The Railside Law Group

02/02/2026

We are back open today. Please use caution navigating our front area as patches of ice remain. Our back parking area is completely inaccessible which makes our parking limited. Therefore, you may have to just pull in behind another person's car. It will be okay.

The adjacent business across Thomas Street has made it clear that they do not want our customers parking in their spaces. We will continue to extend that courtesy to their customers who consistently use our lot while shopping at their store.

02/02/2026

This is a great opportunity for families to capture unique and authentic images that will stand the test of time!

🎉 Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry is celebrating 20 years in Ashland—and giving back in a big way! Our neighbors are gifting 20 Family Portrait Sessions to 20 families as a heartfelt thank-you to the community that made it all possible.

Eligible sessions include multi-generational families, parents and children, siblings, grandparents with grandchildren, or you and one loved one. Pets are welcome! (Headshots, seniors, and individual sessions are excluded.) The giveaway covers the full session fee; printed products are not included.

✨ How to Enter (February 2026):
• Follow Jessica Robertson Photography on Facebook & Instagram
• Share the giveaway reel and tag the business
• Comment on the post telling us why you’d love to win
• Complete the entry form at www.jessicarobertson.com under the “Giveaway” tab

🏆 Winners begin being announced February 2026, so don’t wait to enter! Here’s to the next 20 years of capturing Ashland’s stories.
🔗 Learn more: www.jessicarobertson.com

01/28/2026

Our business is temporarily closed due to the inclement weather. Our re-opening will be delayed because the Town of Ashland plowed the adjacent streets in such a way that we cannot access our parking area. Apologies for the inconvenience.

10/31/2025

When it comes to equitable distribution - take what you can! Give nothing back!
… And celebrate with rum!

10/31/2024

When you need someone to give ‘em hell, and you won’t even have to sell your soul.

05/08/2024

Hey Murph, how do you feel after a multi-day jury trial? Yeah. Me too dude.

03/27/2024

Question from Matt G. who asks, "I got pulled over for bad tags. Then the front seat passenger put drugs under the seat and I got charged with it. Can they really do this?"

Murphy says, "Yes. They can. Probable cause to charge someone with an allegation of committing a crime is a very low bar. The officer is alleging something known as 'constructive possession.' But whether or not the judge finds you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of unlawful possession is a whole other thing. I just alerted on a few different defenses - like whether or not you knew that stuff was there, whether or not you knew what the stuff was, or whether or not you ever moved it around. Buckle up Matt. We're taking that mess to trial!"

"And lastly, if you don't mind me aspersing your friends, a better class of passengers, buddy."

03/19/2024

Murphy’s Law question about estates brought to us by Tara P: How do I make sure certain people get stuff that has sentimental value?

Easy. Virginia allows us to make a list of stuff (Tangible Personal Property in lawyer language). If you want to divide your things evenly between the pups from your first litter great. But if you want your favorite pig to go to your buddy Gus, just write that on the list of stuff. Your executor will make sure that those items get distributed as you wish. You can even change your mind if you want without having to make a whole new will.

03/05/2024

Murphy's Law: Today's issue was raised by Sarah G. who wonders, "My husband and I have a custody agreement, but our daughter has gotten older. Can't we just let her decide the custody schedule at this point?"

Murphy Says: What your child wants regarding custody is certainly important if she is old enough to really consider everything at play. But she is still just a child who should not dictate family dynamics. Of all the factors a judge considers regarding custody, the child's preference is only one out of ten. There is no such thing as a permanent custody order, so you can change it as your family's needs change. Rest easy my friends.

02/28/2024

Murphy's Law:
Today's question is from Bill T. who asks, "My ex-wife said I can just pay for extra-curricular activities and buy the back-to-school clothes instead of paying child support. That should be fine, right?"
Murphy says, "I'm begging you not to do this. In the words of my dear friend Admiral Ackbar, 'It's a trap!' Court orders are not suggestions. Your ex-wife doesn't have the authority to let you not follow the court order. Stay safe and follow the order, otherwise she will have you dragged back to court for failure to pay when she is less happy with you!"