Cook Craig & Francuzenko PLLC

Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer in Fairfax: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

October 10, 2023

When you’re facing a divorce, one of the most important steps is seeking out the services of a qualified divorce lawyer. Whether you intend to fight for custody, negotiate on terms for child support or spousal maintenance, or want an amicable split, you must find an experienced attorney who can help protect your rights during and after the process. But how do you know which lawyer will be best suited to represent your interests? How do you ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate through complex legal proceedings effectively? The key lies in asking potential lawyers some pointed yet thoughtful questions during your initial consultation. The goal here is not only to assess their level of expertise but also to determine if their approach aligns with yours. In this post, we’ll look at essential interview questions to ask any potential divorce lawyer before signing the dotted line. We’ll explain why these queries are critical and what kind of answers should make them a viable choice for representation in court. With this information, you can proceed with confidence and peace of mind knowing you’ve made the right decision. The information in this article is for general educational purposes

Gray Divorce in Virginia: The Ultimate Boomer Divorce Guide

September 14, 2023

If you’re considering asking for a divorce after 50, you aren’t alone. The divorce rate after the age of 50 has doubled since 1990 and has tripled for people over 65 according to a study by Bowling Green State University. Couples who once felt they had to stay together for their children or to meet traditional expectations now feel able to leave unhappy marriages. The trend is so persistent, it has earned its own name, “Gray Divorce.” Leaving an unsatisfied marriage can be freeing; however, pursuing a divorce after 50 comes with its own unique challenges. Many couples considering a gray divorce have been married for decades and have built up a considerable amount of shared marital assets. People in their 50s and older are also at the tail end of saving for their retirement. Issues like Social Security benefits, pensions, and 401Ks can take on even more importance. For these reasons, a gray divorce tends to be more complex than a divorce between younger couples. What can you expect when divorcing at an older age? Here are a few important points to consider, as well as a look at how you can recover both financially and emotionally from a divorce

Pensions and Divorce in Fairfax: Are You Entitled to Your Spouse’s Pension or Is Your Spouse Entitled to Yours?

August 28, 2023

These days, one of the biggest benefits to holding a public sector job or sticking it out in the military is the promise of a juicy pension during retirement years. While pension plans have been largely replaced in the private sector by 401(k) plans, they are still going strong in the public sector. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 13.5% of working-age Americans have a defined benefit or cash-balance plan, which includes pension plans. A pension plan represents a lot of money and can even make or break a retirement, so how is a pension handled during a divorce? Are you entitled to a piece of your spouse’s pension benefits during divorce, or, alternatively, can your spouse snatch away a portion of your pension? When it comes to pensions and divorce, here’s what you need to know. A Quick Refresher on Pensions A pension is known in the finance world as a “defined-benefit plan,” meaning the employer will pay a definite benefit when the employee retires. For example, some military pensions guarantee to pay service members 50% of their ending salary each year after 20 years of military service. Pension benefits can add up to a lot of money, and it’s a far cry

Tips for Choosing a Northern Virginia Law Firm

October 10, 2022

Many people will need an attorney at some point in their lives. Whatever the reason, here are some things to consider when choosing a Northern Virginia Law firm. Experience Does the attorney have experience with cases like yours? Choose an attorney who specializes in the legal service you need. This attorney will know all the factors and laws that could affect your case and offer you the best outcome. Also check to see whether the attorney has been recognized by his or her peers for accomplishments in the law. Fellow attorneys have the best perspective on their colleagues’ abilities. Communication You should always choose an attorney who communicates effectively. There needs to be a clear process of communication to ensure that your attorney gets all the pertinent details in a timely manner. This will also ensure that you will receive updates on the progress of your case. When the law firm and client communicate with each other, everyone benefits. Billing You also need to understand how your Northern Virginia law firm will be compensated. Will you pay by the hour or a percentage of recovery? How much is the retainer fee? These are important things to know. Did you know?

When to Hire a Fairfax Attorney

October 3, 2022

When should you hire a Fairfax Attorney? Everyone knows you need to hire an attorney during a divorce, but there are many other aspects of the law that benefit from the experience and guidance of an attorney. Here are the top five practice areas people hire a Fairfax attorney. Estate Planning Estate planning is a means of protecting your assets for the future. It is a plan for what will happen to your wealth and assets when you die. While many people find it morbid to think of the end of life, it is a necessity. A Fairfax attorney can help you create an estate plan that meets legal requirements and ensures your wishes are respected. Business Planning Business issues are a common reason to hire an attorney. From business formation and writing contracts for business relationships to litigating dispute contracts and more, a Fairfax attorney can offer crucial advice and guidance. Not only can an attorney ensure your paperwork is correct, but they can also help you properly plan for tax implications, growth issues, ownership issues and much more. Family Issues Another common reason for hiring an attorney is family issues. The most common reason for a family attorney

Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer in Fairfax: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

Gray Divorce in Virginia: The Ultimate Boomer Divorce Guide

Pensions and Divorce in Fairfax: Are You Entitled to Your Spouse’s Pension or Is Your Spouse Entitled to Yours?

Tips for Choosing a Northern Virginia Law Firm

When to Hire a Fairfax Attorney

Get the help you need from a firm you can trust.