Blog
- Preparing for Your First Virginia Beach Family Law Consultation: A Checklist for Success
Jan 20, 2026
Taking the first step toward divorce or a custody change can feel overwhelming. At The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, we aim to make the process clearer by helping you prepare for a productive Virginia Beach family law consultation. When you walk into our office, you are not just meeting with a lawyer; you are beginning a partnership focused on helping you understand your options and prepare for the next steps. The initial...Read More - Adoption & Stepparent Adoption in Virginia Beach: Process, Timeline & Costs
Dec 29, 2025
Family is the foundation of our lives, but family is not always defined strictly by biology. In Virginia, many of the strongest bonds are formed through choice and commitment. Whether you are a stepparent who has raised a child as your own for years or a family looking to expand through agency or private adoption, the legal process of making those bonds permanent is a significant milestone. At The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten,...Read More - PCS Orders and Parenting Plans: How Military Moves Affect Virginia Custody Cases
Nov 28, 2025
How Virginia Custody Law Handles PCS Military Moves and Parenting Plan Changes PCS orders can completely upend a custody schedule that had been working fine for years, especially for families in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the rest of Hampton Roads. When the military tells you to move, you cannot simply say no. At the same time, Virginia courts focus on what is best for your child, not what is most convenient for the military...Read More - How & When to Modify Spousal Support in Virginia Beach: A Step-by-Step Guide
Oct 24, 2025
Life changes, and sometimes those changes can affect your finances or your ability to meet the terms of your spousal support order. What once felt fair may no longer make sense if your income, health, or family circumstances have shifted. If this sounds familiar, you might be wondering whether you can modify your existing order. The good news is that, in Virginia, the law allows you to request a modification when certain conditions are met...Read More - Protective Orders in Virginia Beach
Sep 26, 2025
What You Should Know Before Filing If you’re considering filing for a At The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, we’ve guided many individuals through difficult In this article, we’ll walk you through the essentials of protective orders in Virginia Beach, what they can and cannot do, and what to expect if you decide to file. What Is a Protective Order? A protective order, sometimes called a restraining order, is a court order...Read More - Grandparent Rights in Virginia: When You Can Seek Custody or Visitation
Aug 27, 2025
Family relationships are central to a child’s growth and stability, and grandparents often play a vital role in their grandchildren’s lives. When family conflict arises, however, grandparents may find themselves cut off from the children they love. In Virginia, the law does provide opportunities for grandparents to seek At The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, we have helped families across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and surrounding areas resolve custody and visitation disputes. We...Read More - Facing Custody, Support, or Divorce in Virginia? What the 2025 Law Changes Mean for You
Jul 22, 2025
If you’re dealing with a Whether you’re recently At Child Support Guidelines Have Increased Virginia’s Schedule of Monthly Basic Child Support Obligations Why this matters: Even if your income and parenting plan haven’t changed, the new formula may affect your financial responsibility or entitle you to a different support amount. This could impact both new and existing It may be time to review your current support arrangement. You Can File for...Read More - What to Do If Your Ex Refuses to Follow the Summer Visitation Schedule
Jun 18, 2025
Summer break is supposed to be a time for families to relax, recharge, and spend quality time together. But when your co-parent refuses to follow the agreed-upon summer If you're in this situation, you're not alone. At Understand the Difference Between a Misunderstanding and a Violation Before jumping to legal action, it’s important to determine whether your ex's behavior is a willful violation or simply a miscommunication. Summer schedules can be more complex...Read More - I Want a Divorce in Virginia – What Should I Do First?
May 7, 2025
Saying “I want a At this stage, having the right information and the right support can make all the difference. That’s where If you’re ready to take action but don’t know where to begin, this guide walks you through the first steps to take after deciding you want a 1. Understand Virginia’s Divorce Requirements Virginia offers both no-fault and fault-based divorce options. Most people pursue a no-fault divorce, which allows the process...Read More - Can My Spouse Make Me Leave the House in a Virginia Divorce?
Apr 15, 2025
If you're going through a At If you're feeling unsure about your rights or where to go from here, you're not alone. Many people worry they’ll be pushed out of their own home before a court has even had a chance to weigh in. Understanding your legal standing is the first step toward regaining some control in a situation that can feel anything but steady. Who Has the Right to Stay in the...Read More