Library: Divorce

A property settlement agreement (PSA) is a contract between spouses that outlines each party’s rights and responsibilities. If either party does not follow through with the agreement, the court may intervene. This flexible document is an indispensable feature of any uncontested divorce. An agreement can also bring an end to any litigation on contested divorce issues such as alimony or child custody. At the law firm of MacDowell Law Group, P.C., our family law attorneys can effectively negotiate favorable terms...

Whenever divorcing spouses operate a family business that accounts for a significant portion of their income, the valuation and division of business assets will present important issues throughout the case. Any mistakes in the valuation and characterization of these assets could cost you part of your fair share of the marital estate. In Fairfax, the MacDowell Law Group, P.C., has the legal skill set necessary to protect your property division rights. We will work hard to...

OK, so you don’t have a Warhol. But you do have a collection of original art and antiques that are worth a considerable amount of money. Given that the worth of these pieces often depends on the current market and the uncertainty of an auction, how can you equitably divide the value of your collection in a divorce? And what if one of you wants to keep a piece? It is a complicated process that...

While issues of child support are frequently resolved under state guidelines, custody and visitation issues can present major problems for parents who are separating from each other, especially when there is a history of substance abuse, mental illness or domestic violence. Even in less troubled situations, the complex emotional dynamic of parent-child relationships and conflicts between parents can make the resolution of custody and visitation issues more difficult. At MacDowell Law Group, P.C., our attorneys work...

For all but the most affluent Virginia families, divorce means financial strain. After all, you are dividing a single household into two households, each with separate expenses but without any corresponding increase in income. However, a solid understanding of the tax consequences of your divorce settlement can relieve some of this financial strain and even improve your bargaining position. At MacDowell Law Group, P.C., our divorce attorneys can ensure that all tax aspects are identified and...

Virginia is home to many men and women in the armed services and their families. Like any divorce, there are a number of issues that must be addressed. However, past or present military service can present unique challenges in regard to child custody and visitation, and the division of pensions. Issues such as deployment out of state or overseas, military benefits and federal law all need to be considered when dissolving a military marriage. At MacDowell...

You have been blamed, manipulated, and bullied, and you’ve decided it’s finally time to break free from the narcissist in your life. However, that may seem easier said than done due to the volatile pushback you know you’ll receive when you file for divorce. Is there a way you can start a new life without causing further emotional trauma to yourself or your children? If you are married to a true narcissist, this might prove...

Dividing retirement assets in a divorce can be a complex and sometimes emotional process. This is especially true when dividing military pensions and other pension accounts. There are very specific requirements about when a former spouse can access pension funds and the percentage that he or she is entitled to receive. It is important that you hire a pension division lawyer who understands these processes and who can protect your interests. At MacDowell Law Group, P.C.,...

When affluent couples divorce, the problem of property division can be highly complicated. That is why it is critical to work with an attorney who understands the unique issues that arise in these types of cases. At MacDowell Law Group, P.C., our divorce attorneys have the experience and sophistication necessary to understand the nature and extent of your marital estate. We can help you benefit from clear guidance on difficult problems concerning asset characterization, property valuation, tax...

Contemplating a divorce is never an easy task, but when the spouse is an alcoholic, circumstances become even more complicated. Due to Virginia’s no-fault divorce laws, there’s no requirement to prove the other person’s alcoholism in order to file. But if alcohol misuse negatively impacted your marriage, and you have evidence for it, this information may influence a judge’s decision regarding aspects such as finances, child custody, and no-contact orders. Here are four key factors...