Afsana Chowdhury | August 1, 2024 | Divorce
If you’re considering a divorce in Fairfax, VA, you should familiarize yourself with the legal requirements and process and consider your marriage’s circumstances. Below, we will discuss the divorce process and what you can expect so you can determine if this is the right path forward for your marriage.
Assess Your Marriage And Your Goals
Consider the circumstances of your marriage and assess your reasons for seeking a divorce. Are there issues that can be resolved through counseling? Is there abuse in the marriage?
You should also consider your goals. If you have children or share assets, consider how you want issues like child custody and property division handled. If abuse is present in your marriage, consider how much contact with the other spouse you are comfortable with.
It’s important to understand why you are considering a divorce and what an ideal outcome looks like.
Research Divorce Laws in Virginia
Next, look into the divorce laws in Virginia. First, you should review the residency and separation requirements for filing for divorce in Virginia.
Requirements to File for Divorce in Virginia
You or your spouse were a resident of Virginia for at least six months before filing for divorce.
If there are no children from the marriage, you and your spouse have been separated for six months or more. If there are children, you and your spouse have been separated for at least one year.
You should also research laws regarding how property is divided in Virginia. This can help you have realistic expectations of how your assets will be separated.
Division of Property in Virginia Divorce
In Virginia, property is divided based on equitable distribution. The court will divide the property in a way it decides is fair rather than simply splitting it in half.
The court may consider the following factors when dividing property:
- Each spouse’s debts
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, including financial contributions, child care, and caring for the marital home
- Circumstances leading to the divorce
- Each spouse’s financial condition
- Other relevant considerations
Many online resources can provide information about divorce laws in Virginia, such as the Fairfax County Circuit Court’s website. However, you should consult an experienced Fairfax divorce lawyer for the most relevant information to your case.
Seeking Help if There Is Abuse
Contact law enforcement immediately if you or your children are in danger. You can also seek help from local shelters or groups with expertise in helping women and children in domestic abuse situations.
An experienced Fairfax divorce lawyer can also walk you through the process of seeking help and can connect you to support resources.
If you’re concerned about the privacy of your internet search history, use a safe or public computer or clear your browsing history. The National Domestic Violence Hotline also has resources for seeking help privately.
Build a Support System
You should develop a solid support system to help you navigate a divorce’s emotional and practical difficulties. You may feel like you are losing some friends or family members while going through a divorce. Identify people who you can depend on during this change.
It’s okay to seek online support from friends or support groups. However, you should avoid posting negative things about the divorce or your ex-spouse, especially if there are children from the marriage. This can make the divorce process unnecessarily contentious.
Consult an Experienced Fairfax Divorce Attorney if You Are Considering Divorce
It’s crucial that you contact an experienced divorce attorney, even if you think your divorce will be simple or uncontested. Your attorney will safeguard your financial, parental, and other interests throughout the process.
A compassionate family law attorney will give your case the care and attention it deserves.
Contact The Divorce Law Firm of Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC in Fairfax, VA.
For more information, please contact an experienced Divorce lawyer at Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC to schedule an initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Fairfax, VA.
We proudly serve Fairfax, VA, and its surrounding areas
Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury
10805 Main St STE 700A, Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 271-6519