Carolyn Goodman

Attorney At Law

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Can You Use the Same DC Divorce Lawyer?

By Carolyn Goodman

As an experienced DC divorce lawyer, many people ask me whether I can represent both parties in a divorce.

The answer is…

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Filed Under: Divorce, Separation Agreement

The Impact of Divorce In DC: Sale of Marital Homes Interview

By Carolyn Goodman

I was interviewed by the Washington Times regarding the sale of a marital home during a divorce in DC.

…Carolyn Goodman, a Dupont Circle attorney who specializes in divorce and family law, said drawing up a separation agreement is recommended so the couples know who is responsible for what, especially in the case where one spouse remains in the home until it is sold.

“One of the issues in a depressed market is that the house can sit on the market for quite a while,” Ms. Goodman said, adding that expenses to maintain the home can add up quickly.

She said the person in the home often is the one responsible for the repairs and upkeep. A separation agreement helps outline those responsibilities.

“I recommend a separation agreement to work out what’s going to happen and how you are going to divide a possible loss. It’s really important to have that information when it’s time to go to closing,” she said.

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Filed Under: Divorce

Same-Sex Divorce in DC

By Carolyn Goodman

How does a same-sex divorce in DC work if you no longer live in DC?

I have received numerous calls from people who were married in DC and are in a same-sex marriage, but, neither party currently lives in DC.

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Filed Under: Divorce, Same-Sex Divorce

Spousal Support in a Washington, DC Divorce

By Carolyn Goodman

Can I get spousal support in DC?

A common concern people have when contacting me is whether or not they will receive alimony, also referred to as spousal support.

How long does spousal support last?

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Filed Under: Divorce, Divorce and Alimony

Can I Get a Divorce in DC if I Wasn’t Married there?

By Carolyn Goodman

People often ask me if they can file for divorce in DC if they were married in a different state.

The answer is Yes.

Residency requirements for a DC divorce:

You can file for divorce in DC as long as you have been OR your husband or wife has been a resident of DC for at least six months continuously prior to filing. Only one of you needs to be a resident of DC in order to file.

In addition, you must have been living separate and apart continuously for at least six months if you both agree to the divorce. Otherwise, you have to wait to file until you have been separated for one year.

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Filed Under: Divorce, Separation

What You Need for an Uncontested Divorce

By Carolyn Goodman

What is an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce is one in which both you and your spouse agree to the divorce and there are no issues in dispute.

Does it matter if you or your spouse files for the divorce? The answer is no.

Either one of you may file, however, the person who files (the plaintiff) will have to attend a short hearing.

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Filed Under: Divorce, Separation Agreement, Uncontested Divorce

Return to Maiden or Previous Name After DC Divorce

By Carolyn Goodman

How to Legally Change Your Name in a Washington, DC Divorce

Many women wish to return to their maiden/birth-given names during the divorce process.

In District of Columbia divorce proceedings, it is very simple to complete the name change process. You must simply request a return to your maiden name or birth-given name in the DC divorce papers.

Do You Need an Attorney to Help Change Your Name in a DC Divorce?

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Filed Under: Divorce

What Happens to Inheritance in Divorce? Ask a DC Divorce Lawyer

By Carolyn Goodman

Finding the Right DC Divorce Lawyer to Help Protect Your Inherited Property or Gifts

A common concern among people separating is what will happen to money or property they inherited or were given before they were married or during the time they were married.

Separate vs. Marital Property

If are thinking about a divorce or separation in Washington, DC, it’s important to understand the difference between separate and marital property.

Speak with a DC divorce lawyer to explain your options so you can make an educated decision about what qualifies as separate vs. marital property in your situation and how to proceed.

As long as the property or funds remain separate and separately titled during the marriage and are not commingled (mixed) with marital funds or property, the inherited or gifted money or property will remain separate and will not be divided when you separate or divorce.

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Filed Under: Divorce, Divorce and Division of Property, Separation

Does One of Us Need to Move Out to Separate?

By Carolyn Goodman

Learn Your Rights in a DC Separation

It can be difficult financially to maintain two households while you are going through a separation.

I am often asked whether you can separate in DC under the same roof and still be considered separated for the purpose of filing for divorce.

The answer is yes – if you truly live separate and apart.

You must be living completely separate lives. This means that you do not share meals or a bedroom. It also means that you are each cooking for yourselves, doing your own laundry and not going out together to social events.

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Filed Under: Divorce, Separation

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Practice Areas

  • Child Support And Custody Law
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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.

Recent Blog Posts

  • How Do I Get a DC Uncontested Divorce?
  • Washington DC Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements – What To Consider for Stay-At-Home Parents
  • What Happens To Your Business In A Divorce?
  • DC DIVORCE LAW (UPDATED 2024)

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