Advocating For You Throughout Divorce
The divorce process consists of several parts that can be strategically planned to work together to give you a divorce agreement that is the best possible given the situation. At Schmergel Family Law, PLC, we help each of our divorce clients through an emotionally difficult process while targeting a successful outcome.
Finding An Option That Works For You
Many divorces are no-fault in the state of Virginia, which requires one year of separation before finalization of the divorce, or as little as six months if there are no children. An at-fault divorce option may be for you if your spouse committed adultery or:
- Has been convicted of a felony
- Is guilty of cruelty
- You fear for your safety (such as domestic violence)
- Abandoned your home or the marriage
If there are grounds for divorce based on the actions of your spouse, it could make a positive impact on any alimony or property division negotiations, or the outcome of the case in court. While there is no waiting period for an at-fault divorce, the fault needs proof to be valid.
The Value Of Experience In Alimony And Spousal Support
Handling the divorce process requires seasoned judgment. At Schmergel Family Law, PLC, our 20-plus years of experience can help with the fairness and durability of alimony.
Due to our extensive experience, we understand how local courts interpret grounds for divorce. We know how to navigate financial affidavits and lifestyle standards. This deep familiarity allows us to de-escalate conflict early. This protects you and your children from unnecessary hostility. We always put your family’s best interests first, yet we will litigate when necessary to secure a successful outcome.
These are some of the key ways experience transforms spousal support negotiations:
- Predicting judicial tendencies with precision: We know which local judges favor rehabilitative alimony versus long-term permanent support. This allows us to tailor every argument and document to your specific judge’s past rulings. As a result, it reduces surprises and lowers emotional tension.
- Defusing financial disputes before they escalate: Our professional presentation of income statements, expense affidavits, tax implications and lifestyle analyses can help reduce accusations of hiding assets or inflating needs. Such arguments often derail the divorce process into costly, bitter litigation.
- Identifying hidden grounds for divorce that strengthen your claim: Whether fault-based or no-fault, we leverage specific factual patterns like waste of assets, infidelity impacting finances or long-term dependency to build a compelling case for fair alimony without unnecessary courtroom battles.
- Litigating surgically and only when required: When a spouse refuses reasonable spousal support arrangements, we move swiftly to court. Using local precedents and our two decades of relationships with court staff, we can win without dragging out the divorce process for months on end.
- Protecting child-centric stability above all else: We make sure alimony calculations never overshadow your children’s housing stability, school continuity, extracurricular access or emotional well-being. This is because your kids’ best interests remain our priority in every negotiation.
After applying these strategies, families consistently report less conflict and more sustainable spousal support arrangements. Because we have spent two decades inside these courtrooms, we can anticipate opposing counsel’s moves and neutralize bad-faith tactics early.
At Schmergel Family Law, PLC, our experience is more than a figure; it is the difference between a drawn-out battle and a successful outcome that lets you rebuild.
Addressing Asset Division Concerns
Our skill in complex high-asset divorces gives Schmergel Family Law, PLC an edge in comprehensive asset division negotiations and litigation. We analyze clients’ portfolios of assets and property to determine an equitable division strategy that meets your goals.
Establishing Child Custody And Visitation
Our firm acts as your advocate in matters of child custody and visitation arrangements. Whether you desire joint or sole custody of your children, we strive for a fair agreement that will be best for you and your children.
Securing Child And Spousal Support
Though governed by a formula established by the state, we regularly pursue modification of child support payment amounts through the court. We have over 20 years of experience establishing the need for alimony/spousal support arrangements for many of our clients, as well.
Contact Schmergel Family Law, PLC Today
If you are planning on a divorce or just considering it, give us a call to talk about your options. Reach us at 703-763-2645 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.