Child Custody and Visitation Archives - Nichols Zauzig

Family Law group provides breakfast for SERVE shelter guests

Maureen — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:29:14 +0000

On a recent Sunday morning, the Nichols Zauzig Family Law Section brought the comfort and warmth of home-cooked meals to about 60 guests at the SERVE Family Shelter in Prince William County.

The group provided, prepared and served nutritious meals for shelter residents. “We enjoyed being a part of helping others in our community, meeting all of the families, and especially loved seeing the smiles on the children’s faces,” said Paralegal Renee Rogers.

Group photo, l to r: Paralegal Shannon Arsenault, Attorney Andrew Taylor, Attorney Cassandra Chin, Paralegal Renee Rogers and Attorney Randell Scism.

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6 Nichols Zauzig Partners Honored by Best Lawyers® for 2024

Maureen — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:17:52 +0000

Congratulations to Chuck Zauzig, Paul F. Nichols, Cassandra M. Chin, Claire Keena and Melissa Ray for being selected by their peers to be included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. We also congratulate Mike Hollingsworth for being selected by his peers for the 2024 Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch.”

Mr. Zauzig and Mr. Nichols have each been recognized annually since 2006. Mr. Zauzig is included for both Medical Malpractice Law and Personal Injury Litigation. Mr. Nichols is recognized for Family Law, as is Ms. Chin, for the fourth consecutive year.

Ms. Keena, selected by Best Lawyers for Personal Injury Litigation since 2021, earned the honor again for 2024. Ms. Ray has been selected for the second consecutive year for Medical Malpractice Law. Mr. Hollingsworth has been honored by Best Lawyers for inclusion in the “Ones to Watch” for the third year.

Best Lawyers in America is an annually released peer review guide to the legal profession. For more details on methodology and the selection process, visit www.bestlawyers.com.

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Nichols Zauzig Recognized Among Largest Law Firms in Virginia

Maureen — Tue, 30 May 2023 15:21:36 +0000

Nichols Zauzig is pleased to be named as one of the largest law firms in Virginia, according to Virginia Lawyers Weekly. The 2023 survey of “Virginia’s Largest Law Firms” is based on the number of Virginia-licensed lawyers practicing from an office located within the commonwealth.

Nichols Zauzig is also a Tier One Best Law Firm in America and has been since 2010, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers. The firm qualifies in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice/Personal Injury and Family Law.

Located in Woodbridge, Virginia, Nichols Zauzig was founded in 1989 by Chuck Zauzig and Paul Nichols who have since earned some of the highest accolades in the practice of law. Other attorneys include: Partners Cassandra Chin, Melissa Ray, Claire Keena and Mike Hollingsworth; and Associates Melanie Rice, Andrew Taylor and Randell Scism.

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Attorney Cassandra Chin elected Vice President of National AAML

Maureen — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 03:30:17 +0000

We are excited to announce that Cassandra Chin, a partner with Nichols Zauzig, was elected one of the Vice Presidents of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) at the organization’s recent Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Ms. Chin has been on the AAML Executive Committee since 2018, having served most recently as Secretary, and prior to that time, as Membership Committee Chair.

After meeting the stringent membership criteria, Ms. Chin became one of the youngest fellows to be accepted into AAML in 2013. In 2014, she was elected as the Virginia representative to the National AAML.

Admission standards to become an AAML fellow are extensive and comprehensive and only 13.7% of all family lawyers in the U.S. are elected members, including 52 in Virginia.

To even begin the process, applicants must have a minimum of 10 years as a practicing attorney, with 75% of their practice being in the area of matrimonial law. The vetting process includes a written and oral exam, as well as detailed questionnaires to opposing counsel, sitting judges and every AAML fellow in the state of application. The applicant must also meet a certain number of hours of annual continuing legal education, and demonstrate substantial involvement and leadership in the field of matrimonial law. Each applicant must have substantial trial experience as lead counsel for complex matrimonial law litigation.

Ms. Chin joined Nichols Zauzig in 2001, the first job of her career. Early on, she became involved with local and state bar associations. Ultimately, she became the youngest person ever to serve on the Board of Governors for the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section, later becoming Chair.

Since 2019, Ms. Chin has also been a fellow with the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, consisting of the top 100 family law attorneys in the nation.

We are proud to celebrate Ms. Chin’s national leadership position and look forward to her next accomplishment!

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5 Nichols Zauzig Partners Named Best Lawyers® for 2023

Maureen — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 22:48:55 +0000

Congratulations to Chuck Zauzig, Paul F. Nichols, Cassandra M. Chin, Claire Keena and Melissa Ray for being selected by their peers to be included in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Also recognized in Family Law is Ms. Chin, who has been honored since 2020. Ms. Keena has been named to Best Lawyers for Personal Injury Litigation and Ms. Ray for Medical Malpractice Law.

