Virginia Family Law Podcast

Gender Affirming Transition-Related Care Under the Incoming Trump Administration

In today’s rapidly changing legal landscape, transgender health care rights are a pressing concern, especially with recent political shifts. For transgender individuals in Virginia, understanding the nuances of health care access and informed consent is crucial. With the election of Trump, many are anxious about potential changes to transgender health care policies. This post will explore the current legal framework in Virginia, potential federal changes, and how to prepare for what’s ahead.

Fortification and Resilience in the Face of Sanctioned Discrimination

Liberty University Seeks to Discriminate in the Workplace Based on Religious Ideology.

A former IT employee at Liberty University, a prominent evangelical Christian school, is suing the university after being fired for disclosing that she is a transgender woman. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU of Virginia, alleges that the university violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by firing her solely because of her gender identity. Liberty University maintains that its religious doctrine permits it to make employment decisions consistent with its beliefs and that Zinski's decision to transition was an attempt to undermine the university. The case is now pending before a federal district court and could potentially be appealed all the way to the Supreme Court.

The Rising Popularity of Prenups: It's Not What You Think

Learn from a real Texas couple's costly DIY prenup mistake involving student loans and divorce. Discover why prenuptial agreements are becoming mainstream, how to modify them, and when legal help is essential. Get expert insights on protecting your financial future while strengthening your relationship through proper prenup planning.

Deep Dive: Wife awarded 50% of military pension benefits accrued at the time of agreement in Virginia.

This legal document details a case where a divorced couple, Andrew Ryan Younkle and Suzanne Marie Schillmoeller, disagreed over the division of military retirement benefits. The couple's separation agreement stated that Schillmoeller would receive 50% of Younkle's military retirement pay, but Younkle argued this should only include benefits earned during their marriage. The Court of Appeals ultimately sided with Schillmoeller, ruling that the agreement unambiguously referred to the division of marital property, not spousal support, and therefore entitled her to 50% of Younkle's total military retirement benefits.

Deep Dive: Striving to Understand the True Measure of Success in Life.

In pursuing excellence, it's crucial not to neglect our relationships. True success is found not in personal achievements but in the meaningful connections we foster with loved ones. While personal development is admirable, it should not come at the expense of our humanity and compassion. Achievements are fleeting, but the bonds we create endure.

A discussion about a VA circuit court that wrongly terminated a father’s parental rights.

A Virginia circuit court's decision to terminate a father's parental rights is being appealed due to a lack of clear evidence of the father's unfitness. The majority opinion finds the termination erroneous, while a concurring opinion agrees but doesn't address other arguments. A concurring/dissenting opinion supports the court's jurisdiction but disputes the evidence's sufficiency and dismisses other arguments.