The Divorce Process
If you are preparing to go through a divorce in Fairfax, or anywhere in Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C., you are most likely focused on the emotional aspects of your situation. Most individuals do not realize failure to carefully address all financial and other issues can lead to greater emotional stress down the road — perhaps for a lifetime. When you work with the divorce lawyers at Whitestone Young, PC, in Fairfax, you work closely with us to fully and effectively prepare your case as we guide you through the divorce process.
Your divorce begins long before the final divorce decree. The following are some of the important steps of the process:
- Step 1: Contact a divorce law firm. When you contact a divorce lawyer from Whitestone Young, PC, in Fairfax, we begin by discussing the details of your situation. This helps us recommend the right type of divorce — from a contested divorce in court to any form of uncontested divorce. Early in the process, it is important to understand your relationship with your spouse and the financial complexities behind your marriage. We carefully explain the details you must provide to ensure you emerge with the fresh start you need to move on.
- Step 2: Prepare a detailed financial accounting. Our Fairfax divorce law firm makes sure you have supplied full details of everything you know about the financial status of your marriage. Your list must include (but is not limited to) the following:
- The earnings of both you and your spouse
- Marital assets
- Assets you own outside of the marriage
- Financial holdings, including investment and retirement accounts
- Other financial considerations, such as a family business
- Outstanding debt
- Tax information, including unpaid taxes
Of course, our attorneys need to know all details concerning minor children as well. The courts view the needs of the children to be the primary concern in any divorce. We ask many questions to determine the most likely possibilities for child custody, visitation and child support. You can clearly see the importance of Fairfax divorce law firms having a strong background in financial and business issues. The team at Whitestone Young, PC, has an extensive knowledge of financial and business legal issues that are likely to be relevant to your needs.
- Step 3: Negotiations. In some cases — such as in highly-contested divorces — negotiation with your spouse is not possible. But, even if you and your spouse can agree on just some points, we work with your spouse to come to as many decisions as possible out of court. The more decisions you can make together, the more control you have over your future — and the less the potential cost of the divorce is likely to be.
- Step 4: The courtroom process. In a contested divorce, the courtroom process is similar to any trial before a judge, with the judge left to make all decisions on division of property, child custody and spousal support. In an uncontested divorce, the court only decides on those issues you and your spouse cannot decide on your own. If you decide on all issues, the courtroom process is little more than administrative in nature — the judge simply reviews your agreement. In any type of divorce, the process ends with a final divorce decree, and you emerge with a new life.
Contact Us For A Caring And Experienced Divorce Law Firm In Fairfax
Resolving your marital problems requires attorneys who care and who know how to achieve a comprehensive result. Supporting clients in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., the Fairfax family and divorce lawyers at Whitestone Young, PC, have the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate the legal maze and alleviate your stress.