Divorce Lawyer in Alexandria
Divorce is a challenging transition, and the terms of your case will directly affect your financial rights as well as your rights as a parent. In other words, the terms of your divorce are of primary concern. If you’re considering divorce, are prepared to file for divorce, or have been served with divorce papers, it’s time to consult with an experienced Alexandria divorce lawyer at Bristle Schulze.
Your Divorce Case
Your divorce case will be unique to you and your divorcing spouse, but the terms involved, as applicable, don’t change from case to case. These include each of the following:
- Child custody arrangements that include both legal custody and parenting time
- Child support is a reflection of every parent’s financial responsibility to their minor children
- The fair division of marital property
- Alimony, or spousal support
Child Custody Arrangements
Child custody in Virginia is addressed in terms of legal custody, which is the authority to make primary parental decisions, and physical custody. Physical custody determines the schedule that specifies when the children are with one parent or the other. Legal matters that relate to children are always determined in accordance with their best interests.
Prevailing wisdom in Virginia finds that children are better off when they maintain a close and loving relationship with both parents, barring a serious reason for ruling otherwise. This means that parents generally share custody. One parent may, however, take on the primary custodial role. This means that the children spend the majority of their time with this parent, which is often based on the primary role they have played in raising the children to date.
Child Support
Child support in Virginia is calculated according to state guidelines. These are based on the concept that children should continue receiving the same level of financial support that they would have if their parents were still married. The calculation basics address the combined gross incomes of both parents, and the child custody arrangements are also factored in.
The Division of Marital Property
In Virginia, those assets acquired over the course of a marriage by either spouse or by both spouses are considered marital property. Upon divorce, these assets must be divided fairly in relation to factors like the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions to the marital estate, and any marital misconduct.
Alimony
There is no guarantee of alimony in a Virginia divorce. Instead, this form of financial support is based on the recipient’s financial need and the payor’s financial means. The longer the marriage and the greater the financial discrepancy between the spouses, the more likely spousal support is to play a role.
Reach Out to Our Experienced Alexandria Divorce Attorneys for the Help You Need
Our compassionate Alexandria divorce lawyers at Bristle Schulze understand how challenging divorce tends to be and are committed to fiercely advocating for your financial rights and your rights as a parent throughout the process. We are here to help, and we encourage you to reach out for more information by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 703-454-0701 today.