Name: Douglas & Boykin PLLC
Telephone: (202) 776-0370

Divorce

How is Property Divided in Divorce?
- Firm Name: Douglas & Boykin PLLC
  
  Duration: 01:42
  
  Date: 2020-03-05
  
  Generally, spouses are allowed to keep their separate property, which are assets they owned before the marriage as well as gifts or inheritance they received before, during, or after the marriage. Property acquired during the marriage — such as income, savings, retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, cars, homes, and furnishings — is considered shared property, and divided between the spouses. If you have questions about property division in your Washington DC,, a Washington divorce lawyer can provide specific guidance.

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How Much Alimony Will I Get in My Divorce?
- Divorcing spouses typically want to know how much alimony, or spousal support, will be awarded when they get a divorce. Most courts decide whether to order alimony payments — and in what amount — based on a formula set by state law. These formulas take a variety of factors into consideration, including:
  - both spouses’ incomes and assets
  - the length of the marriage
  - the age and health of each spouse
  - each spouse’s earning capacity, and
  - whether one spouse will be the primary custodial parent of young children after the divorce.
  In some states, courts can also consider marital misconduct, like adultery, which can reduce or prevent an alimony award. But you don’t have to leave this decision entirely to a judge. Some couples have prenuptial agreements, with pre-determined alimony payments. If the contract is valid and enforceable in your state, a divorce court will base alimony on the terms of your agreement. An experienced Washington DC family law attorney in your area can help you understand the alimony process.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Divorce?
- The total cost of a divorce depends on the complexity of the case and whether the spouses can work together. Attorney rates depend on experience level and the market for legal services in your area. To reduce costs, spouses can try mediation, which is often less expensive. A local Washington DC family law attorney can explain the specific costs for your particular case.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce?
- The divorce process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, depending on your state’s laws and your specific circumstances. Some states have residency, separation or mediation requirements that prolong the process. Divorces with complex estates or challenging custody issues generally take longer than cases with few assets and no children. A local Washington DC divorce attorney can help you understand the likely timeline for your particular case.