Virginia State Bar

An agency of the Supreme Court of Virginia

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Public Information Pamphlets

The Virginia State Bar publishes pamphlets on law-related issues for Virginia’s citizens. If you would like to order printed copies of these pamphlets, please download the Publications Order Form*(pdf) and fax or mail with payment (when applicable) to the Virginia State Bar at (804) 775-0582.

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Adoption in Virginia

“Adoption in Virginia�? is a 30 page booklet providing an overview of Virginia adoption law and procedures. The booklet was prepared by the Adoption Law Committee of the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, together with the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Social Services. This booklet is available at no cost from the Virginia Department of Social Services. To obtain a copy, send a self-addressed postage prepaid (78¢) envelope (7 1/2" x 10 1/2") to the following address:

Ms. Annette Gordon
Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Social Services
Theater Row Building
730 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219-1849

Contact Ms. Gordon at 1-800-doadopt (1-800-362-3678) if you are requesting multiple copies.

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Bankruptcy

The Bankruptcy Law Section of the Virginia State Bar has prepared this pamphlet as a public service to answer certain basic questions about the bankruptcy process. A pamphlet of this type cannot address or anticipate every issue that may arise when considering a bankruptcy filing, but hopefully this information will provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts that can be discussed more extensively with an attorney. The Bankruptcy Process pamphlet. (updated & revised May 2007)

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Children & Divorce

A divorce decree cannot and does not end one's responsibility as a parent. This brochure offers helpful suggestions for parenting that will enable children to better cope with the dissolution of a marriage. Children & Divorce pamphlet.

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Clients' Protection Fund

Established by the VSB in 1976, the fund makes monetary awards to clients who have suffered financial losses because of dishonest conduct by a Virginia lawyer. The fund is used only as a last resort for clients unable to obtain reimbursement from sources such a a bond or surety agreement. Clients' Protection Fund pamphlet.

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Divorce in Virginia

Dissolving a marriage can raise complicated legal issues that involve property rights, financial matters, and child custody. The VSB's Family Law Section has prepared this pamphlet to answer some fundamental questions and provide an understanding of complications that can arise in this area of law. Divorce in Virginia pamphlet.

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Fee Dispute Resolution Program

As a free service, the VSB offers voluntary mediation and binding arbitration to lawyers and clients engaged in a fee dispute. This pamphlet describes the process of fee dispute. Fee Dispute Resolution Program pamphlet.

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Financial Issues in Divorce in Virginia

Prepared by the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, this publication provides information on the financial consequences of divorce in Virginia. Major issues covered include Equitable Division of Marital Property and Debts, Spousal Support, Child Support and Attorney Fees. Financial Issues in Divorce booklet (pdf file*)

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Health Care Decision Making:
What You Need to Know

Twenty questions and answers about advance medical directives, health care power-of-attorney, living wills and other topical issues. Health Care Decision Making pamphlet.

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Marriage in Virginia

Explains the legalities of marriage in Virginia including name change, property rights, insurance, powers of attorney, and support obligations. Marriage in Virginia pamphlet.

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Minors, Alcohol and Virginia Law

This pamphlet informs the reader about drunk driving laws, criminal punishment, and state laws restricting minors from using alcohol. Minors, Alcohol and Virginia Law pamphlet.

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Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights

In an open, freely competitive society, one of the most important rights is the right to protection of the product of one's intellect. Learn about the federal laws that will help an individual protect a new idea without fear that others could steal it. Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights pamphlet.

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Selecting and Working with a Lawyer

This pamphlet provides basic information about the legal profession and how to select and work with an attorney. It explains the education, experience, and professional standards by which an attorney should be selected. Selecting and Working with a Lawyer pamphlet.

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Spare the Child

This program was designed by a subcommittee of the Family Law Section of the VSB, comprised of judges and lawyers. These professionals see what happens to children going through the process of parental separation, divorce, and custody litigation. This program will show you examples of the harm that parents can cause their own children, when children are put in the middle, and ways parents can "spare the child" from being harmed by parental conflict. Financially assisted by the Virginia Law Foundation. Spare the Child pamphlet. (189k pdf file*) Spare the Child brochure is for use in conjunction with the Spare the Child video.

*This site provides a number of documents in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF). To download a free Acrobat reader click here:

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Wills in Virginia

This pamphlet offers straightforward and basic answers to questions about wills under Virginia law. It explains the necessity of having a will, how a will is created, and how to make it legally binding. Wills in Virginia pamphlet.

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