Herndon, VA Family Law & Divorce Services

Compassionate Legal Representation for Family Matters in Fairfax County

Legal matters that affect family members can be profoundly personal, and they often involve complex issues and disputes that may be difficult to resolve. Because of the sensitive nature of these cases and the impact they can have on families, it is crucial to ensure that they are handled correctly with the assistance of an experienced attorney. At The Law Firm of Ruiz Dougherty, PLLC, our lawyers provide family law services in serving Herndon and Fairfax County, Virginia, and we can help our clients manage a wide array of legal concerns, from the nuances of divorce proceedings to disputes related to child custody and financial support. We can also help our clients understand how family law cases may intersect with immigration matters. We work to help resolve these cases efficiently while ensuring that our clients can protect their rights and interests.

Understanding Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Divorce proceedings can generally be categorized into two types: contested and uncontested. An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all major issues, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. They are usually able to reach agreements through negotiations, although mediation or other methods may also be used to create a settlement that both parties will be satisfied with This type of divorce is typically faster, less costly, and less stressful, as it avoids a prolonged court battle.

A contested divorce, on the other hand, happens when the parties cannot agree on one or more key aspects of their case. These divorces require more intensive legal intervention, and they can involve court trials where the resolutions to outstanding issues will be decided on by a judge. At The Law Firm of Ruiz Dougherty, PLLC, we are prepared to represent our clients' interests in contested divorces, advocating for fair resolutions in line with their legal rights and best interests.

Key Issues in Divorce and Family Law

We can help our clients address a wide variety of concerns that may arise during a divorce or when resolving disputes between unmarried parents. These issues may include:

• Property division: Dividing assets and debts accumulated during a marriage is a critical aspect of a divorce. Virginia follows the equitable distribution model, requiring a couple's assets to be divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Our attorneys work to ensure that all assets will be evaluated correctly, helping our clients achieve fair distributions of their property that will meet their financial needs.
• Spousal support/alimony: During a divorce, one spouse may seek ongoing financial support from the other spouse to address disparities between the parties' incomes and financial resources. Determining whether spousal support is warranted and calculating the amount and duration of support payment can lead to contentious disputes. We help our clients negotiate fair spousal support arrangements based on the duration of the marriage, each spouse's financial circumstances, and other relevant factors.
• Child custody and support: For divorcing couples or parents who are unmarried, issues related to their children can be some of the most emotionally charged concerns addressed in a family law case. Our primary goal is to protect the best interests of the children involved, negotiating custody arrangements that will allow both parents to maintain positive relationships with their children and ensuring that children's financial needs will be met.
• Paternity: Establishing legal parentage can be crucial in cases where parents are unmarried. Paternity may need to be established before addressing issues related to parental rights and responsibilities, including child custody and child support. Our firm assists mothers and presumed or alleged fathers, helping establish or contest paternity and addressing any related issues that may affect parents and children.
• Post-decree modifications: Life changes, and divorce decrees or other family law orders may need to be adjusted to ensure that parents' and children's needs are being addressed correctly. We assist clients in modifying child support, child custody, and spousal support orders when significant changes in circumstances occur, ensuring that the court's orders will continue to be fair and practical.
• Orders of protection: In cases involving domestic violence, obtaining restraining orders or orders of protection may be necessary to ensure the safety of family members. Our firm provides legal assistance to help victims of domestic violence secure the protection they need, and we can also provide representation for those who have been accused of domestic violence to ensure that their rights are protected.

Divorce and Immigration

Divorce can significantly impact a person's immigration status. People who have received family-based visas and Green Cards may be concerned about whether a potential divorce could lead to the loss of permanent resident status or even deportation. Our firm's experience in both family law and immigration law ensures that we can provide comprehensive guidance in these matters, working to ensure that our clients can maintain their legal status in the United States.

Contact Our Herndon Family Law Attorneys

Whether you are considering divorce, need to address issues related to child custody, or have concerns about how family law issues may affect your immigration status, The Law Firm of Ruiz Dougherty, PLLC can provide the legal help you need. Our experienced attorneys can provide you with compassionate, dedicated legal representation, helping you resolve these matters effectively. Contact our firm today at 571-441-2233 to set up your free consultation.