Since ancient times, the wealthy have sought to ensure their assets are distributed the way they intend and to foil any effort by survivors to undermine their estate plans. The practice continues, with wills and trusts using language that revokes ...

Tagged with: Justice D. Arthur Kelsey Supreme Court of Virginia News Wills & Trusts

Officials with Virginia courts and state bar groups were keeping a wary eye on developments as preparations intensified to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. As of March 12, 15 people in Virginia had tested ...

Tagged with: Coronavirus COVID-19 Supreme Court of Virginia News VADA Virginia State Bar News VTLA

Expert testimony that the timely examination of an obstetrical patient by the defendant doctors would likely have saved the woman’s life was enough to let the wrongful death case go to a jury, the Supreme Court of Virginia has ruled. ...

Tagged with: Justice William C. Mims Medical Malpractice Supreme Court of Virginia News

A new rule promises to open opportunities for Virginia lawyers to present trial witnesses by video from distant locations. Witnesses will be allowed to testify by audio-video links at civil trials under the rule that takes effect March 15. The ...

Tagged with: Civil Practice Supreme Court of Virginia News

A former police officer already found liable for false arrest faces additional exposure for civil rights violations based on injuries inflicted in a Petersburg traffic stop, under a Virginia Supreme Court ruling. A jury verdict on assault, battery and malicious ...

Tagged with: Civil Rights Supreme Court of Virginia News

A private school requirement that parents pay legal costs for both sides in court disputes was an “unconscionable” contract provision, the Supreme Court of Virginia has agreed. The court on Jan. 2 affirmed the ruling of a Fairfax County judge ...

Tagged with: Supreme Court of Virginia News

The newest museum in Richmond opened last fall in a place one might not expect: the Supreme Court of Virginia. But the high court’s Judicial Learning Center, which opened in September, is far from a dry tribute to the rule ...

Tagged with: Judicial Learning Center Supreme Court of Virginia News

Virginia courts are taking a close look at questionable estate plans. A Virginia jury this month decided that a widow’s will – leaving the bulk of her estate to the lawyer who wrote her will – was procured through undue ...

Tagged with: Judge John M. Tran Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn Supreme Court of Virginia News Wills & Trusts

At least nine incumbent Virginia trial court judges seeking new terms could expect tough questions this month about their reviews from attorneys and others. The Supreme Court of Virginia released Judicial Performance Evaluation reports Nov. 26 for 50 judges eligible ...

Tagged with: Judges Judicial Performance Evaluation judicial review Supreme Court of Virginia News

A divorced couple’s pension distribution order was final and unassailable after 21 days, according to a ruling last month from the Supreme Court of Virginia. Even though a statute expands the jurisdiction of a circuit court to modify a pension ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Justice William C. Mims Retirement Supreme Court of Virginia News