Carolyn Goodman

Attorney At Law

Do I Need a Lawyer For A Separation Agreement?

By Carolyn Goodman

Is an attorney really necessary for a DC Separation Agreement?

Sometimes people call and tell me that they have been thinking about using an online service to prepare their DC Separation Agreement, and they want advice as to whether or not an attorney is really necessary.

Usually, people think about this option because they are hoping to save money.

While there is no legal requirement that you have a lawyer, it is important to consider that when you sign an Agreement you are legally binding yourself to the terms.

What should be included in a Separation Agreement in DC?

It is extremely important to understand the issues that should be included in a Separation Agreement and to understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

It is very difficult to use a generic Agreement without understanding all the issues that must be resolved when you end your marriage.

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What is the Difference Between a Divorce and an Annulment in DC?

By Carolyn Goodman

Primary Differences Between DC Divorce vs. Annulment

I receive calls from people asking if they can get an Annulment, often because they have not been married very long. They want to know what’s the difference between annulment and divorce.

Annulments in DC are very uncommon. A marriage Annulment is a ruling from the court that your marriage was not valid.

  • It is as if the marriage never took place, this is different from a Divorce in DC which ends your marriage, but your marriage is still considered valid.
  • To seek a marriage Annulment in DC, there is no residency requirement if your marriage was performed in DC.
  • This means that you can file for an Annulment if your marriage was performed in DC but you do not live in DC. You can also file in DC if one of you lives here but were married outside DC.

What You Need to Know About Filing For Divorce in DC

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Why is it Important to Have a Separation Agreement Attorney?

By Carolyn Goodman

How a DC Separation Agreement Attorney Can Help You

I receive many calls from potential clients who tell me they are ready to file for an Uncontested Divorce.

When I ask some basic questions regarding property and retirement accounts, sometimes it becomes clear that it would be best to prepare a Separation Agreement so that all potential issues, such as property ownership, debt division, tax issues, child support, custody, etc. are resolved before you file for divorce.

It is also a very good idea to have a Separation Agreement and a qualified Separation Agreement Attorney in DC, even if you are separating and are unsure if you will file for divorce. You need to be protected so that you are not arguing over every issue that may arise. An Agreement will resolve the issues so you can move on with your life without constant disagreements.

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How Do I File For Divorce in DC?

By Carolyn Goodman

Filing for divorce in DC is not a difficult process

However, before you can file for divorce in DC, you must be sure that all of the issues between you and your spouse are settled. Otherwise, you will have to file for divorce and go through the process as if the divorce is contested. This process is longer and more expensive than filing for an Uncontested Divorce in DC.

Once you have settled all the outstanding issues with your spouse through a Separation Agreement, such as:

  • division of your marital property
  • custody of your children
  • child support
  • division of retirement benefits
  • division of debts, etc.

There is one other requirement that must be met before you can file for divorce in DC.

You must meet the residency requirement. This means that one of you must have been a continuous resident of DC for six months before you file for divorce.

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Do I Need A DC Separation Agreement?

By Carolyn Goodman

You are not required to have a DC Separation Agreement. However, it is a good idea to have one if you have any issues that remain unresolved with your spouse.

What is a Separation Agreement?

A DC Separation Agreement sometimes called a Property Settlement Agreement or Marital Settlement Agreement is a written contract that protects you and helps make sure that your spouse lives up to his or her obligations that are outlined in the agreement.

An agreement will clearly spell out the benefits you are entitled to and the obligations you have.

What are the benefits of having a DC Separation Agreement?

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Ask a DC Divorce Lawyer: What Happens to the House in a Divorce?

By Carolyn Goodman

As a DC divorce lawyer, a common question people ask me during a divorce or separation is, “What will happen to my home?”

This can be a very emotional issue. The home may be associated with both pleasant memories and sad memories. There are several options to consider when it comes to the ownership of your Washington, DC home during divorce or separation, and it is very important to discuss the various possibilities with your DC divorce lawyer.

There is equity in your home as well as debt. Home equity is the difference between the market value of your home (what you could sell it for) and the amount you owe on your home (your mortgage, line of credit, home equity loan, etc.).

How an experienced DC divorce lawyer can help:

It is very important you know the options available to you. A qualified divorce lawyer will walk you through the options you should consider, such as: 

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What Information Is Helpful To Your DC Divorce Attorney?

By Carolyn Goodman

Preparing for Your Consultation: What Your DC Divorce Attorney Needs to Know

Your DC divorce attorney will need basic biographical information from you along with financial information.

It is important to gather as much financial information as possible including a list of all assets (i.e. property you own, bank accounts, stocks, retirement accounts, etc.) and all debts (i.e. credit cards, mortgages, bank loans, etc.).

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Taxes & Custody in DC: What You Need to Know

By Carolyn Goodman

How Does Custody in DC Impact the Dependency Exemption for Your Children?

It is common, particularly around tax time, to wonder who is entitled to claim the dependency exemption for your children on your income tax return.

Usually, your DC Separation Agreement or divorce decree will specify which parent is allowed to claim the deduction.

Sometimes a Separation Agreement may say that only one parent is able to claim it. Some people agree to alternate years. You can also agree to change your DC custody agreement depending on who gets the most benefit from the deduction.

But, you both must agree to change custody in DC.

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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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