Carolyn Goodman

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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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Filed Under: Divorce, Divorce Lawyer, Separation Agreement

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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Filed Under: Divorce, Separation, Separation Agreement

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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Filed Under: Divorce and Division of Property, Divorce Lawyer, Separation Agreement, Uncontested Divorce

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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Filed Under: Divorce, Divorce Lawyer, Separation Agreement

What is the Difference Between An Uncontested And A Contested Divorce?

By Carolyn Goodman

It is important to understand the difference between a Contested Divorce and an Uncontested Divorce in DC.

An Uncontested Divorce is one in which all issues arising out of your marriage have been settled and there are no outstanding areas of disagreement between you and your spouse.

A Contested Divorce is one in which you are unable to reach an agreement as to all issues either on your own or with the assistance of a family law or divorce lawyer.

What are the benefits of an Uncontested Divorce in DC?

An Uncontested Divorce in the District of Columbia moves through the court system in a much quicker fashion than a Contested Divorce. It is also much less costly for both you and your spouse.

To file for an Uncontested Divorce in DC, all issues between you and your spouse must be resolved, which covers issues related to any property you have, including:

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Filed Under: Divorce, Separation Agreement, Uncontested Divorce

Who Gets the Dog in a DC Divorce?

By Carolyn Goodman

Often pets become an issue when you separate or divorce in DC.

Dog Custody Cartoon

We all love our pets, and we consider them part of our family. This can be a difficult issue when you separate from your spouse.

  • Who will get to keep the dog?
  • Who will be responsible for daily walks, feeding, vet bills, making health decisions, etc.?
  • Will I be able to see my dog if my spouse has the family dog?

Determining Pet Custody in a Separation or Divorce: DC Separation and Property Settlement Agreements

These are all important questions and can become a source of additional stress when you separate. A Separation Agreement, also known as a Marital Settlement Agreement, can include financial terms and other agreements related to the care of a pet after separation and divorce and whether or not the person who is not caring for the family pet on a daily basis still has visitation rights. You may want to consider who will be responsible for making health care decisions for your dog and whether the vet bills and dog-walking or boarding costs will be shared.

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

Uncontested Divorce in DC

By Carolyn Goodman

I am contacted often and asked how to file for an Uncontested Divorce in DC.

It is important to first decide whether your DC divorce is truly uncontested.

Even though you and your spouse may be friendly and everything is amicable, if you have any assets that accumulated during your marriage, even if you have kept most or all of your finances separately titled, you may still need to have a Separation and Property Settlement Agreement (Marital Settlement Agreement) to be sure you are protected in the future.

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Filed Under: Divorce, Divorce Lawyer, Separation Agreement, Uncontested Divorce

Filing for An Uncontested Divorce in DC

By Carolyn Goodman

What is an Uncontested Divorce in DC?

An Uncontested Divorce is one in which you and your spouse have resolved all issues in your marriage, for example, a division of your property, child support and custody or a parenting plan, division of retirement plans, etc. If you have worked out the various issues, it is important to have a written Agreement drafted that indicates how everything will be settled.  All potential issues, such as property ownership, debt division, tax issues, child support, and custody, etc. are then resolved prior to filing for divorce.

If you do not have a written Agreement, you may not be able to proceed with a simple uncontested divorce in DC.

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Filed Under: Divorce, Separation Agreement, Uncontested Divorce

DC Divorce and DC Prenuptial Agreements

By Carolyn Goodman

Enjoy listening to a recent SiriusXM radio interview in which I speak about a variety of family law issues such as DC Divorce and DC Prenuptial Agreements.

I touch on topics such as DC Uncontested Divorce, DC Contested Divorce, DC Prenuptial Agreements, and an assortment of other issues, including information about documents to have in place before you marry.

There is also a discussion about negotiating settlements rather than spending a great deal of family funds on going to court where you may lose control of the outcome of your situation.

There is also a discussion about having a Prenuptial Agreement in place so you can work out how you will deal with your family finances once you are married. In addition, the interviewer suggested that it is best to speak with a family lawyer/divorce attorney so you know what your rights are and what documents you should have.

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Filed Under: Divorce, Divorce Lawyer, Prenuptial Agreement, Separation, Separation Agreement, Uncontested Divorce

Divorce and Separation Agreements

By Carolyn Goodman

The Purpose of a Separation Agreement in DC

When you and your spouse make the decision to separate and/or divorce in DC, if you have children, their welfare is one of your major concerns.

If you choose to resolve things amicably, hopefully, this will lead to a negotiated DC Separation Agreement. You can tailor specific provisions in your Agreement to determine custody and separate access schedules so that both you and your spouse will have regular access/visitation time with your children.

Moving forward and getting beyond the difficulties and resentments between you and your spouse so you can focus on the best interests of your children can be very emotionally challenging.

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Filed Under: Custody, Divorce, Separation, Separation Agreement

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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

  • Ten Things to Include in Your Prenuptial Agreement
  • 4 Things You Need to Know About Joint Custody in Washington, DC
  • DC Divorce-What You Need to Know About Dividing Property
  • What You Need to Know About DC Prenuptial Agreements

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