Carolyn Goodman is a Washington, DC divorce lawyer who focuses on negotiated settlements in an attempt to resolve the issues that arise when the marital relationship breaks down.
Ending a marriage is traumatic, and the process can be very overwhelming. Each case is unique and requires an experienced attorney who can provide a creative and skilled approach to the law.
It is vital that when going through this process you are represented by a DC divorce lawyer who has the necessary experience in all areas of family law.
These areas include: actions for divorce, child custody and support, division of marital property, negotiation and preparation of separation and property settlement agreements and issues involving visitation, to provide skilled, caring and innovative solutions to the issues involved in your situation.
Carolyn Goodman is an attorney who provides the supportive, creative, and vigorous representation that is needed through her experience as a Washington, DC family lawyer and divorce attorney.
She gives her clients the personal attention they deserve and should expect from a Washington, DC divorce attorney.
DC Divorce Law
A divorce is a way to legally terminate the marriage relationship. This can be accomplished through an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce:
- In an uncontested divorce, either there are no issues to be resolved or all issues have been resolved between the parties through a Separation and Property Settlement Agreement also referred to as a Marital Settlement Agreement.
- In a contested divorce, issues such as custody, child support, visitation, division of marital property, retirement, etc. have not been resolved and the parties must seek the court’s help to decide these issues.
You may file for a divorce in Washington, DC if either you or your spouse has been a resident of DC for six months before the date you file the divorce papers with the court and you or your spouse consider DC to be your permanent place of residence. Only one of you must meet this residency requirement.
If you are seeking a same-sex divorce, the process is the same.
- There is no waiting period required to file for divorce in the District of Columbia. However, you must still meet the residency requirement.
As part of a DC divorce, the property of a marriage must be divided. Because the division of property is never predictable, it is best to have an attorney attempt to negotiate and settle the property distribution with your spouse’s DC divorce lawyer. This gives you more control over the outcome of your divorce.
Being represented by an experienced & supportive DC divorce lawyer who will guide you through the divorce process and provide personalized recommendations for your situation is essential. It is also best to first attempt to resolve the issues involved before seeking the assistance of a Judge to determine a resolution for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About DC Divorce
Can I file For Divorce in DC if I was married someplace else?
Where you were married does not matter when filing for divorce in DC. To file for divorce in DC either you or your spouse must have been a DC resident for a continuous period of six months prior to filing.
If we did not have joint accounts during our marriage is the money in our separate accounts divided in a DC divorce?
Yes…. funds acquired during your marriage, such as salary, bonuses, and retirement funds are considered marital property. DC divides marital property equitably based on many factors unless you have a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement or a Separation Agreement or Marital Settlement Agreement that divides your property differently.