Your Lawyers for Life - Vol. 3 Issue 3

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 3

we are here for you. LIFE for Your LAWYERS

No matter where life takes you,

Jon Montagna Attorney

A Publication of Montagna Law

Feature

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A NEIGHBOR By Jon J. Montagna At Montagna Law, we talk a lot about being good neighbors. It’s more than a saying; it’s a value we live by every day. Because we don’t just work in Hampton Roads, we live here, we raise our families here, and we’re proud to be part of this community.

have trusted us not just once, but multiple times for a personal injury, a family law matter, a traffic charge, or a Social Security claim. Some of you have sent us your friends, your parents, or your children. That kind of trust means the world to us. My father, Charles Montagna, began practicing law in this community back in the 1960s. His values of integrity, service, and dedication, still guide everything we do. Our entire team shares a simple mission: to help our neighbors through life’s toughest moments with compassion and strength. If you’re a current client, thank you for trusting us to help. If you’ve ever referred someone to our office, please know how much we appreciate it. That’s how we’ve grown — and how we’ll continue to serve, right here in Hampton Roads. If you ever need us, we’re just a phone call away. And if someone you care about needs legal help, we’d be honored if you passed our name along. ■

Being a neighbor means we understand the unique challenges and strengths of the people we serve. We drive on the same roads, shop at the same stores, support the same small businesses, and enjoy the same festivals and waterfronts. When we fight for a client in court, we’re fighting for someone who might live just down the street — and we take that personally. We’ve built our practice around trust, service, and accessibility. When you call Montagna Law, you reach a team that knows your name and truly cares about your case. That’s part of being a neighbor, being there when someone needs help. We also believe that neighbors show up for each other. You’ll find us supporting local causes, participating in neighborhood events, and giving back where we can. We’ve always believed that the strength of Hampton Roads comes from its people — and we’re honored to serve the people who make this place home. Being local means that we measure success not in billboards or big ad campaigns, but in the relationships we build. One client, one family at a time. Many of you

Jon Montagna is the managing partner of Montagna Law. Jon has been practicing for over 20 years and specializes in personal injury cases.

FREE INJURY STRATEGY SESSION Montagna Law Offers Free Injury Strategy Sessions for all Personal Injury and Social Security Disability Claims Our team has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Let us stand up for you! Request your Free Injury Strategy Session today. Call 757-622-8100, scan the code, or visit www.MontagnaLaw.com

FREE!

YOUR LAWYERS FOR LIFE

Family Law

ALIMONY 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW When facing divorce, alimony, or spousal support is a common concern. To help you understand how it works, here are five key points about alimony. 1. What is Alimony?

elements, including: • Length of the Marriage: Longer marriages may lead to higher chances of alimony being awarded. • Financial Situation: The court looks at each spouse’s income, assets, and financial needs. • Contribution to the Marriage: If one spouse supported the other’s education or career, this may influence the decision. 4. Duration of Payments A common myth is that alimony lasts forever. In reality, many alimony agreements are temporary and designed to help the receiving spouse transition after the divorce. The

duration can depend on the length of the marriage and the specific circumstances of the case. 5. Modification and Termination Alimony can be modified or terminated under certain conditions, such as if the receiving spouse remarries or if there’s a significant change in either spouse’s financial situation. It’s important to stay informed about these possibilities to protect your financial interests. Understanding these key aspects of alimony can help alleviate some worries during an already stressful time. By knowing what to expect, you can better prepare for your financial future after divorce. ■

Alimony is a financial payment made from one spouse to another after a divorce. Its purpose is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living to what they had

during the marriage. 2. Not Guaranteed Many people assume they will

automatically receive or have to pay alimony, but this isn’t always the case. Alimony is determined by various factors, and not every divorce results in spousal support. 3. Factors Considered by the Court When deciding whether to award alimony, the court considers several

How to HELP YOUR TEEN Survive Screen Time in a VIRTUAL WORLD With screen time ever-increasing, teens are exposed to more blue light, which are high energy wavelengths emitted from the sun, LEDs, and digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. Overexposure to blue light can lead to difficulty falling asleep and inhibit the ability to reach REM sleep.

refreshed – as well as more engaging family communication. MAKE TIME FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Go for an evening walk. Play a game of catch. Find a sport the whole family enjoys. A little physical activity goes a long way. It provides time away from screens and numerous benefits for physical and social health. Before you let your teen buy a new video or computer game, do a little research, and find out what they are getting. Pay attention to ratings and try to limit them to games rated T (for teens) or younger. You can also use screening tools on TVs, computers, and tablets to block your teen’s access to inappropriate material. And remember, a productive conversation goes a long way. Be open with your teens and follow these tips to help them set screen time boundaries. ■ REMEMBER: PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT’S ON YOUR KIDS’ SCREENS

