DC, MD and VA Divorce Attorneys

Whether you’re an active, passive or collaborative party, the multiple pressures of divorce are difficult and often painful. At Tucker Family Law, we help you navigate both the legal and emotional facets of divorce through an organized, strategic and thoughtful approach — while viewing litigation as an option of last resort.

If your spouse has told you of an intention to end your marriage or if you are the one who believes this to be necessary, or at least the best choice, then it is essential to be organized, strategic, and thoughtful in order to protect your interests, as well as those of your children.

Who Will Represent You in Your Divorce?

A critical first step is identifying your criteria for the divorce lawyer you want to represent you. For many, it is important their divorce attorney:

• Has at least several years of experience
• Has a specialization in Family Law
• Offers a variety of divorce process choices, including negotiation, collaborative divorce, meditation and divorce litigation
• Understands the client’s personal goals and priorities, and will work hard to accomplish them
• Embodies important values, such as a commitment to shield children from parental conflicts, an appreciation of the positive aspects of the marriage in addition to its failures, and a respectful, professional approach to resolving issues
• Has a sophisticated understanding of finance, divorce tax, pensions and other areas of specialized knowledge
• Is knowledgeable about the emotional distress caused by divorce and empathetically listens to your concerns
• Is ethical and professional

Increase Your Knowledge about Your Finances

The need for this emphasis will vary depending on the degree of your involvement during the marriage in paying the bills and handling investment decisions. If your involvement has been minimal, your attorney will ensure that you learn about and understand your finances and financial situation and your attorney and you may decide to involve a financial professional to assist in this aspect of your case.

Handle Your Emotions Constructively

There are a number of ways in which the pain and disappointment of divorce play out in the lives of the couple, their children, and their wider circle of family, co-workers, and friends. It is critical to pay attention to these forces. You may want to talk with your attorney about getting professional help to assist with managing and understanding your emotions during this difficult time.

Be Patient

Accept that divorce is a process, involving different stages and progressing over time. Each divorce is different, depending on the facts and people involved. You will need to work closely with your attorney and other professionals to develop and then revise your strategic plan as events unfold or your priorities evolve.

Strive for Perspective

Try not to become overwhelmed by any current difficulty. Ask yourself what will be most important to you five years down the road. What will you be glad that you did, or regret that you did not do during the divorce? What do you want your children to remember about this period? And how do you want to feel in the future about how you handled the stresses of the process?

Consider Costs

Aim for balance in how you approach the costs of getting divorced. When it comes to choosing your attorney and other professionals, the old maxim “You get what you pay for” is probably applicable. Paying the fees for a more experienced and, therefore, more expensive attorney will likely be a good investment in the long run. On the other hand, discuss with your attorney whether you can afford their services and what you can do to keep fees down. Your attorney will have suggestions. Follow them. It can make a significant difference in the cost of your divorce.

Focus on the Future

Although a divorce is an ending, it is also a beginning. Work hard to keep your eye on the promise of the future, and what you can do to achieve that promise.

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