- DivorceDivorce and other family law issues are some of the most emotionally charged events you can face as an individual. In addition to working through the raw emotions of dealing with a divorce or custody dispute, there are several financial and legal aspects that must be considered. Our family law and divorce lawyers at CowanGates understand the process and have the knowledge and skills to guide you step by step.
- Child SupportA: No. Tempting as it may be to tie visitation to child support payments, they are separate considerations. In most, if not all, jurisdictions the right to visitation is never conditional on payment of child support.
- Child Custody and VisitationIf you are facing divorce or a child custody dispute, one of the most important things you can do is to build a strong support system, which could include friends, a counselor, social worker, or clergy. Above all, your support team should include an experienced family law attorney and we’re ready to protect your rights throughout the family law process.
- Adoption
- Paternity
- Premarital Agreement
- GuardianshipOur law firm in Chesterfield County, Virginia can advise you on helpful estate planning tools and then craft a plan tailored to your needs. Depending on many factors, such as assets, taxes, minor children, special needs, second marriages, divorce, Medicaid and creditor concerns, we help our clients develop their estate plan as well as wills, trusts, guardianships, advanced medical directives, powers of attorney documents, and more.
- Spousal Support
- Child AbuseFormerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (NAIC), the Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families.
- Criminal DefenseIf you or someone you know needs experienced criminal defense, contact us today so we can begin discussing your rights and legal options. We understand the severity of criminal charges and the impact a conviction has on an individual’s life. The penalties depend upon the nature of the charges, but in many circumstances our firm has been able to negotiate lesser charges for our clients.
- DUI/DWIAt CowanGates, our DUI attorneys in Richmond, Virginia have the resources and knowledge needed to help both Virginia residents and out-of-state defendants with DUI cases. We will stand up for your rights and work hard to secure a favorable outcome. In many circumstances, we can negotiate a plea, dismissal, or alternatives like driving school.
- Wrongful Death
- Traffic ViolationsIf you have been charged with a DUI or any other traffic violation in Virginia, it is important to understand that you have rights. Since states share information on DUI and other criminal charges, a DUI conviction in Virginia could result in the loss of your license, fines, and jail time in your home state. Additionally, it may be difficult to attend hearings or handle issues from your home state.
- Burglary
- White Collar Crimes
- Theft
- Embezzlement
- Drug Crimes
- Assault
- Arson
- Shoplifting
- Forgery
- Manslaughter
- Internet Crimes
- Hit and Run
- Corporate Law
- Mergers and AcquisitionsSince 1977, CowanGates has advised business owners in the day-to-day operations of their companies. Our business attorneys provide knowledgeable, comprehensive advice to business owners on a number of topics. From helping clients protect a new start-up to complex issues like mergers and acquisitions, stockholder and membership agreements, and franchise or licensing contracts, we can help your business succeed.
- Business Disputes
- Wrongful TerminationIn conjunction with our extensive work representing business owners, we are also experienced in representing employers in a variety of employment law issues and disputes. Our employment law practice is primarily focused on representing employers with issues involving wrongful termination and discrimination defense, ERISA litigation, and non-compete, employment and other agreements.
- Employment Contract
- Employment Litigation
- Severance Agreement
- Real Estate LitigationOur real estate law practice is backed by a team of real estate paralegals who are routinely advised on the status of your case. Their experience, coupled with the experience of our attorneys, can ensure your real estate matters are handled with care.
- Premises LiabilityHenry Jones is one of the personal injury attorneys at CowanGates. He has experience in personal injury matters involving automobile accidents, truck and tractor trailer accidents, premises liability (slip and fall cases), transportation network companies (Uber or Lyft), hunting accidents, medical malpractice, and pedestrian accidents. Henry serves clients across the Commonwealth of Virginia and is here to help. To speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Richmond, Virginia, and receive the comprehensive legal advice you deserve, call 804-320-9100 today and ask to speak with Henry.
- Real Estate TransactionsBuying real estate is a very important, long-term investment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Between moving, money, home inspection issues, interest rate locks, and title defects, every real estate transaction can quickly become a stressful situation. However, the experienced real estate attorneys at CowanGates handle these transactions and issues on a daily basis and can help you navigate through the complicated process.
- Eminent DomainIf a government agency or a condemning authority has plans to take your property, you need to know your rights and voice your opposition as early in the process as possible. However, between public hearings and the numerous agencies and authorities involved, fighting the eminent domain or condemnation process can be quite confusing and time-consuming. That’s why it is so important to have an experienced eminent domain attorney on your side.
- Easement
- Land Use and ZoningSince 1977, CowanGates has provided personal and professional services to those in the commercial real estate industry. We work with landowners, real estate developers, highway development agencies, and others. Many of our real estate clients are interested in moving a project forward. Others are concerned about the land use issues involving a proposed project. Our Midlothian, Virginia law firm aims to find efficient resolutions to possible real estate complications, understanding that often a large sum of money is involved in the project.
- Property DamageAny property damage. In certain instances, punitive damages may be available, if for instance, the defendant who caused the injuries was intoxicated at a certain level.
- Personal InjuryIf you have questions about personal injury cases in Virginia, it’s best to hire a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to explain your options.
- Medical MalpracticeIf after consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney, the decision is made that more than $50,000 should be sued for, a suit can be filed in Circuit Court. There are no limits on the amount that can be sought in Circuit Court. It is very important to emphasize that asking for a big number does not mean the plaintiff will receive a large number by trial or settlement, and the amount sued for is not evidence at a trial. The decision on damages will be made by the trier of fact (usually a jury) based on the evidence presented by the plaintiff and the defense. Circuit Court, as opposed to General District Court, involves discovery, depositions, document production, expert testimony, and generally the time from filing suit to a trial will generally be much longer. In certain types of cases, such as medical malpractice matters, the maximum award is limited by statute.
- Auto Accidents
- Estate PlanningAt CowanGates, our estate planning lawyers in Richmond, Virginia are knowledgeable, experienced, personal, and thorough. We take the time to listen to your specific situation and goals regarding your family and distribution of your assets, answer your estate planning questions, and help you develop an estate plan that fulfills your desires, protects your assets and gives you peace of mind.
- Wills
- TrustsOur Midlothian, Virginia law firm has served estate planning, estate and trust administration and probate clients since 1977 and we’re ready to assist you. To speak with a lawyer at CowanGates about your estate planning or probate needs, please call 804-320-9100 or contact us online today.
- Power of Attorney
- ProbateOur law firm represents executors, trustees, administrators, personal representatives, heirs, and family members in the administration of estates and trusts, including the probate process. If you are serving as a Trustee or have qualified as an executor, administrator, or personal representative, you have fiduciary duties to fulfill certain obligations and responsibilities. If you have questions about trust and estate administration, or probate law in Virginia, we can help guide you through the administration and/or probate process and ensure you fulfill your responsibilities and obligations. We also represent individuals who are involved in trust and estate disputes involving a will or trust contest, guardian, conservator or fiduciary litigation, or other contested estate matters.
- ForeclosureOur law firm in Midlothian, Virginia is also proud to help our business clients through our creditors’ rights practice group, which includes securing your financial interests through judgments, liens and security agreements, post-judgment remedies and collections, multiple creditor priority issues, foreclosure, forced sales, and many other areas.
- Tax Law