You will have many things to consider before you file for divorce. The end of your marriage will signal the beginning of a new life, and being prepared for the upcoming challenges may help make the process less stressful.
Our divorce lawyers at Carluzzo Rochkind & Smith, P.C., have more than a quarter century of experience guiding clients when their marriage has ended. Representing residents in Manassas, Prince William, Manassas Park, Gainesville, Haymarket, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Bristow, Warrenton, Centreville, Fairfax, Stafford, Chantilly, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, and throughout Northern Virginia, we have built a reputation as a no-nonsense law firm dedicated to achieving outstanding results.
As soon as possible, preferably before you split up, you will need to make a list of your assets and debts. These would include any assets you hold separately from your spouse, as well as family businesses and additional separate or shared property.
It may also help to look ahead in terms of supporting yourself. It is not enough to assume that you will receive adequate spousal and child support to make ends meet. If you earn less money than your spouse or did not work during the marriage, you may want to consider updating your job skills to become more self-sufficient.
If you have minor children, child custody will be another important concern. You will want to consider whether you are willing to share joint custody with your spouse or if you will pursue sole custody. Divorce is especially difficult for children, so you will need to bring up the subject carefully with them and be reassuring and understanding.
Ideally, both parents should be able to parent their children after divorce. If there has been abuse during the marriage, however, you may want to consider obtaining a protective order. Rest assured that our attorneys are up to the challenge of confronting these sensitive family matters.
Call our law office today at 703-361-0776 or fill out our online form, and we’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss your options.