Fairfax, Virginia Divorce Attorney

Skilled Virginia Divorce Lawyers Representing Clients in Fairfax

When a marriage becomes too dysfunctional to keep going, it might be time to file for a divorce. Many people forestall divorce because they do not want to deal with the legal hurdles, and they may continue to languish in an unhappy relationship. However, ending a marriage that is not working is often the best choice for everyone involved. An experienced divorce attorney can facilitate the process of legally ending a marriage, easing the burdens of stress and negotiating for a fair outcome.

Salvado Law Offices represents clients in all kinds of divorces, from amicable uncontested divorces to litigated courtroom disputes. With our diligent approach to representation, we can give you a voice in divorce negotiations to ensure that your concerns do not go unheard.

When Is Alimony Awarded in Virginia?

In Virginia, spousal support, better known as alimony, is not a guarantee. Spousal support is intended to provide financial relief to one party in a divorce for a temporary or indefinite duration. The court will weigh multiple factors in a decision to award alimony, including:

• The difference in income between the two spouses
• The length of the marriage
• The physical health of both spouses, as well as their ages
• The ability of the paying spouse to provide support
• The recipient spouse's need for financial support
• The standard of living the couple was accustomed to during the marriage
• The division of assets and marital property during the divorce

Note also that a spouse may be denied alimony if they are found in court to have committed adultery.

Asset Division

The division of assets can be a major source of stress for divorcing couples in Virginia due to the uncertainty around property ownership. If you and your spouse cannot reach a fair agreement about how to divide your property, then you will have to go through the process of asset division in court.

In divorce court, all of your assets will go through a classification process, and they will be named as either marital or separate property. Marital property refers to assets acquired during your marriage, like a marital home, a vehicle, or other items bought with joint funds. Separate property consists of things owned prior to the marriage, as well as gifts and inheritances received by one party specifically.

Once all assets have been classified, the courts will split up marital assets between you and your spouse in a fair, equitable manner. Certain assets like real estate or shared businesses may have to be sold, and the profits may need to be divided if they cannot be realistically split up otherwise.

Mediation

If you and your spouse would rather settle your divorce outside of court, but you still have outstanding issues to resolve, mediation may be a viable avenue to reach a fair settlement. This involves meeting with your spouse in a neutral setting to hold discussions. The process will be overseen by a certified mediator, who will keep the discussions on track and see that all relevant issues are addressed.

Compared to litigation in court, mediation provides a divorcing couple with more agency. A mediator does not have final input, and both parties must fully agree on all decisions. You and your spouse can take the time you need to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. As an added benefit, mediation tends to be much cheaper and less time-consuming than going to court.

Meet With a Fairfax, VA Divorce Lawyer Today

When you make the hard choice to file for divorce, it can feel like the world is coming down around you. A Fairfax divorce lawyer can be a steadfast ally in your time of hardship, informing you of your rights, advocating for your needs during settlement negotiations, and providing you with representation in the courtroom. At Salvado Law Offices, we will give you our undivided attention, providing sound legal advice and skilled representation from start to finish. To schedule a consultation, call our offices at 301-933-1814 or contact us online.