Blog: Opinions & Observations
Co-Parenting During Lockdown in Virginia
April 17, 2020
Faced with a worldwide pandemic, governors across the country have issued, for the first time in my lifetime, universal stay-at-home orders virtually shutting down our way of life. While it is an extremely difficult transition for in-tact families, persons who must co-parent with another parent during this current crisis are experiencing extra-ordinary difficulties. Under the best of conditions, it is sometimes difficult to work with the child’s other...
Read MoreCommercial Landlord-Tenant Relations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 17, 2020
Amid the health and economic crisis created by COVID-19, landlords, property managers, and tenants of commercial property are scrambling for information and establishing new policy. Briefings by the President and Governor change the way businesses can be conducted with little or no advanced warning. What makes sense one day, may not be an option the next.What has become clear, is that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing economic upheaval for businesses....
Read MoreCan Virginia Renters Be Evicted During the COVID-19 Crisis?
April 16, 2020
There seems to be a common belief that landlords may not evict residential tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like most beliefs, it’s rooted in truth, but the details may be surprising.On March 16, 2020, the Virginia Supreme Court made an emergency judicial order in response to COVID-19 that essentially put the brakes on all cases for 21 days. On March 27, the Court extended the order by another 21days. At the present time, all civil matters are...
Read MoreCOVID-19 Presents Construction Industry with Challenging New Legal Issues
April 15, 2020
Businesses who are engaged in construction related activities, whether on public or private projects, including owners, contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers, as well as sureties under payment and performance bonds, can expect that there will be new and challenging legal problems resulting from the impact of the Coronavirus. While certain types of projects have been deemed to be essential, others have not, resulting in job shutdowns and...
Read MoreCOVID-19: Helpful Resources for Businesses and Individuals
April 13, 2020
(UPDATED April 22, 2020)Congress passed major legislation to address economic and health problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently considering additional changes to the law. Government agencies are regularly providing regulations and guidance for businesses and individuals to understand how these laws affect them and what new benefits are available.We have compiled the links below to help clients and community members locate relevant...
Read MoreCOVID-19 and Contracts – Assessing Business Liability for Breach
April 07, 2020
COVID-19 and its effects are forcing businesses across the nation to critically analyze operations. Some are getting creative to keep operations going. Others are simply unable to move forward in the current business environment and are forced to cut their losses. If you unfortunately find yourself in the latter circumstance, one of the first things you should do is review your current contract, such as your commercial lease or supplier agreements, to...
Read MoreRelief for Businesses under the CARES Act
April 06, 2020
On March 27, 2020 the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law. The CARES Act provides numerous avenues for businesses to obtain financial assistance and relief as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The law is over 800 pages long and cannot be addressed in an article of this length. However, there are several program components that businesses should review and may find beneficial. This article...
Read MoreHow to Build a Pier in Virginia: Five Things Waterfront Property Owners Need to Know
April 01, 2020
Why Build a Pier?With spring in the air and summer fast approaching, many waterfront property owners have contacted our waterfront law team asking about the legal hurdles involved in constructing or expanding a pier or dock in Virginia. Having a pier attached to your waterfront property is highly desirable. Not only does it increase the property value of your home, but it also allows you to make the most of your waterfront location. A high-quality pier...
Read MoreWorker Safety During a Pandemic: Handling Employees’ Fear of Exposure and Employees with COVID-19
March 31, 2020
(Last updated April 6, 2020)The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges for employers. While many retail establishments and other businesses have voluntarily or involuntarily shut down and many other organizations are allowing employees to work remotely, others are attempting to remain operating at full or reduced capacity. Those who are maintaining on-site operations may find that some employees refuse to come to work because of...
Read MoreCoping with Spousal or Child Support Issues During COVID-19
March 26, 2020
We are living through unprecedented times. Many states have issued orders to “shelter in place”. Our Governor has closed all non-essential businesses. One significant effect of these conditions is the loss of diminution of employment. As a result, people who are subject to court orders, may find themselves unable to pay their court ordered support be it spousal or child support.The first thing to remember is that support is pursuant to a court...
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