McLean Family Law Attorneys

Compassionate Family Lawyers for Clients in McLean, Virginia

Family law cases often involve sensitive issues that few people are willing to discuss outside of closed doors, let alone in front of a judge. If you are going through a family law dispute, you deserve compassionate legal representation to get you through your case. A McLean family lawyer can help you address these sensitive issues, drawing on a wealth of legal knowledge and experience to support you in court.

At Salvado Law Offices, we are here to provide you with aggressive advocacy and qualified legal advice for a variety of family law issues. When you work with our firm, we will treat your case with the proper care and respect that it deserves.

How Will My Assets Be Divided in My Divorce?

There are different ways to divide up your property in a divorce. Many couples opt to settle property division outside of court, sometimes with the assistance of a neutral third party known as a mediator. If you and your spouse are on speaking terms, reaching a property settlement without the court's involvement can be less costly and more efficient. However, this may not be a viable option for every divorcing couple.

If negotiations for a settlement fall through, you and your spouse could turn to litigation as a last resort. When you go to court, the judge will make a distinction between your marital property and separate property. Assets acquired during your marriage are usually considered marital property, while assets acquired before your marriage will be considered separate property. Exceptions to this rule may be made for gifts given during the marriage that are made out to only one party, which are considered separate property.

In court, the judge will divide your marital property in an equitable fashion. This may account for the duration of the marriage, your and your spouse's earning capacity, and all contributions to the marriage whether monetary or otherwise.

How Is Child Custody Handled in Virginia?

In a divorce or legal separation involving shared children, you and your co-parent will be responsible for dividing up physical and legal custody. You must decide on the child's living arrangements as well as who will get to make important decisions on the child's behalf.

In Virginia, the judges put the child's best interests before any other considerations in custody cases. This means that your proposed child custody arrangement must respect the child's well-being and happiness. At Salvado Law Offices, we can help you negotiate for an appropriate custody agreement while also advocating for your parental rights.

Should I Sign a Prenuptial Agreement With My Spouse?

Prenuptial agreements are sometimes viewed as a precursor to divorce, but this is not necessarily the case. By signing a prenuptial agreement (often called "prenups") with your spouse, you can clear up how your divorce will be handled if it ever comes to pass. Many couples sign prenups without ever going through with divorce, but it can still provide you and your spouse with peace of mind in the long term.

A prenuptial agreement can outline terms for key issues like alimony and the division of property and debts. However, keep in mind that a prenuptial agreement cannot address issues related to your children, like child support or custody. At Salvado Law Offices, our attorneys can help you draft a sound prenup that protects your best interests.

Meet With a McLean, VA Family Lawyer Today

Do you need legal assistance with an issue within your household? At Salvado Law Offices, our McLean family law attorneys are ready to provide you with legal advice and advocacy for your needs. Call our offices at 703-379-9446 or reach out to us online to set up a consultation today.