Family Law Services
Divorce
Divorce raises many questions during a challenging time, and our clients depend on us to provide solutions. The areas that need to be resolved in most matrimonial actions are division of property, alimony, and if there are children, custody and child support. We are adept at aiding our clients in resolving these matters without litigation,
however, when a favorable agreement cannot be reached, we aggressively pursue resolution in court. Our attorneys resolve these practical issues in a manner that is sensitive to the circumstances. Attorneys
Custody and Visitation
Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with matters of child custody and visitation. We understand the importance of the relationship between you and your children. Child custody issues can involve parents, grandparents, social workers, judges, or guardians ad litem. The guiding principle
in custody matters is what is in the best interests of the child. We help clients determine what is in their childrens’ best interests and assist them in achieving the desired outcome. Issues that often arise in custody and visitation cases include decision-making authority regarding the child, DNA paternity testing, interstate and international matters and third-party custody and visitation.
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Child Support
In contested cases, child support is determined in two phases. In the first phase, child support can be obtained on an emergency or temporary basis. This stands until the second phase, in which a court has the opportunity to rule on custody and all other factors that go into determining
an appropriate support award. Child support may also be agreed upon by the parties. We diligently assist our clients in ensuring that all factors that affect child support are presented in order to get the most favorable outcome.Attorneys
Alimony
We have extensive experience with the establishment, modification, and enforcement of alimony, also know as spousal support or spousal maintenance. We are adept at analyzing the factors considered by courts in determining the amount and duration of alimony. In negotiating, mediating,
and litigating alimony matters, we evaluate every aspect of our client’s situation, including property division, child custody and support, and the individual’s tax situation. Some couples wish to fix their respective rights and obligations by entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Entering into such an agreement can protect an individual and provide greater certainty should the marriage terminate or upon the passing of one of the partners. Prior to entering
into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, it is very important that each party understand the agreement and its effect on his or her rights. Our attorneys are experienced with drafting and reviewing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and the factors that are taken into consideration when doing so, so that our clients can protect their assets and their families. The Virginia adoption process is complex. Whether adopting a step-child, adopting directly from a birth parent, or working with an adoption agency, adoptive parents need to make sure that they comply with all the formalities. The best way to do this is to
work with experienced professionals, like the attorneys of SmolenPlevy. The backbone of a successful negotiation in any company is the ability to have your position expertly presented to a court when necessary. We have experience representing our clients before all local, state and federal courts in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Domestic Litigation: We help our clients through some of the most trying times of their lives. Family law litigation involves the integration of custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and property division. We have advanced our clients’ causes from the early discovery phase of a case all the way to the highest state appellate court. We have served as counsel on a number of cases which established precedent. Attorneys
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
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Adoptions
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Litigation
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