According to the Best Lawyers 2023 magazine, 13 million peer evaluations were completed for nominated attorneys across the U.S and 75 other countries around the world in 148 practice areas. From that process, 129,518 attorneys in total were recognized, including 3,362 in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

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Nichols presented with Family Law Lifetime Achievement Award at 2022 Virginia Bar meeting

Maureen — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:00:10 +0000

Paul F. Nichols was honored last month with the Virginia State Bar Family Law Board of Governors Lifetime Achievement Award, which he earned in 2021, but the in-person presentation was delayed until this year’s ceremony due to the pandemic. One attorney is selected annually for this award at the discretion of the Board of Governors.

The Honorable Rossie Alston, Jr. presented the plaque award to Mr. Nichols at the Annual Family Law Seminar, held in person last month at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond.

Mr. Nichols has practiced law for nearly 43 years with Nichols Zauzig, located in Woodbridge and Manassas. A fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Nichols has extensive litigation experience and helped create the family law section of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association in the 1980s. He has been on the board of governors of the Family Law section of the Virginia State Bar and is a frequent lecturer and author on family topics.

Nichols has been a Commissioner in Chancery for the Circuit Court of Prince William County since 1985. He served in the Virginia General Assembly House of Delegates from 2008-2010, where he drafted and helped gain passage of several family laws in the Commonwealth.

A graduate of King’s College and George Mason University College of Law, Mr. Nichols has been the recipient of numerous peer awards including Best Lawyers in America, Washington DC and Virginia Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell’s preeminent AV rating. He devotes his charitable efforts to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Breast Cancer Awareness, among others.

Photos caption (left to right): The Honorable Rossie Alston, Jr. and Paul F. Nichols; Paul F. Nichols and his wife, Linda Nichols; Friends & family gathered at The Jefferson Hotel to honor Mr. Nichols’ achievement.

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Paul F. Nichols named to 2019 Class of “Leaders in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly

Maureen — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 14:39:42 +0000

Paul F. Nichols, Principal with Nichols Zauzig, has been named to the 2019 Class of “Leaders in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly. The awards program recognizes lawyers who are setting the standard for other lawyers in Virginia and named 30 people to the 2019 class. The honorees were celebrated recently at a reception in Richmond.

Mr. Nichols, a founder of Nichols Zauzig, has achieved nationwide recognition from his peers in the practice of family law. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a national organization with stringent requirements for membership, including peer review and testing. In addition, Mr. Nichols has received Martindale Hubbell’s highest rating (Preeminent AV) for legal ability and ethics.

Mr. Nichols has been named a Super Lawyer® for the past 13 years and a U.S. News-Best Lawyers® Best Lawyer annually since 2006. He is regularly named among the Top Lawyers for Family Law in Northern Virginia Magazine and Washingtonian magazine. Mr. Nichols has lectured on various family law topics to local bar associations in Northern Virginia, and throughout the state for the Virginia State Bar and Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

For a complete list of the Virginia “Leaders in the Law” honorees, click here. Every honoree was interviewed for a profile in the special supplement to Virginia Lawyers Weekly. Mr. Nichols’ interview appears below.

Nichols Zauzig was founded in 1989 by Mr. Nichols and Charles J. Zauzig, who is a past honoree of the Virginia “Leaders in the Law.” The firm’s practice areas are divorce and family law, medical malpractice/personal injury and criminal defense. Nichols Zauzig has offices in Woodbridge, Manassas and Stafford, Virginia.

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Chin Named to American College of Family Trial Lawyers

Maureen — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 21:32:10 +0000

Cassandra Chin, a partner with Nichols Zauzig, has been named a Diplomate with The American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL), which is limited to 100 of the top family law attorneys in the United States and is by invitation only.

Diplomates, all members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), are chosen based upon their recognized litigation skills and courtroom abilities in handling complex divorce, child custody and support cases.

Formed in 1993, the ACFTL has achieved national recognition through its diplomates handling well-publicized cases and cutting-edge issues of local and national importance. Diplomates are involved in the uppermost level of continuing education through the presentation of CLE programs, acting as guest speakers, participating in hands-on interactive sessions, as well as participating in the free-flow exchange of ideas and innovative conceptions amongst its members.

Ms. Chin has been practicing family law for 18 years, all with Nichols Zauzig. Early on in her career, Ms. Chin got involved with local and state bar associations. Ultimately, she became the youngest person ever to serve on the Board of Governors for the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section, later becoming Chair.

