Family Law Attorney in Prince William County

Family law cases range from divorce and divorce terms to separation agreements, grandparents’ rights, and prenups. Every case is as unique as it is important to the family it affects. Cases that pertain to divorce are filed and heard by the circuit court, while standalone cases are heard by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Both are located in the Prince William County Judicial Center in Manassas. If you’re facing a family law concern, our experienced Prince William County family law attorneys at Bristle Schulze are in your corner.

Divorce and the Separate Terms of Divorce

Divorce and the separate terms of divorce encompass the following pillars of family law:

• The equitable distribution of marital property which must be fair in relation to the unique case at hand
• Child custody, which includes both parenting time and decision-making authority, or legal custody
• Child support, which is calculated according to careful state guidelines
• Alimony, which is most common in cases involving long marriages and those in which one spouse gave up their own career to stay home with the children

Family law cases also address term modifications for all but the fair distribution of marital property. Further, both child custody and child support can be addressed in standalone cases.

Separation Agreements

While the State of Virginia doesn’t grant legal separations, separation agreements are legally binding contracts that outline property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. These agreements establish the date that the required separation period begins before a no-fault divorce, which is a year for cases that involve minor children and six months for those that don’t.

Grandparents’ Rights

Grandparents in Virginia are not granted the automatic right to spend time with their grandchildren. In fact, the state comes down firmly on the side of every fit parent’s constitutional right to raise their children their own way. While the legal bar to overcome this right is high, those who qualify as individuals with a legitimate interest in the children, including grandparents, can petition the court for access.

Prenuptial Agreements

When prenuptial agreements are entered voluntarily, and without coercion, and when both parties engage in a full and fair disclosure of their assets and liabilities, the contracts are legally binding. Prenups can address the division of marital property and alimony, but child support and child custody are off limits. When it comes to minor children, their best interests at the time the case is filed must be taken into careful consideration. This means that both child support and child custody must be addressed in real time.

Our Experienced Prince William County Family Law Lawyers Can Help

Our resourceful Prince William County family law attorneys at Bristle Schulze are committed to applying the full force of our experience and legal insight to achieve the best possible outcome for you. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 703-454-0701 today.