Divorce can be the end of a stressful relationship. When seeking the term divorce lawyer near me, you should instead look to utilizing a certified Virginia Supreme Court Divorce Mediator. Certified mediators are trained through lengthy Virginia Supreme Court approved programs. No need to appear in court, and adversarial records are not available for the public to see, however, the divorce settlement is filed in court.
Post Divorce-While you should certainly take some time to relax and recover in your new routine, you should also be aware of any ongoing obligations and critical steps you may still need to take. When seeking a divorce, you should have a mediator guide you through the far less stressful process and use their checklist, like the one below.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)-First and foremost, if you and your former spouse entered into a Marital Settlement Agreement or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), reread it carefully. An agreement of this kind is contractual and observed by the courts and will be enforced in a separation, parenting plan or divorce. The agreement should detail your obligations and deadlines. Instead of seeking a “family law attorney near me” a mediator can review the details and keep you on track to finalize your MOA at a significantly less financial burden. It helps to thoroughly know when tasks need to be completed by you and your former spouse.
Finances-It is essential to take the time to reassess your budget. It is likely that you have been sharing income and/or expenses with another individual for some time. In your post-divorce or separation, it is advisable to reconsider your financial approach.
Ensure that any utilities for which you are responsible are registered in your name.
Remove your former spouse as an authorized user from accounts that, according to your agreement, are now solely under your possession. Close any remaining joint credit card accounts. It may also be prudent to run a credit report to confirm that all necessary accounts have been closed.
Maintain a record of all spousal support payments made or received. This documentation could prove useful should there be any future disputes regarding payments.
Ensure that you have your own auto insurance.
If you and your former spouse decided who would claim the child tax exemption(s), one of you may need to fill out IRS Form 8332. This form allows you to release your claim to an exemption, or if you released your claim in the past, you could also revoke your release.
Health Insurance & Contacts-Update your emergency contact with your insurance, employer, childcare, phone, and any other place it is designated. Ensure you are medically insured. Check if you are covered through a former spouse’s health insurance or need to obtain your own. Update any medical directives.
Children-According to Virginia Code §20-124.5, you must give 30 days’ advance written notice to your former spouse and the court of any intent to relocate.
Modification of the parenting plan can be mediated in a couple of appointments. Child custody attorneys will be expensive and involve lengthy court hearings with substantial costs. A mediator helps you to remember to record all child support payments, track your children’s medical expenses, including unreimbursed costs and copays. Decide where your children’s passports, birth certificates, and important documents will be kept. Create a shared calendar with your co-parent for the custodial schedule, school dates, and extracurricular activities. Inform the children’s school or daycare of any changes to emergency contacts, drop-off, or pick-up plans. Modification of custody can be worked out in a mediation and filed in the court.
Assets-Change the title of non-liquid assets, like cars and houses, as per the agreement. If dividing retirement plans including pensions, 401(k)s, or SEP’s etc. Ensure Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO) are prepared or Approved Domestic Relations Orders (ADRO) in military divorce matters. These orders are filed with the court, submitted to the retirement plan administrator, and specify fund distribution to avoid taxes and penalties. They require precise language—family law attorneys can assist with this step.
Future Planning-It is essential to update any existing wills and trust documents. It may be beneficial to consult with an estate planning advisor regarding this step.
Name Change-If you have changed your name, update your driver's license, passport, and social security card. Notify your financial institutions, insurers, employers, and other relevant parties of your name change. Update your social media accounts to reflect the new name.
In Summary-A family law mediator can include essential matters in your Marital Settlement Agreement to avoid major post-divorce negotiations. They can also assist with issues such as preparing a modified parenting plan. No need to seek the term domestic relations attorney, divorce lawyer or family law attorney when you can meet in a mediator’s office and iron out the details for an uncontested divorce quickly or change details that are necessary for a modified agreement.
The Path To Well Being, LLC has experienced family law mediators serving Manassas, Prince William County, Dale City, Woodbridge, Bristow, Gainesville, Haymarket, Alexandria, Culpepper, Fauquier County Catharpin, Fairfax, Arlington, Leesburg, Ashburn, Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Northern Virginia. Contact us for a consultation.
Dr. Bonnie-Jean Brown, CEO
9300 Grant Avenue, Suite 101
Manassas, Virginia 20110
Email [email protected]
Phone: 703-382-6871
Fax: 703-382-6872