As an experienced DC divorce lawyer, many people ask me whether I can represent both parties in a divorce.
The answer is…
Attorney At Law
By Carolyn Goodman
The answer is…
By Carolyn Goodman
…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.
By Carolyn Goodman
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.
By Carolyn Goodman
A common concern people have when contacting me is whether or not they will receive alimony, also referred to as spousal support.
By Carolyn Goodman
The answer is Yes.
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.
By Carolyn Goodman
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.
By Carolyn Goodman
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.
By Carolyn Goodman
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.
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.
By Carolyn Goodman
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.
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.