See also: Chin speaks about family law issues at AAML national meeting

On a national level, Ms. Chin was one of the youngest fellows when she was accepted into AAML, after meeting the stringent membership criteria. She is now the organization’s national Membership Committee Chair and a non-voting member of the national Executive Committee. Ms. Chin is also the elected Virginia representative to the national AAML. For the Prince William County Bar Association, Ms. Chin is Co-Chair of the Family Law Committee–a position she has held since 2007. Washingtonian Magazine named Ms. Chin as a Top Lawyer in 2018 and she has been a Virginia and Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer since 2016.

Ms. Chin received her J.D. from George Mason University School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2000. She holds a B.B.A. from James Madison University, graduating cum laude in 1997.

Nichols Zauzig’s award-winning reputation in Virginia family law is built on 38 years of representing clients in divorce, child custody and family law cases in Prince William County, Manassas, Fairfax, Stafford and throughout Northern Virginia. For additional information, please visit the Nichols Zauzig website.

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3 Partners named Washingtonian Top Lawyers

Maureen — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 21:40:00 +0000

Washingtonian magazine named Cassandra Chin, Charles J. Zauzig and Betty Moore Sandler as Top Lawyers in its annual listing published last month.

Top lawyers in Northern Virginia, suburban Maryland and D.C. were recommended by their peers in 20 practice areas, including family law and personal injury law.

Cassandra Chin is a divorce and family law attorney and has been with the firm since 2001. This is her first appearance on the Washingtonian Top Lawyers list. She is the National Membership Chair of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a member of the organization’s National Executive Board. Ms. Chin is a Super Lawyer® and a former Rising Star.

Charles J. Zauzig, III is a specialist and national lecturer in the field of medical malpractice/personal injury. He has been named a Washingtonian Top Lawyer since 2007. Mr. Zauzig was named Best Lawyers® Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiff Attorney of the Year in 2019 and 2014 and Best Lawyers® Medical Malpractice-Plaintiff Attorney of the Year in 2018, 2016 and 2011. He is a Fellow with the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Betty Moore Sandler has practiced family law for more than 30 years and appeared on this list since 2002. She is a Fellow with both the International Academy of Family Lawyers and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She was named by Virginia Lawyers Weekly as among its 2019 “Influential Women of Law” and, in 2017, was named as a “Top 50 Women Attorney” by Super Lawyers®. In 2015, the Virginia State Bar, Family Law Section honored Ms. Sandler with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

To be recognized on the Washingtonian Top Lawyers list, attorneys are nominated by their peers in Northern Virginia and the entire Washington-D.C. area. Nominees are then vetted by the magazine’s editorial staff, including researching notable recent cases and interviewing local legal leaders. This year the list includes attorneys in 20 practice areas, from an estimated 80,000+ lawyers in Northern Virginia, suburban Maryland and the District of Columbia.

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6 tasks before filing for divorce in Virginia in 2019

Maureen — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 04:00:15 +0000

By: Paul F. Nichols, AAML, Divorce Attorney and Partner with Nichols Zauzig

Now that you have decided to start the divorce process, take these six steps before filing for divorce in Virginia in 2019.

1. UNDERSTAND THE GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE

In Virginia, a divorce can be granted on several grounds, which can be fault-based or no fault based. A no fault divorce can be awarded if the couple shows that they have continuously lived separate and apart for one year, without cohabitation. This time period can be reduced to six months if the couple has a property settlement agreement and there are no minor children.

Obtaining a fault or a no fault divorce is a legally complicated process and it is imperative that divorcing couples understand the existing laws concerning divorce, how property is divided, and how decisions about custody are made. The type of divorce you choose significantly impacts the elements you are required to prove, the time it will take to get a divorce, and the final divorce outcome.

At Nichols Zauzig, we assist clients with all types of divorces, whether based on fault or not. We are willing to work with clients seeking alternatives to litigation including arbitration and mediation. We also have extensive experience representing clients in litigated divorces and fighting for our client’s rights.

2. MEET RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

You or your spouse must be a resident of Virginia for at least 6 months prior to filing for divorce. That means maintaining a physical residence in Virginia, and considering Virginia as his or her home. Proof of residency can involve providing recent state tax filings, a Virginia driver’s license or Virginia voter registration. Some special residency circumstances exceptions may be applied to military and foreign service personnel. An attorney can assist in determining those situations.

3. GATHER FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

Before filing for divorce, gather financial information that is available to you. We will ask you to bring in tax returns for the last three years, information about retirement accounts, bank accounts and other assets. Copy statements from financial institutions, accountants, financial advisors and credit card companies. Consider assets you may have owned before you were married and collect paperwork showing their value prior to marriage.

Also gather data about debts owed by either of you, separately or jointly. Spouses frequently have separate accounts to pay for specific types of expenses. Try and gain information about the entire picture of family finances, so you can be prepared.

