Library: Divorce

A divorce does not have to be unnecessarily drawn out and expensive. Virginia’s uncontested divorce procedures can help avoid the delays and expenses that can be generated when disputes are resolved in the courtroom. At MacDowell Law Group, PC, our divorce attorneys will thoroughly review your situation to let you know whether this may be the right option for your divorce. If you are thinking of getting divorced but are concerned about the time and the...

A property settlement agreement (PSA) is a contract between spouses that outlines each party’s rights and responsibilities. If either party does not follow through with the agreement, the court may intervene. This flexible document is an indispensable feature of any uncontested divorce. An agreement can also bring an end to any litigation on contested divorce issues such as alimony or child custody. At the law firm of MacDowell Law Group, PC, our family law attorneys can effectively negotiate favorable terms...

When affluent couples divorce, the problem of property division can be highly complicated. That is why it is critical to work with an attorney who understands the unique issues that arise in these types of cases. At MacDowell Law Group, PC, our divorce attorneys have the experience and sophistication necessary to understand the nature and extent of your marital estate. We can help you benefit from clear guidance on difficult problems concerning asset characterization, property valuation, tax...

For all but the most affluent Virginia families, divorce means financial strain. After all, you are dividing a single household into two households, each with separate expenses but without any corresponding increase in income. However, a solid understanding of the tax consequences of your divorce settlement can relieve some of this financial strain and even improve your bargaining position. At MacDowell Law Group, PC, our divorce attorneys can ensure that all tax aspects are identified and...

While issues of child support are frequently resolved under state guidelines, custody and visitation issues can present major problems for parents who are separating from each other, especially when there is a history of substance abuse, mental illness or domestic violence. Even in less troubled situations, the complex emotional dynamic of parent-child relationships and conflicts between parents can make the resolution of custody and visitation issues more difficult. At MacDowell Law Group, PC, our attorneys work...

Dividing retirement assets in a divorce can be a complex and sometimes emotional process. This is especially true when dividing military pensions and other pension accounts. There are very specific requirements about when a former spouse can access pension funds and the percentage that he or she is entitled to receive. It is important that you hire a pension division lawyer who understands these processes and who can protect your interests. At MacDowell Law Group, PC,...

Virginia is home to many men and women in the armed services and their families. Like any divorce, there are a number of issues that must be addressed. However, past or present military service can present unique challenges in regard to child custody and visitation, and the division of pensions. Issues such as deployment out of state or overseas, military benefits and federal law all need to be considered when dissolving a military marriage. At MacDowell...

There is never an excuse for domestic abuse. If abuse is a factor in the decision to end your marriage, you have unique issues to deal with in order to protect yourself and your family. Your first challenge is to ensure the personal safety and security of yourself and your children. At MacDowell Law Group, PC, our attorneys can explain the process of obtaining and enforcing a protective order. This can help provide the breathing space...

In the process of a divorce, there is a lot to decide and think about. One issue you might not consider right away is the division of any marital debt between you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse. In the state of Virginia, the law follows the concept of “equitable distribution,” meaning that just like property or furniture, your debt is divided equally too. While this sounds simple on the surface, it can actually get quite complex...

Parents of children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other cognitive and physical impairments know better than anyone about the challenges of caring for a child with special needs. When a marriage ends, concerns about how that care will continue and who will be responsible for which aspects of the child’s life are often the most challenging issues to resolve. If you are getting divorced in Virginia and have a child with special needs,...