Henrico County, VA Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Attorney Guiding You Through Difficult Decisions During Your Divorce in Henrico County, Richmond City, and Several Other Nearby Counties

When married couples no longer get along divorce is often the best option. However, even if you agree that a divorce is necessary, it can still be very stressful. The divorce process is not as simple as having a Judge sign a divorce decree immediately. It is a complex process that requires you to make multiple decisions. Choices made under severe stress are not always wise choices. You need a lawyer you can trust to provide effective legal counsel, helping you make these tough choices confidently.

For over 45 years, Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, has helped Virginians address and resolve legal matters affecting their families. From our Richmond office, we work with clients throughout the local area, including the City of Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, New Kent, Powhatan, Hanover, and Goochland County. Our focus on family law means we understand the applicable laws, how to protect your best interests, and how to tailor solutions to fit your unique situation. Your attorney will handle your case personally and be available to answer your questions while giving you the guidance and support you need.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Virginia Divorce

In Virginia you can proceed with a no-fault or at-fault divorce. In a no-fault divorce there will be no need to prove that either party was responsible for the end of your marriage. While a divorce petition may cite fault-based grounds for divorce such as adultery, no-fault divorce is often the preferred option. A no-fault divorce can help minimize conflict by avoiding arguments about who was to blame for the divorce.

A no-fault divorce might be contested or uncontested. You and your soon-to-be ex may agree on some things, but you may disagree on others. You may choose to negotiate through your respective attorneys using a mediation process or a collaborative law process. You may choose to work with a mediator and have your attorney with you during negotiations. Your divorce may involve a high degree of conflict that only litigation can resolve. The approach you take has to be customized to fit your situation, and Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, excels at tailoring legal representation to fit your circumstances.

You Have Several Decisions to Make With Your Virginia Divorce

As a couple you have probably accumulated assets and debts. You may have minor children together. There may be prenuptial or postnuptial agreements to consider. When you go your separate ways, you have to decide how to handle most aspects of your life, including:

• Child custody, parenting plans, and visitation
• Spousal support
• Child support, healthcare costs, and educational expenses
• Property division, including business interests and retirement accounts

Equitable distribution or the division of property is the law in Virginia. Property division includes the division of assets and debts, division of all business interests, division of all funds and accounts, division of retirement accounts, and division of other personal property.

Equitable distribution does not always divide everything in equal portions. Instead, it gives each spouse an equitable and fair share of marital property based on various factors. Assets can be classified as marital, separate, or a mixture of marital and separate called hybrid property. For example, inherited assets may fall into the separate category if they have been adequately protected.

Special considerations may arise in divorce with high incomes or large assets and complex business interests. You will need an accurate determination of the category into which an asset falls, as well as a value for each asset. You may need to utilize different experts to provide the valuations you need for different assets. Any complex financial concerns need to the addressed carefully.

Reasons to Consider Mediation or the Collaborative Process in Virginia

If you believe you and your spouse may be able to agree to most of the terms, a mediated divorce or collaborative divorce can be beneficial for several reasons. These alternative dispute resolution methods can be less expensive and faster than other options. You will retain more control over the outcome instead of placing your future in the hands of a Judge.

If you have children, your relationship with your spouse will not end when the divorce decree is finalized. Working together to make decisions about how you will co-parent your children can make future interactions less combative. In addition, a mediated divorce or collaborative divorce can make the process easier for your children by preventing them from being exposed to conflict.

Call Our Divorce Attorney Serving the Surrounding Region, Including Richmond City and Henrico, Chesterfield, Powhatan, New Kent, Goochland, and Hanover Counties

No matter how complex your divorce may be, Carol A. N. Breit, Attorney at Law, can help you handle your legal concerns effectively. Our extensive experience coupled with a dedication to protecting your best interests means you can trust us to provide the legal representation you need. Call 804-282-9226 or contact us online for more information.