Family Law and Divorce Lawyer in Virginia

Michael A. Ward, P.C.

5164 Waterlick Road Suite A Forest, Virginia 24551 USA

 (434) 442-4063

www.wardlegal.com/
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Law Firm Overview

Michael A. Ward, P.C. is an experienced, dedicated law firm located in Virginia. If you have a family legal issue, consider the benefits of a lawyer who focuses exclusively on Virginia family law and stays on top of the latest developments in the field. At Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, I will be your counselor and representative at every step of the legal process. I will be accessible and keep you up to date on the status of your case.

I have more than 30 years of experience helping Virginia clients resolve family law matters that include the following: Divorce; Custody; Domestic violence; Estate planning. I strive to create a comfortable atmosphere for my clients where we can discuss their legal issues, strategies and solutions in a straightforward, collaborative manner. This approach also works well for me in negotiations with the other party and opposing counsel. In the long run, a cordial process is usually best for everyone involved, especially children.

As an attorney, I make it a priority to be readily accessible to my clients and know this helps the legal process run as smoothly as possible. My Northern Virginia law office is located across from the Fairfax courthouse, serving both the city and county of Fairfax. My Lynchburg-area office is conveniently located with free parking in Forest. I offer weekend appointments and other flexible scheduling options so that you can meet with me in a timely and convenient fashion. I will always work hard to ensure you feel that you have been listened to and that your concerns were addressed throughout the process.

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: No-Fault Divorce; Marital Property Division; High-Asset Divorce; Tax Aspects of Divorce; Protective Orders; Family Law Enforcement; Custody Modification; Support Modification; Parent Relocation; Grandparents' and Relatives' Rights; Powers of Attorney; Revocable Living Trust

Practice Areas Description

Michael A. Ward, P.C. provides legal representation and services in the following areas of practice:

- Family Law

A divorce decree or other family law judgment creates binding legal obligations between the parties. If someone is failing to uphold his or her obligations to you, I can help you seek enforcement. Financial obligations included in a divorce judgment, such as spousal maintenance or income from a jointly owned business, may be subject to enforcement orders. Child custody and visitation may also be enforced through the courts. Depending on what you are seeking to enforce and the circumstances of your case, your options may include: Show cause (contempt of court) actions; Wage withholding orders; Garnishment of bank accounts; Attachment of assets.

* Divorce

Are you considering a divorce? Have you been separated from your spouse for a year and want to continue with the divorce process? Whatever stage you are at, turn to the law firm of Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, for help. My law firm provides comprehensive divorce services. I offer my clients highly individualized and personalized attention. I make myself accessible to my clients and constantly stay in touch regarding the progress of their cases.

* Marital Property Division

Marriage is a partnership, and like other partnerships, it generally has a financial dimension. When a marriage has run its course, the financial aspects of the marriage must be untangled. At Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, I offer clients experienced counsel and representation in marital property division matters, whether they are resolved in court or in negotiations.

* Spousal Support

Spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, is a payment made by one spouse to another during or after divorce in order to allow the receiving spouse to maintain a certain standard of living. Whether you are seeking spousal support or your spouse is requesting it from you, I can help you pursue an outcome that is in line with your goals.

* Domestic Violence

Spousal abuse and domestic violence are among the most common instances of violent behavior in our society. Legal procedures have been developed to handle the unique issues that arise in a household. At Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, I have handled many domestic violence cases under Virginia law and am fully prepared to help you protect yourself and your rights.

* Protective Orders

Protective orders will affect the involved parties in very different ways. If you are the victim of family abuse, you will obtain immediate protection from the person who is harming you. If you are the accused aggressor, you will not be allowed into your home, and you may be unable to see your children. At the law firm of Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, I understand how protective orders can change your life. I represent both victims and the accused, listening to your side of the story and seeking the outcome that is best for you.

* Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody and visitation are emotional issues for parents, whether they are going through divorce or they were never married and are now looking for formal legal recognition of their parental rights. Under Virginia law, the courts' approach to child custody and visitation rights focuses on the best interests of the child. Any grievances the parents may have against each other are not relevant to child custody unless they affect what would be in the child's best interest.

