Carolyn Goodman

Attorney At Law

Developing a Parenting Plan for Child Custody in DC

By Carolyn Goodman

Navigating Child Custody in a DC Divorce

When you are thinking about separating from your spouse or have already separated and you have children, your main concern is usually how to best navigate the situation with the least impact on the children.

What is a Parenting Plan?

A Parenting Plan is a written Agreement that spells out the time-sharing schedule for your children; how decisions will be made about issues affecting the children; how disputes between parents will be resolved; and defines the responsibilities of each parent as you move forward to co-parent your children.

Negotiating a custody and parenting plan so that you and your spouse can co-parent your children in an amicable way is best for the children.

Remember that the needs of you and your spouse may take a backseat to the needs of your children.

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Tips from a DC Divorce Attorney: Negotiating a Separation Agreement with Your Spouse

By Carolyn Goodman

Finding the Right DC Divorce Attorney to Help You Negotiate Your Divorce or Separation Out of Court

If you are thinking about separating or have already done so, reaching a negotiated DC divorce settlement is usually a better approach than seeking the court’s assistance to decide on a resolution of the issues. You maintain control over the outcome, and you and your spouse can each have a say in what you want in a settlement.

Negotiating a settlement agreement is less expensive and usually shorter than the court process.

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How Postnuptial Agreements Work in DC

By Carolyn Goodman

Understanding What a DC Postnuptial Agreement Means for You

There are many reasons why you might want to consider a DC Postnuptial Agreement. It is best to consult with a DC Family Law Attorney to assist you in determining whether it makes sense for you. A Postnuptial Agreement in DC is similar to a Prenuptial Agreement, except that it is signed after you are married and is effective immediately upon signing. It can be signed immediately after you marry or years later. It is an Agreement designed to resolve financial issues that may arise during your marriage.

What is Covered in a Postnuptial Agreement in DC?

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Splitting Up Property in a DC Divorce: What You Need to Know

By Carolyn Goodman

How is Property Divided During a DC Divorce?

It is important to seek the advice of a DC Divorce Attorney to assist you in reaching a fair settlement when dividing property due to divorce.

The term “equitable division” is used in DC to describe the process of how your property will be divided when you separate or divorce. This does not necessarily result in an equal division.  This means that the division of your property and your debt should be fair to both of you. There is no set formula for reaching a fair division of assets and debts.

Key Factors in Dividing Property in a DC Divorce

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Do I Need a Separation Agreement in DC?

By Carolyn Goodman

Reasons Why You Should Have a Separation Agreement in DC

If you are thinking about separating from your spouse, it is a good idea to contact a Washington, DC Divorce lawyer to discuss whether a Separation Agreement (also called Separation and Property Settlement Agreement or Marital Settlement Agreement) is right for your situation.

Whether your situation is complicated and there is very little agreement on the issues or it seems simple, a Separation Agreement may still be a good option for you.  It can provide protection for so your financial assets and can establish a parenting plan for your children. A consultation with a DC Divorce lawyer will assist you in deciding if a written agreement between you and your spouse would be helpful in your situation.

What is a Separation Agreement?

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Wedding Boom Causes an Increase in DC Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

By Carolyn Goodman

I was recently featured in the Washington Post regarding the wedding boom in Washington, DC, and the need for more prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

…To keep up, wedding singers are booking three ceremonies a day. Venues are scheduling receptions every day of the week, including Mondays. And attorneys are working overtime to hammer out prenuptial agreements.

“I’m getting calls saying, ‘I’m getting married in 2 weeks, how soon can we get this done?’ ” said Carolyn Goodman, a lawyer in Washington, D.C., who is seeing brisk demand for pre- and postnuptial agreements. “After two years of uncertainty, people want to have some control over their lives.”

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DC Divorce Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions

By Carolyn Goodman

DC Divorce lawyer Carolyn Goodman answers questions about separation and how marital property is divided in divorce.Photo of research books that a DC Divorce Attorney might use

How long do I have to be separated to work on a Separation Agreement or Marital Settlement Agreement?

There is no requirement to be separated for a specific period of time to work on a Marital Settlement Agreement. You can start work on settling the issues resulting from your marriage as soon as you separate (even if under the same roof).

How long do I have to be separated to file for a divorce?

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Uncontested Divorce in DC: How Is Property Divided?

By Carolyn Goodman

What is an Uncontested Divorce in DC?

Photo of homes in DC - Uncontested Divorce DC How is Property Divided

Understanding what an Uncontested Divorce actually is will help you as you move forward.

It is best for both you and your spouse to reach a settlement if possible and file for a simple Uncontested Divorce in Washington, DC. Be aware that even though you and your spouse may have kept all of your finances separate, such as your bank accounts, retirement accounts, and credit card accounts, the balances may still be considered marital property and/or marital debt. This can be confusing. It is a common assumption that if everything you have is separately titled and you have no joint accounts that you each leave your marriage with what is in your sole name.

The law looks at property differently.

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Child Custody and Parenting Plans in DC Separation and Divorce

By Carolyn Goodman

How do You Decide Custody & Parenting Plans in DC?

Photo of Child Custody and Parenting Plans in DC Separation and Divorce

When you decide to separate, and there are children involved, it is best to have an agreement for a temporary schedule for custody and parenting plans in DC. It is best to have a plan in place before each parent has a separate residence so you each know when you will see your children and when you are solely responsible for their care. This is in everyone’s best interest, especially for your children to know where they will be each day. This is important even for very young children.

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Understanding DC Legal Separation and Divorce

By Carolyn Goodman

Getting a Divorce or Separation in DC: Should I File in DC Court or Settle Out of Court?

I am asked often by potential clients whether they should file in the court immediately rather than try to settle separation and divorce issues out of court. In other words:

TO FILE OR NOT TO FILE IN DC: THAT IS THE QUESTION!

It is always best if you can reach a settlement related to the issues arising out of your marriage. Filing a court case before you have attempted to settle the issues out of court is more expensive, time-consuming, and a more emotionally difficult path to reaching a resolution.

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Questions And Answers

Your current situation has probably generated many questions. Here are some short answers to questions you may have about Divorce, Separation Agreements, Property Division, Child Custody and more.

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