4. KNOW THAT SIGNIFICANT NEW DIVORCE AND CHILD SUPPORT LAWS CAN IMPACT YOU

Several new laws went into effect in 2018 that impact divorce and child custody. Educating yourself about them now can help with setting expectations and being updated on current law.

Federal Law Changes Taxes for Alimony Beginning in 2019

Alimony, or spousal support, is typically awarded in long-term marriages and in situations where one spouse is earning, or has the potential to earn, a higher income than the other. For instance, if one spouse has been a stay-at-home parent and the other has a successful career, the working spouse may be required to pay alimony to the non-working spouse.

A new federal law changed how alimony is taxed for both parties starting this year. For agreements and divorces executed on or after January 1, 2019 alimony is no longer deductible for the payor spouse. And the receiving spouse no longer has to pay taxes on it. The divorcing parties may negotiate an alimony arrangement on their own, or the court may award alimony. Check out our earlier blog for information about the new alimony federal tax law.

Spousal Support Modifications Revised in Virginia

Also this year, Virginia law changed how it treats alimony modifications. The new law states that if there is a material change in circumstances, a former spouse is entitled to a change in spousal support, unless there is an agreement saying it can’t be modified. In other words, an agreement that provides alimony – but does not expressly indicate that the amount and duration of alimony are not modifiable – will be subject to modification when there is a material change in circumstances.

Another revision to Virginia law in 2018 acknowledged that retirement at the maximum social security age (now 67) automatically creates a material change in circumstances that allows individuals to request modifications of spousal support.

Similarly, new Virginia requirements state that when spousal support rulings are made, courts must specifically indicate whether the parties’ retirement ages were considered. When the modification request is made for changes to a spousal support award, six factors must be considered, as described here: New laws impact spousal support and child custody.

Revised Child Support Guidelines Recalculate Financial Obligations

New Virginia child support guidelines took effect in July 2018 and recalculated parents’ financial obligations for the first time in more than 20 years. It is important to be aware that the new guidelines exist and how they may impact your children. The largest increases will affect higher income families, but there will be decreases as well. For more information, please see New child support guidelines begin July 1.

Child Custody Guideline Changed in 2018

Also effective July 1, Virginia required courts to consider both sole and joint custody as options in divorce cases. While courts have considered all custody options in the past, this addition to the law states that no particular form of custody is favored. This change could lead to more court-ordered shared parenting arrangements. As always, the court must consider the child’s best interests in making a custody determination. For more information, see New laws impact spousal support and child custody.

5. FIND AN EXPERIENCED DIVORCE ATTORNEY

How do you find a lawyer who is reputable? Consider Google and Avvo reviews, but also seek out peer-sanctioned professionals: those listed in Washingtonian Top Lawyers, Super Lawyers®, or with the highest rating, “Preeminent,” by the industry-standard Martindale/Hubbell. Another indicator of a highly qualified family law attorney is fellowship with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), which has extensive admissions standards. Of the 55 fellows in Virginia, only three are based in Prince William County, and they are all with Nichols Zauzig. Take a moment to read the top credentials of our divorce attorneys.

Obtaining a divorce without the help of an attorney may put you at risk of losing assets or access to your children, or the risk that you will make expensive and erroneous decisions based on your emotions rather than your legal rights. Having the knowledge and expertise of a qualified attorney will lead to the best possible outcome for your future.

6. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CONSULTATION

Most divorce attorneys offer consultations during which time you can ask questions, review the basics, get to know the attorney and decide if his or her level of experience and knowledge meet your needs. When you leave, you should have an idea of the attorney’s recommended path for you moving forward.

During the consultation, don’t be embarrassed to share personal information. Secrets are often revealed during the divorce process, and the sooner you raise issues, the more proactively you and your divorce attorney can deal with those issues. It is easy to get caught up in wanting to punish your spouse, or to become overly sentimental about what you want to keep in the divorce. The more level-headed you remain, the more quickly and easily you can resolve issues, and the less expensive your divorce will be. The divorce lawyers at Nichols Zauzig can assist you in resolving issues with your spouse outside of court, saving you the hassle and expense of litigating every aspect of your divorce.

At Nichols Zauzig, we understand that divorce is a trying time. Our dedicated team will address your concerns, guide you through every step of the legal process, fight for your rights and serve as compassionate and aggressive advocates. We will keep you informed of how your divorce is progressing and do everything in our power to ensure a fair settlement and a fast divorce so you can move on with your life. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys by calling 703-492-4200 or emailing us today!

DISCLAIMER: The results of every case depend on factors unique to that case, and Nichols Zauzig does not guarantee or predict results in similar cases.

Read more about the author Paul F. Nichols, Partner and Family Law Attorney with Nichols Zauzig.

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