Blogs

Divorce and Family Law

Untangling Finances in Divorce: How Business Valuations Impact Divorce

Part 1 of the “Untangling Finances in Divorce” Series When a couple goes through a divorce, dividing assets is one of the most emotionally and financially challenging parts of the process. That challenge becomes even more complex when a closely held business is involved. Whether the business is jointly owned, family-run, or operated by just one spouse, determining its value is a critical first step in ensuring an equitable division of marital property. This blog kicks off our three-part…

July 28, 2025

Employment Law

HB 1730: What Virginia Employers Need to Know About Vicarious Liability

On July 1, 2025, the ‘Sexual Assault Employer Accountability Act,’ Virginia House Bill 1730 (“HB 1730”), took effect, broadening access for victim recovery and expanding potential liability for Virginia employers. The bill amends existing Virginia employer liability laws to expressly permit employers to be held vicariously liable for personal injury or wrongful death of a “vulnerable victim”…

July 21, 2025

Employment Law

Virginia Employers: Wage Law Violations Are Costing Businesses Big Money

Virginia employers face increasing scrutiny over how they pay their workers. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI), along with the federal Department of Labor (DOL), continues to crack down on wage theft and the misclassification of employees as independent contractors. For employers across the Commonwealth, these enforcement efforts carry real financial consequences—ranging from…

July 21, 2025

Construction

Prince William County Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance: Developer Impact Analysis

Prince William County’s Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance, effective December 1, 2025, introduces voluntary density bonuses reaching 95% additional units in exchange for affordable housing integration. While creating potential value opportunities, the framework requires careful analysis of long-term obligations and market positioning implications for development teams. Prince William County’s adoption of the Affordable Dwelling Unit (AfDU)…

July 18, 2025

Estate Planning

What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for the Estate Tax Exemption

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the Opportunity, Balance, and Better Budget Act , better known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” One of the most consequential provisions in this sweeping legislation is Section 70106, which directly affects high-net-worth individuals and families by permanently extending and expanding the federal estate and gift tax exemption. What Section 70106 Does This section makes several key changes: Permanently extends the federal estate and gift tax…

July 11, 2025

Construction

Northern Virginia Development Fees Surge Towards Full Cost Recovery

Northern Virginia jurisdictions are implementing significant fee increases ranging from 5% to 25% during 2024-2025, with most localities targeting 100% cost recovery for development services. This fundamental shift from taxpayer-subsidized services to developer-funded operations represents the most substantial fee restructuring in nearly a decade, driven by mounting budget pressures and aging technology infrastructure across the…

July 9, 2025

Divorce and Family Law

Maryland’s New Assumable Mortgage Law in Divorce Cases: What You Need to Know About House Bill 1018

When going through a divorce, dividing property can often be one of the most challenging parts of the process—especially when it comes to the marital home. A new Maryland law, House Bill 1018, aims to make that process easier by requiring lenders to allow one party to assume the mortgage on a jointly owned home, rather than requiring a refinance. The law goes into effect on October 1, 2025, and includes retroactive provisions that may apply to existing divorce judgments. If you own property in…

July 9, 2025

Employment Law

The Growing Need for Elder Care Benefits in the U.S.

Listening to a recent Marketplace Business News podcast, I was surprised to learn of recent data that reveals a significant shift in the caregiving landscape: for the first time, more adults in the U.S. are now providing informal care for their elderly relatives, spouses, or neighbors than for their preschool-aged children. This demographic and social…

June 24, 2025

Business and Financial Services

Yes, Virginia, You Do Have to Respond to That Civil Investigative Demand

Receiving a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the Office of the Virginia Attorney General can be a jarring experience. Whether you are the target of an investigation or an innocent third party, receiving a CID can leave you feeling uncertain about your next steps. But let’s be clear: a CID is not something you can…

June 23, 2025

Business and Financial Services

What’s New in HUBZone? A 2025 Update on Program Changes and Compliance

In early 2022, we outlined the requirements for businesses seeking and maintaining HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) certification. Since then, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has introduced a number of key regulatory changes and policy updates that materially affect HUBZone participants. From revised maps to clarified compliance standards, these changes are reshaping how small businesses…

June 23, 2025