At the Fairfax, Virginia office of Pamela M. Pacetti, experienced, sensitive and compassionate legal representation is offered in the following areas:
Divorce can cause great turmoil in the lives of every member of your family. Understanding your rights and the options available to you is imperative and empowering.
Collaborative Divorce Practice
Each divorcing spouse engages an attorney with special training in the collaborative process. They agree not to pursue litigation and work together with the assistance of their counsel, and other professionals as needed, to reach forward-looking solutions rarely available outside the collaborative process. Within this framework, parties give each other and themselves the freedom to shape their future during and after the divorce.
Mediation is an "alternative dispute resolution" process. In mediation, divorcing couples have the opportunity to settle disputes out of court with the help of a neutral third party.
Child Custody and Visitation
Determining child custody and visitation arrangements can be some of the most difficult decisions facing parents, whether these arrangements are made by agreement or are court-imposed. Whenever possible, a child should have frequent and continuing contact with both parents, unless such an arrangement is against the child's best interest.
Whether and how the child's best interest will be served by modifying an existing custody order is the essential question in the relocation of a child and can be one of the most contentious issues between parents.
Both parents have the responsibility of financially providing for their children, regardless of marital status.
The division of marital assets and liabilities can be the most confusing and misunderstood element of divorce without experienced legal counsel.
Spousal support is payment of financial assistance to a former spouse. Eligibility, duration and amounts are determined by a complex interplay of many factors.
Separation and Property Settlement Agreements
An attorney-drafted separation or property settlement agreement is your best assurance that your arrangements concerning the custody of your children, the distribution of marital property, the allocation of liabilities, and the support obligations of either party are properly memorialized.
Pre-Marital and Post-Marital Agreements
A pre-marital agreement determines certain rights and obligations before the marriage ceremony and is an important estate planning tool. A post-marital agreement addresses the same or similar issues but is executed after the marriage ceremony. The possibility of divorce is only one of many reasons to consider a pre-marital or post-marital agreement.
A person wishing to formally adopt his or her spouse's child may do so with the consent of both biological parents. If consent is not provided by the biological parent, you may petition the court to approve a step-parent adoption.
If you are involved in the divorce process, it is imperative that you revoke any existing powers of attorney given to your spouse. You must also establish a new Will to protect the financial interests of your children.
For more information on how we can assist you during this difficult time, contact us for a confidential consultation.
Pamela M. Pacetti
Attorney at Law
3919 Old Lee Highway, Suite 82-C
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Telephone: 703-591-0056
Facsimile: 703-591-2443
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