Why We Do It — And Why It Matters
Valentine’s Day is usually associated with romance, flowers, and happy endings. At Walters Law Firm, PLLC, we take a different—and intentionally lighthearted—approach each year with our Annual Free Divorce Contest.
Our Valentine’s Day messaging is designed to catch attention and break through the stigma surrounding divorce. For some, laughter is the first step toward realizing that a situation is not sustainable—and that it is okay to ask for help. We make light of divorce in our Valentine’s Day campaign because sometimes humor opens the door to conversations people are afraid to have. But make no mistake: we understand that divorce is a serious, life-changing decision. Behind the humor, however, is a very real problem: many people remain in unhealthy or unsafe marriages not because they want to stay, but because they cannot afford legal representation or do not know how to begin the process on their own.
The contest exists at the intersection of those two truths.
What the Annual Free Divorce Contest Is
Each year, Walters Law Firm, PLLC selects one individual to receive legal representation in a divorce matter on a pro bono basis. Our firm provides legal services—including document preparation, filing, and guidance throughout the divorce process—without charging attorney’s fees.
This is not a giveaway in the casual sense. It is a commitment of time, resources, and advocacy to someone who genuinely needs help navigating a difficult transition.
Who the Contest Is Designed to Help
We prioritize applicants facing financial hardship and individuals impacted by domestic violence, as these circumstances often make it especially difficult to access legal counsel.
Due to the complexity, unpredictability, and litigation-intensive nature of custody disputes, individuals with underage children are not eligible to enter the contest. Matters involving custody and parenting time frequently require extensive court involvement that extends beyond the scope and resources of this pro bono campaign.
Costs and Court Fees
While Walters Law Firm, PLLC provides legal representation at no cost, the selected individual is responsible for court filing fees and related court costs.
That said, we do not leave the winner to navigate the fee waiver process alone. Our firm will assist the selected individual in applying for a court-approved fee waiver, allowing the court to determine whether filing fees and other costs may be reduced or waived based on financial eligibility. In essence, we take the case pro bono, and we support the client at every step.
Why We Continue the Contest Each Year
We see firsthand how often people feel trapped in marriages they are ready to leave—but cannot. The reasons are rarely simple. Fear, finances, lack of information, emotional exhaustion, and safety concerns all play a role.
By pairing a humorous campaign with a serious legal commitment, we aim to:
- Reduce stigma around seeking a divorce
- Increase awareness of legal options
- Provide tangible help to someone in need
- Remind people that they are not alone
Divorce is not something to be taken lightly—but neither is staying in a situation that causes ongoing harm.
Moving Forward With Dignity
Ending a marriage does not mean failure. Often, it reflects clarity, strength, and the decision to prioritize safety and stability. When handled properly, divorce can be the beginning of a healthier chapter.
At Walters Law Firm, PLLC, we believe everyone deserves access to the legal system—especially during life’s most difficult transitions.
Learn More About the Contest
Details about eligibility, entry instructions, and deadlines are announced each year exclusively on our social media platforms. All entries are handled with discretion and respect. The selected winner’s identity remains anonymous, and the personal stories of other participants are never publicly disclosed. We understand the sensitive nature of these matters and are committed to protecting the privacy and dignity of every individual who enters.
If Valentine’s Day is difficult for you, we encourage you to know your options—and to reach out if you need guidance.
Walters Law Firm, PLLC
Serious advocacy. Real support. Even when the message starts with a laugh.
Navigating the criminal justice system can be an overwhelming experience. Whether you’re facing a minor charge or a significant felony, having the right legal representation is crucial. In Charleston, WV, hiring a criminal defense attorney from a reputable firm like Walters Law Firm can be a game-changer. Here are the top five reasons why you should consider hiring a criminal defense attorney.
1. Expertise in Local Laws and Procedures
Charleston, WV, has its unique legal landscape, influenced by local laws, regulations, and court procedures. A criminal defense attorney with local expertise understands the intricacies of the Charleston legal system, which can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At Walters Law Firm, our attorneys have deep ties to the community and extensive experience dealing with local courts, which positions us to offer you the best possible defense.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve been charged with a crime in West Virginia, one of the first things you’ll hear is whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Both are serious, but felonies carry far more severe penalties.
At Walters Law Firm in Charleston, WV, we help clients understand the charges they face, the possible consequences, and the legal options available to protect their future. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between misdemeanors and felonies in West Virginia.
What Is a Misdemeanor?
Misdemeanors are considered less serious crimes, but they still carry consequences such as fines, probation, and up to 12 months in county jail.
Examples in West Virginia:
- First-offense DUI.
- Shoplifting under a set value.
- Simple assault.
- Trespassing.
- Possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Even though misdemeanors may sound minor, they leave a criminal record that can affect jobs, housing, and education.
How to Compile Files for Attorneys in West Virginia
When you’re facing criminal charges, hiring a skilled attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. But simply hiring a lawyer isn’t enough — you must also equip them with the information and documentation needed to build the best possible defense.
In West Virginia, criminal cases often move quickly. Missing deadlines or failing to provide your lawyer with critical records could hurt your defense. At Walters Law Firm in Charleston, WV, we help clients organize their cases from day one so nothing falls through the cracks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to compile and prepare files for your attorney.
