with complex issues of proof and fault in dispute. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you sort out your legal options. Compensation for […]

Motor Vehicle Accidents – An Overview

Motor vehicle accidents cause the loss of time, property, health and even life. Such accidents occur because of elements including driver error, negligence, distracted driving, manufacturing defects and dangerous weather. No matter what the specific cause or result, a car crash can turn a normal day into a prolonged struggle. Speaking with a lawyer can […]

What is “Hybrid” property?

Hybrid property is generally that property which has a separate and marital component. The separate component must be proven and “traced”.

What is “Separate” property?

Separate property is generally that property which was acquired prior to the date of marriage or after the date of separation or was received as an inheritance or gift. However, separate property must be proven and “traced”.

What is “Marital” property?

Marital property is generally that property which was acquired from the date of marriage until the date of separation less any separate interests. All property is presumed “marital” and must be proven otherwise.

How is the property of divorcing parties distributed?

One of the most complex and important areas of divorce law relates to determining property distributions. The method of distribution used in Virginia is called “equitable distribution.” Equitable distribution may be triggered at the conclusion of the divorce to determine the relative rights and interests of the divorcing parties in property acquired before, during or […]

Can I expect for my divorce to resolve the same way as my friend’s divorce?

Most likely not. There are many similarities to divorce cases but they are one of the most fact intensive types of cases. Also, Family law in general (and divorces in particular) are subject to an exceedingly high level of discretion by different courts and judges. Lastly, the particular circumstances are unique.

What discretion do the court’s and/or judge’s have in Divorce cases?

The courts have tremendous discretion in determining the outcome of divorce matters an that discretion is applied in different ways by different judges in the same court. It is critical that your lawyer be well versed in the philosophy and approach of both the court and the various judges who may hear your case.

My issues appear to be simple, can’t I just represent myself?

Everyone has the right to represent themselves in a divorce (just as everyone is free to perform their own dentistry). However, no matter how “simple” the issues appear, it is what you do not know in Family Law that can really hurt your interests. Everyone facing divorce should consult with an experienced attorney and discuss […]

Is there a no fault basis to permit the award of an absolute divorce?

Yes, Virginia permits a “no fault” divorce. Certain requirements must be met in order to receive a divorce on that basis. The parties must demonstrate that they have lived apart continuously and intentionally for a period of one year. If the parties do not have any minor children, and have entered into a property settlement […]

What are the required “grounds” for divorce awarded on fault?

There are many grounds that if present, in a marital relationship, may permit the granting of a divorce. Some grounds include: Willful desertion or abandonment, cruelty, adultery and other sexually related acts, or conviction of felony. However, there are “defenses” that may be raised by the offending spouse to the aforementioned grounds.

What are the types of divorce in Virginia?

There are two types of divorces in Virginia. The first is called “a mensa et thoro” (divorce from the bed and board). Such a divorce is a qualified divorce in that legal separation is provided but the parties may not remarry during the term of this qualified divorce. The second type of divorce is called […]

The Law Office of William R.F. Conners, P.C. in Leesburg, Virginia serves the cities of Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Leesburg, Middleburg, Reston, and Vienna, Sterling, Ashburn and Purcellville, as well as all communities in Loudoun County and Fairfax County, Virginia.