One does not generally think of divorce as something that can be inexpensive or relatively easy, but SmolenPlevy Principal and family law attorney Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson says certain strategies can minimize the conflict created by a divorce. On NewsChannel 8’s Let’s Talk Live, Dickerson shares some considerations for a smooth divorce:
- Educate Yourself. In most households, people divide up responsibilities so that there is one spouse who primarily manages the finances, while the other spouse takes on other responsibilities. Both partners need to educate themselves about their finances to avoid any surprises.
- Disclose Debts. Spouses will sometimes have separate credit cards. If a spouse holds a card with significant debt, they might not be able or willing to settle for terms that their partner, who does not know about the debt, proposes. This gap in knowledge can lead to a more lengthy and costly divorce.
- Prenups as Conversation-Starters. A prenuptial agreement forces spouses to talk about their finances and expectations before the marriage. Prenups are not necessarily a precursor to divorce, but rather a means to facilitate a practical and necessary conversation which one or both parties may be reluctant to have.
- Call for a Consultation. Even if you are unsure if you want to divorce, seek advice from an experienced family attorney. It is important to know the process and repercussions of divorce before proceeding.
Dickerson explains that, “If you handle divorce intelligently, calmly, and unemotionally, it can be relatively inexpensive and easy, despite the emotional trauma.”
Watch Dickerson on Let’s Talk Live below:
Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson
Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson is a principal at SmolenPlevy in Vienna, Virginia. She is a member of the Bars of Virginia and the District of Columbia, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals – Fourth Circuit, U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Virginia. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and George Mason University School of Law, where she served on the Board of Editors for the Journal of International Legal Studies. Throughout her career, Ms. Dickerson has received numerous awards. Most recently she was named a 2019 Best Lawyer by The Best Lawyers in America© and was selected as a “Leader in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly in 2007 and SmartCEO Magazine’s Power Players Attorney of the Year for divorce, domestic relations, and child custody and adoptions in 2013. Northern Virginia Magazine has named her a Top Lawyer for family-focused law in 2016, 2015, 2013 and 2010. She was named to “Virginia Legal Elite” by Virginia Business in 2014.
