Why you need us?

While it is true that there are many types of lawyers throughout the city it is very important that you hire an attorney that knows the local court system, knows the nuisances of how custody and support are handled, but most importantly you need someone that is dedicated to divorces.

Our family law attorneys all have a dedication to divorce. We understand what you are going through and the difficulties that lie ahead. That is why we have created this website, we want you to know that you are NOT ALONE. You have our team of attorneys as well as our dedicated staff. Please feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation.

Divorce in Washington D.C.

Introduction
If you’ve been served with divorce papers, you’re probably devastated and not sure what to do next.  Do not attempt to take care of this alone.  The Divorce Law Offices of “Insert Attorney Name” in Washington D.C. focus on divorce law and is dedicated to giving you the highest quality of service.  We give our clients up-close and personal attention during this difficult time.

Overview
A divorce is a way to legally end the marriage relationship. This can be accomplished in one of two ways:

1.  Uncontested

  • You and your spouse are in complete agreement regarding all marital issues or there are no issues to be resolved.
  • A Separation and Property Settlement Agreement is drawn up and signed.
  • This type of divorce can be completed in a short period of time.
  • All forms can be filed together – a hearing will be set
    • Complaint
    • Answer to complain
    • Vital statistics
    • Cross-reference intake
    • Filed at Domestic Relations Branch of Family Court with filing fee

2.  Contested

  • Issues include: custody, child support, visitation rights, division of property
    • Issues are not resolved and Settlement Agreement is not drawn up.
  • Begins with a Complaint for Absolute Divorce, Summons, Vital Statistics and Cross-Reference Intake forms and filing fee.
  • Once filed, your spouse will be served with papers.
  • Once served, your spouse needs to file the Answer to Complaint form.

Grounds for Divorce

  1. Complete separation (without cohabitation) for at least 6 months
    • Separation is mutual and voluntary
  1. Complete separation (without cohabitation) for at least 1 year
    • One party does not agree to the separation and divorce

Separation Agreement (Contract)

  • Allows you to maintain control over the outcome of the situation.
  • Details the rights and obligations of you and your spouse regarding all issues related to the marital relationship.
  • Includes
    • custody of the children
    • child support
    • visitation rights
    • division of property
    • health insurance
    • debts incurred
    • retirement benefits
  • This agreement is much less stressful for the couple if it can be worked out.  It will also cost much less if it doesn’t go to court.

Child Custody
By negotiating an agreement with your spouse regarding child custody, everyone benefits, especially the child involved.

There are several types of custody arrangements:
 

  • Physical custody
    • the child lives primarily with one parent
    • the other parent has visitation rights
    • the husband and wife share physical custody
  • Legal custody
    • one parent makes the major decisions regarding raising the child
      • health care, education, religion, etc.
    •  both parties share legal custody
      • they share the decision-making process
  • Sole custody - one parent has sole legal custody, sole physical custody, or sole legal and physical custody
  • Joint custody
    • parents can share legal custody, physical custody or both
    • a schedule must be worked out that meets their needs and the needs of the child

Child Support

  • When one parent has primary custody of the child.
  • The non-custodial parent makes regular support payments for child’s expenses.
  • The amount is determined by using a formula that takes into consideration your income, health insurance payments and child care costs.

Visitation

  • Fixed visitation schedule - details times and places for visitation with the non-custodial parent (i.e. every other weekend or twice a week).
  • A schedule for holidays and vacations is set up.
  • Reasonable visitation - more flexibility
    • considers the schedules of the parents and the child on a week to week or month to month basis

Spousal Maintenance

  • Used to be known as ‘Alimony’
  • A spouse that relied on his or her partner’s earnings for livelihood
  • Usually when the marriage was long-term marriage

Division of Property
Dividing marital property is one of the most difficult components of the divorce. Even though you try to reach an agreeable property settlement, emotional attachments often confuse matters.  Property that needs to be divided:

  • Home
  • Furnishings
  • Automobiles
  • Boats
  • Secondary home
  • Financial – bank account, assets, securities, investments, retirement, pension
  • Pets

Conclusion
When you do not know where else to turn, call the Law Offices of “Insert Attorney Name”.  For compassion, knowledge and expertise in divorce matters.  I will work hard for your rights and give you personalized service from Day 1.

 

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