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2/3 to 3/4 of divorces are initiated by women Divorce Information CenterThe law offices of Virginia M. Stephens, P.C.The law offices of Virginia M. Stephens, P.C. represents families and individuals from throughout Prince William County and its surrounding areas in all divorce and divorce-related concerns including child custody, property settlements, and spousal and child support. As your attorney, Virginia M. Stephens brings over 15 years of experience and a strong background and ability as a litigator to her clients' concerns. She also provides the perspective, insight, and presence on your behalf that only a female lawyer can. The following information is intended to provide you with a broad overview of divorce and its related concerns. For further information or to speak directly with an attorney about a situation that concerns you, contact the law offices of Virginia M. Stephens, P.C. right now. Lake Ridge, Virginia Property Settlement AttorneyVirginia M. Stephens, P.C. From her law offices in Woodbridge, VA, Virginia M. Stephens represents clients in family law matters such as divorce, child custody, protective orders and support for the Northern Virginia counties of Prince William, Fairfax, and Stafford, as well as in cities and communities such as Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Dale City, Bristow, Haymarket, Gainesville, Manassas, Manassas Park, Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax. Divorce Overview - The BasicsContemplating divorce is difficult. Whether or not you are sure you want to end your marriage, it helps to learn the basics of divorce law. Should you conclude that divorce is necessary, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. A divorce is a judicial decree by which a valid marriage is dissolved. From a legal standpoint, the divorce process will divide the couple’s assets and debts; determine the future care and custody of their children; and give each person the legal right to marry someone else. Division of PropertyWhen a couple has little or no marital property, no children and no disagreement on spousal maintenance/alimony, their divorce usually goes very quickly. Most couples, however, have numerous issues to work out during the divorce process. These issues may involve children or significant marital property: personal property, real estate, a family business, large or concealed debts, trusts, real property in other states, joint and separate accounts, investments, insurance, pensions and other assets. In any divorce, especially one involving complex property matters, an experienced family law attorney can offer valuable guidance and advocacy. Questions to Ask During DivorceWhether to end your marriage is one of the most important and difficult decisions you will ever encounter. While this is an emotional matter, it is important to approach certain aspects of it with an analytical perspective. This is a decision that should take into account numerous issues. Once you review the following list of questions, you may reconsider your goals — or you may be better prepared to move forward while working with an attorney. Contact an experienced family law attorney to help you along the journey. Dealing with DivorceFor some, divorce may feel like a liberating new beginning. For most, however, it is not so straightforward. The end of a relationship as important as a marriage brings numerous difficult emotions. Indeed, recovering from a divorce is similar to the grieving process one experiences when a loved one dies. The process typically consists of five stages: shock and denial; anger; ambivalence; depression; and recovery. Not everyone experiences these emotions in the same way or in the same order. You may move in and out of a phase more than once, even experiencing more than one phase at a time. It is a difficult and time-consuming process. Family counselors advise that it may take as long as one or two years to truly recover. Understanding the process and the feelings you may experience will help you to grieve the relationship. It is important to allow yourself the time you need to recover from the traumatic experience of ending a marriage so that you can move on to the next phase of your life. An experienced family law attorney can provide invaluable advice and support throughout the divorce process. An Amicable DivorceDivorce is one of the most emotional experiences you will ever face. The decision to end a marriage is not an easy one, and often it is accompanied by anger, fear and resentment. The negative emotions associated with divorce are responsible for more than hurt feelings; they affect the legal process and its outcome. Most importantly, if children are involved, they can be deeply distressed. It is in your family's interest to approach divorce from an amicable perspective; this can spare you a great deal of time, money and heartache. An experienced family law attorney can help you deal with your situation clearly and objectively. Divorce Resource Links
Medline Plus: Divorce
Divorce Law: An Overview
IRS: Publication 504 - Divorced or Separated Individuals
IRS: Topic 452 - Alimony Paid
Facts for Consumers: Credit and Divorce
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Call us nowor use the form below.Try Our Child Support Calculator FinderFrequently Asked Questions About Divorce
Q: What is a legal divorce? A: A divorce is the dissolution of a marriage. After divorce, both parties are free to remarry. During typical divorce proceedings, the couple's assets and debts will be divided and the care and custody of any children will be determined. Each state has its own distinct divorce laws. Q: What are "fault divorce" and "no-fault divorce"? A: In the past, divorce generally had only been granted on the basis of marital misconduct called "fault": adultery, mental cruelty or another wrongful act. There were also defenses to these faults. In these divorces, the spouse at fault often received a smaller portion of the marital settlement. In a no-fault divorce, the parties merely need to state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably or that the couple has irreconcilable differences. Every state has some form of no-fault divorce, but the particulars of the laws can differ markedly from state to state. |
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. Copyright © 2010 by Virginia M. Stephens, P.C. (703) 680-9494. All rights reserved. You may reproduce materials available at this site for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement. | |