Reliable Divorce Lawyer Serving Washington, D.C. and Maryland
Providing knowledgeable, compassionate guidance when a marriage ends
At the Law Offices of Jesse A. Gadson, PLLC, I provide intelligent and compassionate legal services to clients going through a divorce in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Serving residents of both the District and Maryland, my office takes pride in relieving the stress associated with the marriage dissolution process. I aim to ease your burden so that you can go on with your life and concentrate on your next steps and the people you love.
Understanding the contested and uncontested divorces
Every marriage is different, and so is every divorce proceeding. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, my firm will outline your options and protect your interests from start to finish. I also have extensive experience handling high net worth divorces and marriage dissolution actions involving military families. No matter what your specific needs entail my firm focuses on where you want to be when the cases closes and you start the next phase of your life. Once we’ve discussed your goals, I will help you pursue them by making wise choices about:
- Grounds — Washington, D.C. is a strict no-fault divorce jurisdiction, so marriages are not dissolved based on one party’s misconduct. Divorces can be granted following a separation of at least six months that was agreed upon by both parties, or a separation of at least one year (even if the parties do not agree). Maryland, which refers to the legal termination of a marriage as “absolute divorce,” offers both no-fault and fault-based grounds, such as adultery, desertion and cruel treatment.
- Contested vs. uncontested divorce — Most spouses want to get the divorce process over with quickly and might not contest terms relating to custody, property division, alimony and other issues. However, it is a good idea to discuss the situation with a knowledgeable family law attorney before you make a decision that cannot be revoked. Understanding how a court might rule on certain issues can help you negotiate from a position of strength.
- Negotiation, mediation and litigation — Divorce is a financial and emotional burden, and going to trial often adds to that. We try to resolve divorce cases through negotiation or mediation. However, sometimes that goal is impossible. In those cases, we stand up and fight for your rights in court.
- Alimony — A spouse who relied on their partner for financial support might need alimony to cover their expenses following a divorce. My firm represents parties seeking spousal support who might be required to provide it.
For more than 35 years, I have given divorcing spouses the insightful counsel they deserve as they tackle one of life’s toughest challenges.
Legal counselor advises on custody and child support arrangements
Mothers and fathers who go through a divorce have a responsibility to focus on their children’s well-being no matter how difficult the breakup might be. When negotiating child custody and visitation terms, I take the time to understand the specific needs of my clients’ sons and daughters to bring about the best result possible. My firm also advises parents on child support rules so they have an idea about the amount that they should expect to receive or send. I am also available to help if you require assistance to enforce or modify an existing order concerning custody, visitation or child support.
The process of dividing marital property
Spouses often can work out a property division settlement that satisfies both sides. If the gap cannot be bridged, however, judges in Washington, D.C. and Maryland decide what they think is a fair allocation of assets and debts. This standard is known as equitable distribution and does not have to result in each party receiving an equal share of the marital estate’s value. Sometimes, both spouses want to remain in possession of the marital home. Factors that the judge might consider include the parties’ contribution to the home purchase, their ability to make mortgage payments and who will have primary physical custody if they have children. My firm offers skillful guidance and advocacy in equitable distribution proceedings, including matters involving complex assets such as retirement benefits and business shares.
Contact a proven divorce lawyer serving Washington, D.C. and Maryland
The Law Offices of Jesse A. Gadson, PLLC provides comprehensive counsel to divorcing spouses, including assistance with custody, alimony and property division matters. Please call 202-972-1343 or contact me online to schedule an appointment. My office is located on Columbia Road NW in Washington, D.C.