To help reduce effects of blue light, here are some strategies to help find a better balance for your teen. BE A HEALTHY-HABIT ROLE MODEL Parents have an important opportunity to be a positive influence when it comes to healthy behaviors. They learn from everything you say – and more importantly, what you do. Limiting your screen time is the most effective way of reducing blue light exposure, by limiting your own screen time you show your kids how to treat media. Encourage time together as a family without screens or devices present. SET CLEAR RULES Teens often lack the maturity to moderate screen time on their own. Establishing clear rules will provide structure and help your kids make better choices. For example, try sticking to a rule of no screen time during the hour before bed and enforcing electronics-free meal times. This allows everyone the opportunity to sleep better and wake up

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Personal Injury

HOW DO YOU COLLECT LOST WAGES AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT? A car accident can leave more than physical scars. It can take a serious financial toll, especially when you’re forced to miss work while recovering. Whether you’re employed hourly or salaried, those days off can add up quickly. In Virginia, lost wages are not a standalone claim. Instead, they are one part of your total personal injury damages. To recover them, you’ll need solid evidence and a clear legal strategy. Virginia law permits the recovery of these wages as part of your personal injury damages if your absence from work was directly caused by accident-related injuries. But to qualify, your missed work must be supported by medical documentation. A doctor’s note stating that your injuries required time off work is not optional—it is the core of your lost wage claim. Even with employer support, insurance companies often require documented evidence to verify your income loss. That’s why hiring an attorney is key. Montagna Law can help you gather and organize the necessary records and communicate with your employer and healthcare providers to verify that everything lines up. How Are Lost Wages Calculated? If your wages are consistent, calculating your losses can be relatively simple. Multiply your daily wage by the number of workdays missed. But if your job includes overtime, tips, bonuses, or commission-based income, things become more complex. Each of these requires its own documentation. A car accident lawyer can help account for your full earnings, not just your base salary.

Is There a Deadline for When You Can Claim Lost Wages? Yes. In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Lost wages are part of that personal injury claim, not a separate legal action. Failing to file within that two‑year window could bar you from recovering damages related to the accident, including lost income. Montagna Law has built a strong reputation for helping accident. With decades of experience handling personal injury cases, our attorneys understand the stress, uncertainty, and financial pressure you may face after a serious accident. We take a client-first approach, listening to your concerns and tailoring our strategy to meet your needs. When you work with Montagna Law, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining a dedicated advocate who will stand by you from start to finish. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery and future. Call 877-622-8100 or fill out our online contact form. ■ To recover lost wages, you’ll need solid evidence and a clear legal strategy.

The Your Lawyers for Life Newsletter is a publication of Montagna Law. This publication is intended to educate the general public about the law and other issues. It is for information purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed as long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety. Design by Zine (www.zinemarketing.com). Copyright 2025 by Montagna Law. 3

Norfolk 425 Monticello Ave Norfolk, VA 23510 tel 757-622-8100 Newport News 4302 Huntington Ave Newport News, VA 23607

» What It Means to be a Neighbor » Alimony 101: What You Need to Know » How to Help Your Teen Survive Screen Time in a Virtual World » How Do You Collect Lost Wages After a Car Accident? » What Others Are Saying About Montagna Law Inside This Issue...

tel 757-380-8100 Virginia Beach

1 Columbus St Suite 600 Virginia Beach, VA 23462

tel 757-622-6851 MontagnaLaw.com

YOUR REFERRALS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Thank you to all of our referral partners for trusting that we are the right firm to help your friends and family. We strive to be a place people can turn to in all stages of life.

Jon Montagna Attorney

What Others Are Saying About Montagna Law

“I have been so impressed with my experience with Sam Bull since the start. After signing the agreement and sending everything over for my file, we had a phone conversation scheduled. I was blown away with how familiar she had made herself with my family court case prior to our call. It was clear that she had thoroughly reviewed and strategized my case in advance, setting the bar high for herself. She has continuously exceeded my expectations and shown genuine interest in ensuring that my situation is taken care of to the best of her ability (and she is VERY capable).” – Kerrioke “I highly recommend. This is the best law firm to handle all your matters when you need a lawyer. Mr. Jon and Grace are the best, hands down. They don’t miss a beat, and they are very prompt and on time, and they treat you like family. I will be going to them for all my needs.” – S. Arrington “Montagna Law firm has restored my trust in lawyers. Each time I entered the office, I was greeted pleasantly with a smile and hello. It makes you return a smile. Mr. Montagna made me feel confident as a client. He asked questions and answered to my understanding. I’m satisfied with the results. I would recommend this firm to family and friends.” – J. Winfield

HOW WE CAN HELP

No matter what life throws at you, we are here for you. We can help you solve your legal challenges, and point you in the right direction for everything else. Our areas of legal expertise include the practice areas below, but you can contact us anytime as a trusted resource for life.

▪ Personal Injury ▪ Family Law ▪ Traffic/Criminal ▪ Social Security Disability