Why Organizing Files Matters in a Criminal Case
A well-prepared client:
- Saves time and reduces legal fees.
- Helps their lawyer quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
- Ensures that no critical evidence is overlooked.
At Walters Law Firm, we encourage clients to bring us as much information as possible. Even small details can make a big difference in a West Virginia courtroom.
What to Do If You’re Arrested in West Virginia
Being arrested is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can go through. In West Virginia, an arrest can happen for a variety of reasons — from a minor traffic violation that escalates, to more serious allegations like drug charges, theft, or assault. No matter the reason, what you do in the moments after being arrested can have a major impact on the outcome of your case.
At Walters Law Firm in Charleston, WV, our experienced criminal defense attorneys help clients navigate arrests and protect their rights every single day. Here’s what you need to know if you or a loved one is arrested in West Virginia.
Filing for Bankruptcy in West Virginia
One question you might have is does Bankruptcy differ from state to state, and the answer is yes, but generally the difference is slight. Bankruptcy is largely governed by federal law, specifically in Title 11 of the United States Code (widely called the Bankruptcy Code). But Federal law gives way to state law in the determination of what assets you may exempt from creditors reach.
Before we delve too much further into state law, its useful to understand a little more about consumer bankruptcy. While there are several sections of the bankruptcy code (called “Chapters”) that individuals can file their petition under, there are two primary ones: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Filing under a specific Chapter means that your bankruptcy will be administered and guided according to the law outlined in that Chapter of the bankruptcy code.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code (11 U.S.C. 701 et seq.) provides the debtor the ability to file what practitioners call a “straight” or “no asset” (even though you may have some assets) bankruptcy. Generally, if you qualify to file under Chapter 7, it is the simplest and quickest way to discharge your debts and move on with your life. In simple terms, when a debtor files under Chapter 7, the Trustee will determine what assets the debtor has and will determine which ones are exempt from liquidation. This is where state law, and specifically West Virginia state law comes into play for most debtors.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
The alternative to a filing under Chapter 7, is filing under Chapter 13 of the bankruptcy code. Under Chapter 13, a debtor must pay back his secured creditors and at least something to his unsecured creditors. This is accomplished by a payment plan that lasts anywhere from 3 to 5 years.
Which Chapter Should I File Under?
Generally, almost any individual debtor can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy (except in situations where the debtor has seriously sizeable debts). To file under Chapter 7 you have qualify. This qualification is known as the means test. Under the means test, if the individual debtor makes below the state specific median family income (adjusted for the debtor’s family size), then the law permits you to file under Chapter 7, but you may also file under Chapter 13. You get to choose. And of course it would seem to be an easy choice, Chapter 7 is quick, it’s easy, and you get to keep most of your stuff. But therein lies the issue: your stuff. What do you get to keep in a Chapter 7? This is where we look to West Virginia law to determine what you get to keep (or as we say “exempt”).
What Assets are Exempt in West Virginia?
West Virginia law provides that a debtor may exempt the following from the bankruptcy estate:
$25,000 in equity in a home (and if any portion of this is unused it can be applied to the catch-all);
$2,400 in a vehicle;
$8,000 in household goods, where no one item can exceed $400;
$1,000 in jewelry;
$800 in any property (known as the wildcard); and
$1,500 in any implements, professional books or tools of the trade of the debtor or the debtor’s dependent;
The debtor may also exempt: (1) any professionally prescribed heath aids for the debtor or their dependent; (2) the right to receive social security benefits, unemployment compensation, local public assistance benefit, veteran’s benefits, disability, illness, or unemployment benefit; (3) the vast majority of retirement accounts; and (4) the debtor’s right to receive or property from a crime victims reparation law, some life insurance proceeds, a personal injury award and future earnings award to the extent necessary for support of the debtor. See W. Va. Code 38-10-4. While this is not the entire list of exempt property, it hits most of the main points.
Importantly, if you have too many assets or too much equity in your assets such that you exceed the amounts above, you will have to pay at least this amount to your creditors. This can be accomplished in Chapter 7 by turning over the asset to be sold. If for instance, you have a car you own outright, worth $10,000, you could turn it over to the trustee who would then sell the car and give creditors $7,600 and return to you the $2,400 you would be entitled to under state law.
An alternative, if you don’t want to give away your assets, is to file under Chapter 13. Under Chapter 13, you get to keep your assets and the exemptions don’t matter (except again to say you have to pay at least the value of your non-exempt assets to creditors). Under Chapter 13, you make payments to the creditors and at the conclusion of the payment plan, your remaining unsecured debts are discharged. So, while it may not be clear why a debtor may choose Chapter 13, even though they qualify for Chapter 7, there are times when they may choose Chapter 13 over Chapter 7, albeit quite rarely.
The Means Test in West Virginia
Another important area where Bankruptcy differs from state to state is the means test. Specifically, the West Virginia state median family income. The Department of Justice, regularly puts out the state median family income, the most recent of which can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/20200501/bci_data/median_income_table.htm
In West Virginia, for cases filed on or after May 1, 2020, the Median Family Income for a household of one is $49,056 then, for a household of two $52,028, for three $64,281, for four its $76,273, and then add $9,000 for each additional household member.
Again, filing in any state is largely the same experience, but there is enough nuance and difference that you should consult with a local attorney.
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