If it turns out that in-home separation is your only feasible option, you will need to become familiar with Virginia's guidelines for in-home separation and be prepared to put them into action in your household. In order to follow the guidelines and make the in-home separation successful, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse will need to be dedicated and diligent.
Guidelines for a Successful In-Home Separation in Virginia
One of the most important issues to tackle are those pertaining to finances. Many couples choose in-home separation in order to avoid the financial burden of maintaining two separate residences, but Virginia in-home separation does not allow separating parties to share their resources in the same way as when they were a couple.
The parties have to buy their food separately and are not to purchase any gifts or other items for each other. They are also to maintain separate telephones, bank accounts and credit cards.
Emotional issues are a large part of an in-home separation. In-home separation rules dictate that the parties cease representing themselves as a couple at home and in public. They need to be "out" as separated people.
A couple in a marital crisis may be experiencing conflict and get easily irritated with one another. If this is the case, in-home separation can often fan the flames of anger and confrontation. A couple considering in-home separation for the sake of their children need to think about whether they can maintain civil relations and common decency while under the same roof.
In short, maintaining emotional balance in an in-home separation requires both partners to behave as mature adults who are both working toward the same goal.
Other Considerations in an In-Home Separation in Virginia
A Virginia in-home separation requires a third party to occasionally observe the separated couple and their household to verify that everything is in accordance with the state's guidelines for in-home separation.
Now is a good time to draw up a Virginia separation agreement. Your separation agreement sets out the details about division of property, child custody and other major issues. This document can be useful for determining these important matters during your Virginia divorce.
There are very specific rules governing divorce in Virginia. At Hofheimer/Ferrebee we are committed to providing you with the experience and compassion you deserve and the successful results you need to move on with your life. Request a FREE copy of our guide, What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorce, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.
To order your free book-www.freedivorcebook.com
information on seminars-www.monthlydivorceseminars.com
info on collaborative divorce-www.virginiacollaborativelaw.com
information-estate planning for young families-www.generationslawfirm.com
information-family law and estate planning for the LGBT community-www.FamilyEqualityLawCenter.com
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