PRACTICE AREAS
Separation and Divorce
Are you or your spouse considering a separation? If so, there is a lot to consider before you make any decisions or take any action. Regardless of who makes the decision, both spouses will be affected, as well as your family members. It is advisable that you seek the advice of an attorney as soon as possible.
Depending on the issues at hand, in the initial stages, you will need to make decisions about who will live where and how each spouse will make ends meet. If there are children, custody and timesharing/visitation between the parents will have to be determined as well as support. Equally stressful is the division of assets and liabilities so that neither party's credit is harmed and there are assets left to be divided if a divorce is, in fact, imminent.
If the separation is going to be permanent, long term decisions about custody and timesharing/visitation, child support, spousal support, the division of assets and division of liabilities will be made, either by the parties via an agreement, or by the court if the parties cannot reach an agreement on their own or with the help of a neutral, such as a mediator.
Do I need a legal document to be separated?
No. Separation begins whenever the husband and wife begin living separately, in two households (actual separation), or living separately in the same household (constructive separation).
Can we live separately in the same house?
Yes, if certain conditions are met. First and foremost, you and your spouse cannot act as married persons in any regard. This doesn't just mean no intimate relations, it also means that you don't cook for each other, nor do each other's laundry or shopping, and you don't socialize as a couple.
Contact or call us at 703.279.5140 to learn more about our Separation and Divorce services.