Charlottesville Family Law Attorneys
Family Law matters involve legal decisions that continue to affect the individuals involved for years into the future. Some judgments made in a divorce are final and non-modifiable, while others may only be modified by going back to court and proving changed circumstances. The Family Law attorneys at St. John, Bowling, Lawrence & Quagliana, LLP represent clients in all stages of marriage and divorce in Virginia, helping to make sure that their rights and interests are protected during the divorce and post-divorce as well.
Prenuptial agreements and marital agreements
A prenuptial agreement can protect both people going into a marriage, particularly where there is a large disparity in the incomes, assets or earning power between the couple. A prenuptial agreement can ensure the wealthier party that he or she will not be unfairly taken advantage of in the event of a divorce and be forced to part with hard-earned assets out of proportion to what fairness requires, while also ensuring the less-wealthy spouse that he or she will be taken care and receive a fair share of property or support that reflects the values and interests of the parties. Our family law attorneys help to draft prenuptial agreements – or similar marital agreements drafted during the marriage – that stand up to legal tests for validity and enforceability and fully reflect and protect our clients’ interests.
Contested and uncontested divorce
Dissolving a marriage in Virginia requires the court to rule on several matters, including the division of marital property, child custody and visitation, child support and the possible payment of spousal support as well. If the parties can work out these issues on their own, the judge generally accepts the agreement of the parties and incorporates it into the divorce. Where issues cannot be resolved, they must be decided through litigation. At St. John, Bowling, Lawrence & Quagliana, LLP, our attorneys represent parties in both contested and uncontested divorces. Whether you need assistance negotiating and drafting a property settlement agreement, or if you need advice and representation in court to make sure your interests are fairly represented, our attorneys have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to help you reach your goals.
