What to Do After Signing a Virginia Separation Agreement

The decision to separate from your spouse is one that requires much thought and consideration. It is a difficult choice that can lead to conflicted emotions.

Your Virginia divorce attorney will help you through the process of negotiating and preparing your Virginia separation agreement. Once your separation agreement is signed, you've entered into a binding contract and can proceed with your Virginia divorce. After the agreement is signed, however, you'll likely still need to wait 6 months or even a year before you can legally divorce your spouse in Virginia.

Here are some tips to help make this separation period as positive and productive as possible: 

• Keep to the decisions you agreed to in your separation agreement. Adjusting to new conditions can be difficult, but doing so will help you avoid unnecessary conflict and further disruption of your family life. It also demonstrates your responsibility and willingness to cooperate, which helps your case. 
• If you have children, take this time to make them feel as secure as you can. Allow them opportunities to open up about what they're feeling. To the best of your ability, provide them with predictable, comforting activities and safe limits. 
• Don't enter into a new relationship. You're in a vulnerable emotional state that isn't conducive to starting a healthy romance. In addition, you are still married, so dating someone else would count as adultery. This could have a negative impact on your divorce case. 
• The divorce process has just begun, so take time for yourself to relax and refocus in whatever way works best for you. 

Throughout your divorce proceedings, you'll naturally have a lot of questions specific to your circumstances. That is why it is so important to have a Virginia divorce lawyer on your side who understands your case and will keep your best interests in mind when defending your case in court.

Learn more about Virginia separation agreements by visiting our library. 

The Virginia divorce attorneys at Hofheimer/Ferrebee represent Virginia women who wish to file for divorce. We are committed to fighting for your rights, assisting in child custody disputes, and ensuring that you receive everything you are entitled to and need in order to start your new life. Contact us today to schedule a legal consultation - (757) 425-5200.