While everyone likes to think of marriage as happily ever after, the fact of the matter is that 39% of marriages end in divorce in America. The divorce process is an arduous and emotionally tolling one that creates significant apprehension and disagreement when it comes to determining the distribution of assets and other issues. When a divorce is contested, financial issues and emotional strain can become much greater as the divorce becomes litigated through the courts.Â
To ensure that you can resolve your divorce with as little difficulty as possible, you need an ally by your side. The attorneys at Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC can help you navigate the hardships and plight of a divorce to help make this difficult process as easy as possible on yourself, while protecting your rights to what is yours. Â
Divorces can be split into two different types, contested and uncontested divorces. Uncontested divorces are much easier on the parties involved than contested divorces. They often involve the two parties negotiating out a plan for dividing their assets and marital property with one another, through mediation, through their respective attorneys, or some other reconciliation procedure. Once the issues of dividing assets and any other concerns related to the divorce are agreed upon, both parties sign off on a divorce settlement agreement and avoid litigation.Â
In a contested divorce, either at the outset or amidst negotiations, the parties to the divorce cannot reach a mutual agreement over any variety of issues. Commonly contested issues include:
When agreements cannot be reached between parties on these sorts of issues, and dispute resolution methods like mediation do not work, the divorce will make its way to the local circuit court’s family division. At this point, a judge becomes the authority on deciding the most equitable division of properties and assets, and the most appropriate solutions to other contested issues like child custody. This takes control out of your hands and often results in less favorable divorce settlements when determined by a court. That is why you need a lawyer on your side.
No matter which type of divorce you may find yourself in, it is key in either situation to have a licensed experienced divorce attorney by your side. Beyond being a representative of your interests who knows the law and is familiar with the legal processes behind divorce cases, there are several other benefits of having a professional representation:
Remember that it’s crucial to choose your very own divorce attorney separate from your spouse’s. Never ever use the same attorney as the person you’re divorcing when attempting to settle your divorce, as it is ripe with potential for misconduct and an adversarial outcome for you.
The experienced divorce attorneys at Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, are Virginia’s best at helping soon-to-be divorcees navigate the hurdles of divorce toward a favorable resolution. We will provide the experience and assistance necessary to make your divorce as pain-free and financially inexpensive as possible and obtain a resolution that is most favorable under the set of circumstances. We are ready to be of assistance, so please don’t wait to contact us today.