After making the decision to seek a divorce, it is common to wonder how to proceed and what steps must be followed in Virginia. The divorce process varies from state to state, and residents of Centreville are subject to Virginia’s divorce laws. Understanding the complexities and nuances involved in Virginia divorce proceedings can be overwhelming, which is why many people seek assistance from an experienced Centreville divorce attorney.
At the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, we work with Centreville residents to ease the burden of divorce. Through a range of legal strategies, we help our clients obtain a divorce as simply and easily as possible. If you or a loved one is seeking a divorce, consider contacting an experienced Centreville divorce attorney at 703-782-4360 to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Divorce In Centreville, Virginia
Virginia law sets forth residency requirements for couples who wish to obtain a divorce. The state requires that at least one spouse must have resided in Virginia for six months before filing for divorce. Members of the United States Armed Forces who are stationed or residing in Virginia, even temporarily, may count their time in the state toward the residency requirement.
Furthermore, the Code of Virginia § 20-96 states that the circuit courts have jurisdiction of any divorce proceedings. For residents of Centreville, this would be the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Who Will Get Our Centreville House After a Divorce?
In Virginia, marital property is distributed based on either an agreement between spouses or a judge’s decision. If the house was acquired after marriage, it is considered marital property, even if it is titled in only one spouse’s name. In situations where the house is only titled in one spouse’s name, the court may award the other spouse a monetary award, depending on the equity of the property.
How Can the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury Help?
At the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury we pride ourselves on the variety and flexibility of our services. After years of handling complex divorce matters, we are better able to advocate on behalf of our clients and optimize their outcomes following the divorce. Some of the areas that we focus on include:
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- Uncontested divorce: Many couples wish for an amicable and peaceful divorce process. Given the emotional investment involved in a divorce, however, this is not always possible. We advocate and negotiate for our clients so that uncontested divorce is possible, saving them valuable time and money long-term.
- Contested divorce: Oftentimes, contested divorces are more complicated than uncontested divorces. This is because when amicable divorce is not possible, the decision-making is left to the court system. This can leave both spouses feeling powerless. We represent clients as they move through a contested divorce and ensure that their goals are made clear during court hearings.
- Separation agreements: In Virginia, legal separation operates differently than in other states in the sense that a court order is not required. Separation can take different forms, but the general requirement is “living apart.” We help spouses create and enforce agreements to facilitate separation or, alternatively, navigate the process of divorce after separation.
- Annulment: Many couples opt for annulment rather than divorce, but Virginia maintains a range of legal requirements that couples must adhere to in order to achieve annulment. We work with our clients to understand their rights during the process of annulment and work through custody and coparenting agreements, if applicable.
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- Military divorce: Virginia is among the top ten states with the highest military population in the country. Due to the presence of military retirement accounts and other benefits, dividing assets can be a complicated process. As a leading military divorce law firm, we understand how to navigate these issues with ease and fully represent military spouses.
- Property and asset division: One of the most stressful aspects of divorce is property and asset distribution. Through skillful negotiation, we achieve a fair and equitable distribution of any marital property.
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- Spousal support: In some cases, a spouse may be eligible for support. We help our clients negotiate alimony agreements and ensure fair spousal support.
- Child custody and support: The presence of children can make a divorce much more complex and strenuous. By prioritizing your child or children’s interests, we help facilitate agreements that work for all parties involved.
- Marital agreements: Marital agreements can take many different forms. Virginia law provides for prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and we help our clients navigate both.
As Centreville divorce attorneys, we leverage our experience and knowledge in Virginia family law to help Centreville families move forward in a healthy manner.
How To Prepare For Divorce
Preparation is key to a smooth divorce. If you are considering divorce or are in the process of filing for divorce in Virginia, take note of the important shared documentation that will be necessary down the line, such as:
- Bank statements
- Tax returns
- Credit card statements
- Retirement or pension account statements
- Loan applications
- Real estate deeds, closing statements, mortgages, etc.
While this list is not comprehensive, it is a good start when preparing for divorce. Moreover, ensure that you have log-in information and access to all joint online accounts. This information can save you a great deal of time as you move forward with the divorce process.
Contact An Experienced Centreville Divorce Attorney at the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury
Divorce is rarely an easy process but seeking legal assistance can greatly reduce the burden. At the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, we have the experience necessary to advocate and negotiate on your behalf. For more information on how we can help or our competitive flat-fee pricing, consider contacting a Centreville divorce attorney today at 703-782-4360.