If you’re struggling with the idea of divorce, you’re not alone. I’ve never met a woman yet who didn’t take her marriage vows seriously, and who doesn’t lament breaking them when she sets foot in my office. In fact, I’ve talked to dozens of women who specifically tell me how much guilt they experience at...
Marriage Vows and Divorce
A lot of divorcing couples own a business–something that tends to complicate equitable distribution. Equitable distribution is a fancy word we use to describe how property is divided in Virginia. Equitable distribution, unlike community property, doesn’t necessarily assume that property will be divided 50/50, but that negative and positive monetary and non monetary contributions can...
Some marriages have been over for years before the Mrs. sets foot in our office. Others—well, let’s just say they’re a little more up in the air. Some women come in just wanting a little more information about what might happen if things start heading towards divorce. Others try marriage counseling first, and only come...
Every so often, I meet someone who thinks he (well, usually it’s a he) knows more about the divorce than the woman who is supposed to become my client. They try to strong arm the conversation, to steer it in their direction, and to do everything in their power to “help” the divorcing woman. A...
When you file a case in the circuit court, it’s a matter of public record. Divorces, therefore, since they are filed in the circuit court, are public record. When you file a divorce, your complaint is either served on your husband by a sheriff or returned to you (or your divorce lawyer, if you’re represented...
Something ridiculous happened to me the other day. In a case that I’m working on, I got an email from opposing counsel. She advised me that my client was “financially irresponsible,” and said that this was the reason why she wouldn’t agree to a number of things that we were requesting in the separation agreement....
Most of the time, divorce is a negotiating process. It’s like haggling and, if you’re like me, and haggling always made you super uncomfortable, don’t worry. It’s really not so bad. There is a lot of posturing, though, and oftentimes the first offer isn’t a very good offer (so the tendency is for some women...
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. I know some people really get worked up about this holiday in particular, but I really have never been a big fan. I’m not single, but, even when I was, I always kind of felt like the holiday was a good reason to stay in, rather than go...
