
Fairfax High-Asset Divorce Attorney
Getting a divorce is rarely a simple process, but it can grow increasingly complex with the involvement of high assets. Instead of getting caught up in the overwhelming reality of your property division divorce proceedings, hiring a Fairfax high-asset divorce lawyer can protect your rights, desired outcomes, and assets from unfair distribution practices.
Virginia Divorce Statistics
According to the CDC, roughly 673,989 marriages ended in divorce during the year 2022 in the United States. The following year, Virginia had a divorce rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents. If you are going through a divorce, hiring a skilled family law attorney can be a valuable decision.
Fault Divorce vs. No-Fault
Virginia has specific laws about divorce and property division, starting with categorizing it as either a no-fault or a fault divorce. The actions of each spouse may factor into this categorization, as well as whether or not both parties want a divorce. Here is a simple breakdown of how they differ from one another:
- Fault-based divorce: When one party feels wronged by the other, they may choose to pursue a fault divorce. This can include accusations of infidelity, abuse, and desertion. This type of divorce requires that you provide evidence to prove the specific grounds you are claiming for divorce.
- No-fault divorce: With no-fault divorce cases, the only grounds for divorce are that both parties wish to end their marriage. You do not need to present evidence of any problematic actions that have led to this decision.
Asset Division in Virginia
While some states take a 50/50 approach to property division, Virginia law implements equitable distribution instead. Simply put, this means that all marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning potential, and future financial needs can all be factors in the court’s decision.
Marital vs. Separate Property
Marital property is any assets, income, and/or debts that were acquired by either spouse during their marriage. While there are exceptions, especially in relation to prenuptial and post-nuptial documentation, marital property may generally be divided equitably in the event of a divorce.
Separate property describes assets that one spouse owned before the marriage, or that were acquired during the marriage through a separate gift or inheritance. This property may be exempt from property division, as it belongs to one spouse alone. Seek a knowledgeable Fairfax high-asset divorce attorney if you have questions regarding this matter.
The Division of Debts
In the state of Virginia, debts are typically divided based on whether they are considered marital or separate. Marital debts—those incurred during the marriage for joint benefit—are split equitably between spouses. Courts may consider factors like each spouse’s financial situation, earning capacity, and responsibility for incurring the debt when determining the division.
Factors That May Influence the Division Process
It can be helpful to know in advance how equitable property division may be influenced by the factors of your case and life. It is common for the court to look at your unique situation, as well as that of your spouse, in order to determine how your marital property can be divided fairly. This can be influenced by each spouse’s financial situation, the specific assets involved, and the reason for the divorce.
Should I Hire a High-Asset Divorce Lawyer in Fairfax, Virginia?
A high-asset attorney can assist you in managing complex financial portfolios, ensuring your wealth is protected and optimized during legal proceedings like divorce. Their skills in navigating intricate tax laws, investments, and asset division minimize risks and maximize favorable outcomes. Hiring one ensures your high-value assets are safeguarded with strategies tailored to your situation.
Why Choose Taylor Huguley Powers PLLC?
Taylor Huguley Powers PLLC is a proud woman-owned business that provides attentive service to each of our clients in Fairfax and the surrounding areas. With over 100 years of combined experience, our legal team is prepared to advocate for you in the complex world of high-asset divorce proceedings. We are familiar with the local courts and can guide you through the Fairfax County Circuit Court system.
FAQs
In the state of Virginia, the cost to hire a high-asset divorce lawyer tends to vary case by case. Each divorce presents its own unique variables, such as the amount of time a case needs to resolve and the level of complexity the case presents. You are wise to ask your lawyer about costs at your first consultation.
While some states have what is commonly referred to as a “50/50” law regarding property division, Virginia law has implemented equitable asset division procedures instead. This means that, instead of automatically dividing your property in half, certain aspects of your case may be evaluated to determine the most fitting and fair division process. Hiring a high-asset divorce lawyer may help you better protect your assets from inequitable division.
Each high-asset divorce case is unique, and the amount of time it needs to reach a resolution tends to mirror this reality. High-asset divorces are typically more complex, which means they often need more time to sort out the various aspects. Hiring a high-asset divorce lawyer who understands the common pitfalls to avoid can help keep your case moving along.
There is plenty at risk in high-asset divorce cases, but hiring a high-asset divorce lawyer may improve the likelihood of protecting your property, rights, and desired outcomes. Since the team at Taylor Huguley Powers PLLC is well-versed in Virginia high-asset divorce laws, you can rest easy knowing that they are helping you prepare a strong case that factors in every essential issue.
Get More Information Today
At Taylor Huguley Powers PLLC, we have helped many Fairfax clients in similar situations that you are now facing. Contact Taylor Huguley Powers PLLC today to schedule a consultation to understand how we can help you, too.