Even if you know 100 percent that your divorce is necessary, it is a process that will take some time and can be daunting and emotionally draining. While there are uncomfortable parts that are unavoidable, there are many steps you can take that can help make this chapter of your life easier and more manageable. Here is what divorce lawyers in Alexandria VA want you to know as you enter this process.
Divorce is an investment into your future life, and as such, it costs money. Therefore, be prepared to pay attorney and court filing fees. Depending on the specifics of your case, you might be ordered to pay spousal support (alimony), child support, or pay additional funds to your spouse for property division. You should also be aware that Virginia courts have the authority to order you to pay some or all of your spouse’s legal fees depending on the financial abilities of each spouse and the details of your divorce.
One significant issue that can financially impact your divorce is whether you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse agree on matters concerning the essential issues of:
The more you can independently negotiate and agree on, the sooner you can resolve your entire case. This will decrease the overall cost of your divorce. However, don’t back down from issues that are important to you just to save money. Instead, discuss them with the right divorce lawyers to learn more about your rights and if it is worth standing up for your desires.
As previously stated, divorce is a process that doesn’t happen overnight. Unfortunately, there’s no regular pattern or timeline for a divorce to follow since they are all so unique. Some divorces can be finalized in a few months, while others that are more complex and contentious may drag on for years. One thing is sure, though, amicable divorces will take less time. The divorce process will go much faster when you don’t need attorneys to help sort through as many issues or the Court to rule on certain matters. You can help make your divorce more expedient by quickly and thoroughly responding to requests for information and documentation from trusted divorce lawyers as soon as possible.
After your attorney files all divorce paperwork in court, on average, it can the court’s time take 30 to 90 days for a divorce to be finalized. The divorce timeline will vary substantially on the Court’s caseloads and judges’ availability to sign the Divorce Decree.
If you were living separate and apart from your spouse for over a year and signed a Property Settlement Agreement, or if you were living separate and apart for over six months and don’t have any minor children and already signed a Property Settlement Agreement, you are filing an uncontested divorce, and the process might only take about a month.
However, it will take longer if you don’t have an uncontested divorce. How long it takes depends on the specific circumstances and facts of your divorce case. The family court judge determines anything you and your spouse can’t agree on. Your Alexandria divorce lawyers will need to complete the legal discovery process to collect and exchange crucial information concerning child custody, visitation, and marital assets and debts.
Suppose unresolved issues remain on the trial date. In that case, you and your spouse, usually through your attorneys, will be permitted to present evidence and make arguments in front of the judge. Then, the judge will decide on the remaining issues.
While we all want to have our own way, especially when it comes to such significant issues as money, our children, our belongings, and our future, sometimes the pursuit of getting all of your desires isn’t worth it in a divorce. Since uncontested divorces, or even those in which a couple can agree on some issues, take less time and are less expensive, it can pay to compromise on the issues that don’t matter as much to you. It may help to think about some areas you would be willing to compromise on to get what you want in others.
Last but certainly not least, hire experienced Alexandria divorce lawyers from Curran Moher Weis. Divorce isn’t a road you should navigate without professional legal assistance. You want a knowledgeable attorney on your side who is well-versed in Virginia’s often-confusing family laws and someone that is a skilled negotiator. You’ll find such an attorney at our law firm.
Contact our office today to schedule your confidential consultation. You can reach us by phone at (571) 328-5020 or online. We can advise you of your options for your divorce case.
G.B.
Brad
K.H.
Jacquelyn
