Trusted Counsel And Help Through The Divorce Process
Spouses contemplating divorce must make important decisions that will have profound impacts on their lives and their children’s lives for years to come. Stress is normal in this situation, and if you have questions about where to even begin, you are not alone.
At Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C., we take a client-first approach to the divorce process. From divorce pre-planning to representation in negotiations, mediation and litigation, we work closely with our clients to protect what matters in the most cost-effective way possible.
Options For Getting Divorced In Northern Virginia
Among the numerous preliminary considerations when preparing for a divorce is the question of how your divorce will proceed. Spouses in Virginia generally work within three different approaches:
Settlement Negotiations
Many couples are able to resolve their differences amicably through a negotiated settlement. Negotiating a settlement can reduce costs and save time while providing added flexibility. It can also help couples avoid contentious disputes that negatively impact the children. Even when spouses find themselves moving toward more contested litigation, we always keep in mind ways that we can negotiate a settlement to benefit our clients’ interests.
Divorce Mediation
Mediation involves the spouses and their attorneys working with a neutral third-party mediator, which may be another attorney or a retired judge. Unlike going to court, the mediation process is still relatively informal, and it does not result in a binding decision made on behalf of the divorcing spouses. Instead, the mediator’s role is to help the spouses come to an agreement when they are unable to do so on their own.
Divorce Litigation
For some couples, litigation may be the only option. If negotiation is a nonstarter or spouses reach an impasse during the divorce process, they will need to go to court. At Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C., while we seek to resolve our clients’ divorces amicably whenever possible, our lawyers are also deeply experienced in divorce litigation.
Key Issues That You Are Likely To Face During Your Divorce
In most circumstances, the primary issues that require resolution during a divorce include:
- Identification of separate and marital property and debt and distribution of marital property and marital debt (including homes, retirement accounts and other high-value assets)
- College expenses, ownership of privately held businesses and other unique property-related issues
- Establishing child custody and visitation
- Establishing financial support obligations (e.g., child support and alimony)
Contact Our Firm To Discuss How We Can Help You
If you would like more information about what to expect before, during and after your divorce, contact Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C., for an initial consultation. To speak with one of our experienced lawyers in confidence, call our law offices at 703-481-6063 or reach out to us online.
