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 to see me after they’ve become completely convinced that their marriages can’t be saved. As a child, I always loved to read the “Can this marriage be saved?” feature article in my … [Read more...]
Can I date now that I’m separated?
Some women swear that, after divorce, they’ll never date again. Others seem to find love again quickly and easily without really trying. Whatever your feelings are regarding love and relationships after divorce (though I can tell you that, statistically, you will find love again), you should also know that, before divorce, there are some issues. Once you’re separated, you’ll probably start to feel like the ties that bound you to your husband are starting to loosen—and start thinking of other … [Read more...]
Are we separated if he sleeps on the couch?
Separation in Virginia, like most everywhere else, is often the first step towards divorce. But a lot of women are often confused about what it means to separate or be legally separated in Virginia. What’s required? How do you have to change your behavior? Is there any paperwork that goes along with a legal separation? Does what you’re doing already count, or do you have to do something more? The first time I talk to a lot of women, they've already made some changes. One of the first is often … [Read more...]
Separation and Marital Agreements in Virginia
There’s no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to marriage and divorce. That’s why there are so many different solutions to whatever might be going wrong in your particular case—and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re headed for divorce. I know. You’re probably thinking, “WHAT?! Why would a divorce attorney tell me that maybe divorce isn’t the answer?” The truth is that, although I am a divorce attorney, that’s really not primarily how I think of myself (even though I do happen … [Read more...]
He Drafted a Separation Agreement. Now What?
These days, it is probably safe to say that most people get divorced with a separation agreement. And that’s a good thing! That means that (though it may not have been the easiest thing in the world to do) they aren’t wasting time and money fighting over things in court. When you negotiate a separation agreement, you have the most possible control over your assets and how they’ll be divided. Of course, that doesn’t mean you’ll get everything, and it also doesn’t mean that you’ll feel every … [Read more...]
How much does it cost to hire an attorney in my Virginia legal separation case?
“I want a legal separation. How much will that cost?” It’s a common question, and I definitely understand why. For any couples who are on their way to a full fledged divorce in Virginia, a separation is the first stop. Divorce is one of those areas of law where things vary dramatically from state to state, so what happens in one state (even one that is geographically very close, like North Carolina is to us) isn’t necessarily the way things may happen in another state. Because of that, we get … [Read more...]
Is separation just a pit stop on the way to divorce? Part Two
Last Friday morning, we started talking about separation. When are you separated? What does it mean to be separated? And, of course… Is separation even really a thing? Or is it just a pit stop on the way to a full fledged divorce? Lots of women say to me that they want to try a separation, but they’re too afraid that it will mean that they’ve given up on their marriages. If their husbands suggest it, they worry that their husbands are ready to totally throw in the towel. It makes them panic, … [Read more...]
Separation from husband
We have a lot of resources for Virginia women facing separation, divorce, and custody cases, but one of the most common questions we get relates to how to even start the process. “I want a separation from my husband,” women tell us. “How do I start? When am I separated? What do I do to make sure my separation is legal?” Or, on the other side of the equation, we get questions like, “He says we’re separated, but how do I know? Are we actually separated? What if I don’t want to be?” These are … [Read more...]
Filing for Legal Separation in Virginia
The first step towards divorce, for most couples, is a separation. Most people refer to it as a “legal” separation, though, in Virginia at least, there’s no actual, technical “legal” status. There are no forms to file, no protocol to follow; you are simply separated at the point when you decide to become separated. In Virginia, to be separated, it doesn’t even require a meeting of the minds; one of you alone is enough to make the decision to separate. It’s a mindset thing, a decision. And it … [Read more...]
$1.2 Billion Powerball: Virginia Lottery Winnings in Separation and Divorce
With the Powerball reaching a record breaking $1.2 billion, everyone (including yours truly) is out buying lottery tickets. I really think that, even though I know that the likelihood of winning is incredibly, incredibly low, the couple hours between when you buy the tickets and when the drawing is announced are worth it. Just having the opportunity to dream about winning that kind of money and all the changes that it would bring to my life (and, of course, the lives of the people I love most in … [Read more...]
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