An Amicable Divorce Is Possible, Agrees Fairfax Divorce Attorney

Fairfax, VA (Law Firm Newswire) October 5, 2012 – Though divorces happen, a contentious divorce doesn’t have to be standard operating procedure.

Author Alan Dunn recently argued in Huffington Post’s “A Diplomatic Divorce Is the Only Way to Go,” that though divorce is fraught with emotion, regardless of the reason for the split, it is possible to have an amicable divorce.

Dunn defines an “amicable divorce” as one where the parties agree to the terms of spousal support, custody arrangements, child support, and the division of estate and other assets without first going before a judge. An amicable divorce is uncontested, which means that the two parties agree that the marriage is finished. And, both parties work to stay as diplomatic as is reasonable.

“Working together amicably means that, when stepping in front of a judge, a couple will typically have more say about the terms of the divorce,” agrees Fairfax divorce lawyer Lisa McDevitt, “Rather than relying on the court’s discretion.”

An amicable divorce is easier on children, says Dunn, allowing them the least amount of stress possible, considering the circumstances. It also allows both parties a greater sense of control when it comes to divvying up property and arranging child custody issues.

The key to an amicable divorce, says Dunn, is to choose an experienced family law attorney, one who can help to guide the process along. Dunn says that it is important to be clear with the attorney that the goal is to end the marriage in an amicable and easy manner, and that diplomacy should be used when possible. It is important, he adds, that each party retains separate legal counsel, even if in agreement on most issues.

In some cases, an amicable divorce can mean little more than filing out paperwork, exchanging necessary documents and working with attorneys to hammer out any outstanding issues. By running all communication through attorneys, the negotiations can take place outside of the courtroom and can allow each party to feel their interests are adequately represented.

However, Dunn cautions, many people see divorce as part of the relationship, when in fact, a divorce is the process of separating joint finances and property. When couples can approach divorce in a rational fashion, as if dissolving a business relationship, a solution that leaves both parties feeling they equally benefited is possible.

Lisa Lane McDevitt
2155 Bonaventure Drive
Vienna, VA 22181
Phone: 571-223-7642
Toll Free: 866-602-7850
http://www.mcdevittlaw.net/

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