* Custody Modification

When your divorce was finalized, it was based on the circumstances at that time. In the years to come after a divorce, it is not uncommon for things to change. People remarry, move and get new jobs. Some of these changes can merit modifications to existing child support orders. The law firm of Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, provides skilled legal help to custodial and non-custodial parents involved in child custody modifications.

* Child Support

Under Virginia law, a child has a right to financial support from both parents, whether they are married, unmarried or divorced. At Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, I help both parents going through divorce and unmarried parents seek fair outcomes in child support cases. I have the experience to help you achieve a fair child support result, which may involve conducting investigations or hiring expert witnesses such as vocational employment experts.

* Support Modification

There are two kinds of support that can be granted in divorce proceedings: child support and spousal support. The factors for determining these types of support are different, as are the factors for granting a modification. If you are seeking a support modification, or if you are opposing a petition for modification, I can help. The law firm of Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, provides skilled and attentive modification services.

* Parent Relocation

When circumstances change after divorce, initial determinations may need to be modified. In Northern Virginia especially, there are many mobile military and government families. If you are a divorced parent with concerns that include military child custody law, my law firm can help you. At the law firm of Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, I represent parents who are seeking relocation and parents who wish to prevent relocations.

* Paternity

When a married couple has a child, there is a legal presumption that the child's father is the husband. With unmarried couples, on the other hand, there are many paternity disputes that can arise. At the law firm of Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, I represent mothers and fathers who are seeking to establish paternity. In my years as an attorney, I have helped many mothers and fathers resolve paternity disputes.

* Grandparents' and Relatives' Rights

In many families, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other close family members are taking on a greater role in caring for children. Family law has responded in some cases by granting custody and visitation rights to grandparents and other relatives. Grandparents' rights under Virginia law have been subject to sometimes confusing developments in recent decades. Both evolving state laws and federal court decisions have contributed to changes in the way courts examine and adjudicate grandparents' requests for custody and visitation.

* Family Law Enforcement

A divorce decree or other family law judgment creates binding legal obligations between the parties. If someone is failing to uphold his or her obligations to you, I can help you seek enforcement. Financial obligations included in a divorce judgment, such as spousal maintenance or income from a jointly owned business, may be subject to enforcement orders. Child custody and visitation may also be enforced through the courts. Claim your rights to the family law outcomes you were promised in court.

- Estate Planning

I have more than 30 years of experience offering Virginia clients comprehensive estate planning services. I can take your specific goals and wishes and turn them into a solid, properly drafted package. For estate planning services you can rely on, turn to the law firm of Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law. My law firm offers individualized and personalized attention in estate planning services. I am an accessible attorney who stays in touch with my clients regarding the progress of their case or the development of their estate plan. My law firm provides the following estate planning services:

* Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney

An estate plan is your opportunity to make sure your interests and wishes are protected during your life and after your death. While a simple will can implement some aspects of your wishes, a comprehensive estate plan involves a full package of legal tools and strategies. In order to ensure that health care decisions are made by trusted individuals in accordance with your wishes, your estate plan should include several distinct documents.

* Revocable Living Trust

Families throughout Virginia establish revocable living trusts for various reasons. The main reasons however, are to avoid probate and reduce or eliminate estate taxes. At the law firm of Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, I provide estate planning services designed to preserve your family's wealth. A revocable living trust can help you protect your family's assets. My law firm looks forward to helping you develop an estate plan that will preserve your wealth and provide your family with fewer hassles.

* Asset Protection

A properly drafted estate plan can accomplish many goals, including describing how you would like your property and assets passed on after your death, naming an individual to handle your affairs if you become incapacitated, and naming an individual who will handle your final affairs. At the law firm of Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, I provide estate planning services that meet these objectives and more. I establish estate plans that protect my clients' assets and preserve their wealth.

More Information on Michael A. Ward, P.C.

Divorce Law Attorney in Forest, Virginia
Forest, Virginia Child Custody Law Firm
Child Support Lawyer in Forest, Virginia
Family Law Attorney in Forest, Virginia
Forest, Virginia Asset Protection Lawyer
Forest, VA Domestic Violence Attorney
Estate Planning Law Firm in Forest, VA
Forest, Virginia Spousal Support Lawyer
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Other Offices

• USA - Virginia, Fairfax - Main Office