FAMILY LAW

At Rathbun Bateman, P.C., we recognize that divorce and other family law matters can be a traumatic life event, both emotionally and financially.  During these difficult transitions, it is essential to have a caring, knowledgeable family law attorney on your side.  Our experienced lawyers take a client-centered approach to resolve the unique set of challenges presented in each family case.  We tailor our representation to suit your family’s needs, whether aggressively advocating in the courtroom or strategically negotiating agreements in the office.  We truly care about you and your family and we are eager to put our experience and resources to work to serve you.

Areas of Family Litigation include:

• Divorce
• Division of Marital Property
• Spousal Support
• Child Custody and Visitation
• Child Support
• Prenuptial/Post-Marital Agreements
• Domestic Violence
• Protective Orders
• Name Changes
  

  Divorce

  Divorce often ranks among the most difficult experiences in a person’s life. The divorce process can often be confusing and overwhelming.  If you believe that a divorce is imminent, then you should see a lawyer as soon as possible.  You will always be in a better position if you obtain legal help early rather than waiting until a major incident arises.  Often times, you can avoid tremendous costs and added stress by building a sound legal strategy to head problems off before they occur.

  Spousal Support

  Often times, the issue of spousal support arises as soon as there is a separation.  In Virginia, spousal support is not just awarded at the end of a divorce case, but may also be awarded while your divorce is pending.  It may be used to assist a party to maintain the household, pay bills, or even attorney’s fees.  Spousal support can also be modified long after the divorce is complete in certain circumstances.  We leverage our vast negotiation and litigation experience to obtain the best support award possible in order to protect you and your family.

  Child Custody & Visitation

  For most parents, protecting the children during a divorce is a primary goal.  Unfortunately, custody and visitation disputes typically arise almost immediately after separation.  These issues require a particularly skilled attorney to minimize the disruption and impact divorce usually precipitates.  Our lawyers understand the law and work with you to reach both temporary and permanent child custody arrangements as quickly as possible to ensure the best interests of your children are protected.

  Child Support

  The obligation to pay the child support is triggered by a proper filing with the Court.  The Court can, and often will, award child support temporarily while the case is pending.  The amount of child support is determined based upon a formula which considers each parent’s income, the health insurance premiums for the children, and the cost of work-related child care.  Rathbun Bateman, P.C. lawyers use their knowledge of the law and experience to ensure that family resources are properly allocated to support your children during your case and into the future.

  Division of Marital Property

  Virginia is an equitable distribution state.  This means that the Court will classify your assets as “marital,” “separate,” or “hybrid.”  Marital assets are generally those that you have acquired during the course of your marriage, and may include income, retirement, real estate, investment accounts, and many other types of assets.  Despite common misconceptions, there is no requirement that the Court divide marital assets evenly between spouses.  Separate assets are those that are not marital and are often acquired prior to marriage.  Such assets are not divided by Courts, but rather, they remain the property of the owner.  Before you enter into any agreement to divide assets with a spouse, you should contact a lawyer and ensure that you understand your rights regarding each such asset.

  Premarital and Postnuptial Agreements

  The best approach to resolving marital disputes is usually before entering the courtroom.  Our skilled lawyers routinely negotiate and draft premarital and postnuptial agreements for couples in all stages of life with eye toward resolving actual and potential disputes in a cost-effective manner.

  Enforcement

  We understand the frustration that results from a spouse, ex-spouse, or parent who refuses to comply with a court order.  Our firm leverages a combination of our vast knowledge of family law with our creditor’s rights experience to find effective, cost-efficient methods to collect unpaid spousal and child support awards and to enforce other obligations owed to you as quickly as possible.

  Contact Experienced Family Law Attorneys     

  Rathbun Bateman, P.C. is located in Fairfax, Virginia and represents clients in family matters throughout Virginia. Call us at 703.383.9580 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.