Considering A Divorce In Virginia? Use Our Checklist
Dealing with the breakup of your marriage and going through a divorce in Virginia can be a confusing and chaotic time in your life. With so many different issues to address, it is easy to lose track of important details. Unfortunately, this can have a major impact on your case. Getting organized should be one of your first steps. Our divorce attorney offers this checklist, which helps in not only being better prepared but in getting the best possible settlement.
The First Item On Your Checklist: Gathering Important Documents
Prior to making any major decisions, agreeing to any settlement, or filing a divorce petition through the Virginia Court, your very first step should be to consult an experienced Virginia divorce attorney. We can review your case, advise you on the laws that apply, and the information you will need throughout the process.
After getting legal guidance, you can begin addressing items on your divorce checklist. The first major task involves gathering all the documents you will need. This includes:
- Passports, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, and other personal identification for you and your spouse;
- Birth certificates for children from the marriage;
- Your marriage certificate;
- Paystubs and other proof of income for both you and your spouse;
- Recent statements from bank accounts, investments, and retirement plans;
- The balance owed on credit cards and loans;
- Prior year tax returns;
- Titles to homes, cars, or other property.
Important Steps In The Virginia Divorce Process
Once you have all the basic documents assembled, you can begin other tasks on your checklist. These include:
- Write a brief statement explaining what happened during your marriage and what prompted you to want a divorce;
- Document any marital misconduct on the part of your spouse, as this could impact your rights in a settlement;
- Do a written inventory of all property and assets accumulated during the course of your marriage, which you are entitled to a fair share of under the Virginia Code;
- Consider parenting plans for minor children or whether you would be seeking sole custody;
- Consider where you will live post-divorce, whether you wish to remain in the family home, and what financial support you may require from your spouse to provide for yourself and your children.
Contact Our Divorce Attorney And Request A Consultation Today
Following a divorce checklist can help you stay organized during what can be a chaotic and confusing time. It also provides the information needed to help you get through divorce proceedings, obtain a final divorce order in the most efficient manner possible, and ensure the maximum settlement.
As one of your first steps, give us a call or contact us online and request a consultation with our Virginia divorce attorney. At Schwartz Kalina, PLLC, we have decades of combined experience protecting the rights of clients. You can count on us to provide trusted legal guidance and caring support through what can be a difficult process. Reach out and contact our office today.
Sources:
vacourts.gov/courts/jdr/loudoun/home.html
law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter6/
