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Posted: 10/11/2016 10:17:42 AM EDT
All,

Long story short, I'm in Beijing, and got divorced in July.  Divorce went as well as could be expected, she got 30% of net, plus 1/2 of TSP and 1/2 retirement. We were adults about it, but now, the ex wont forward me the proper documents to move her HHG's back to the U.S., and refuses to send me copies of any finalized proceedings.

Anyone got a line for a attorney that will hook a brother up?  I just need the copies of the divorce documents:

•           Commonwealth of Virginia-Report of Divorce or Annulment (issued by Richmond)
•           Final order of Divorce
•            Retirement Benefits Court Order
•            Court Order acceptable for processing (FERS)

Don't mind retaining an attorney for this, but it's going to cost me a few grand to fly back just to rent a car, and be frustrated. Got divorced in Fairfax, courthouse was in Alexandria.

Thanks much.........

(Just another Irredeemable Deplorable who voted, and made DoS' head's explode)  


Link Posted: 10/11/2016 11:42:54 AM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
All,

Long story short, I'm in Beijing, and got divorced in July.  Divorce went as well as could be expected, she got 30% of net, plus 1/2 of TSP and 1/2 retirement. We were adults about it, but now, the ex wont forward me the proper documents to move her HHG's back to the U.S., and refuses to send me copies of any finalized proceedings.

Anyone got a line for a attorney that will hook a brother up?  I just need the copies of the divorce documents:

•           Commonwealth of Virginia-Report of Divorce or Annulment (issued by Richmond)
•           Final order of Divorce
•            Retirement Benefits Court Order
•            Court Order acceptable for processing (FERS)

Don't mind retaining an attorney for this, but it's going to cost me a few grand to fly back just to rent a car, and be frustrated. Got divorced in Fairfax, courthouse was in Alexandria.

Thanks much.........

(Just another Irredeemable Deplorable who voted, and made DoS' head's explode)  


View Quote


I can't help, but I'm sorry you took such as huge hit.  I guess "going our separate ways" now means "I'm taking half of your retirement with me".  
Link Posted: 10/11/2016 12:11:28 PM EDT
[#2]
Have you tried contacting the Circuit Court clerk's office for a copy?  If you are looking for a certified copy (basically a copy that is stamped with the clerk's seal and certified to be a true and accurate copy), there is generally a charge for certifying, but you may be able to mail the fee and request to them with a self-addressed stamped envelope and have them send the copies directly to you.
Link Posted: 10/11/2016 1:19:08 PM EDT
[#3]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I can't help, but I'm sorry you took such as huge hit.  I guess "going our separate ways" now means "I'm taking half of your retirement with me".  
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quoted:
Quoted:
All,

Long story short, I'm in Beijing, and got divorced in July.  Divorce went as well as could be expected, she got 30% of net, plus 1/2 of TSP and 1/2 retirement. We were adults about it, but now, the ex wont forward me the proper documents to move her HHG's back to the U.S., and refuses to send me copies of any finalized proceedings.

Anyone got a line for a attorney that will hook a brother up?  I just need the copies of the divorce documents:

•           Commonwealth of Virginia-Report of Divorce or Annulment (issued by Richmond)
•           Final order of Divorce
•            Retirement Benefits Court Order
•            Court Order acceptable for processing (FERS)

Don't mind retaining an attorney for this, but it's going to cost me a few grand to fly back just to rent a car, and be frustrated. Got divorced in Fairfax, courthouse was in Alexandria.

Thanks much.........

(Just another Irredeemable Deplorable who voted, and made DoS' head's explode)  




I can't help, but I'm sorry you took such as huge hit.  I guess "going our separate ways" now means "I'm taking half of your retirement with me".  


Why is it again divorce is so expensive?
Link Posted: 10/11/2016 1:57:42 PM EDT
[#4]
You can probably do this through the mail.  Call the Clerk's Office:  703.746.4044.
Link Posted: 10/11/2016 2:51:18 PM EDT
[#5]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Why is it again divorce is so expensive?
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
All,

Long story short, I'm in Beijing, and got divorced in July.  Divorce went as well as could be expected, she got 30% of net, plus 1/2 of TSP and 1/2 retirement. We were adults about it, but now, the ex wont forward me the proper documents to move her HHG's back to the U.S., and refuses to send me copies of any finalized proceedings.

Anyone got a line for a attorney that will hook a brother up?  I just need the copies of the divorce documents:

•           Commonwealth of Virginia-Report of Divorce or Annulment (issued by Richmond)
•           Final order of Divorce
•            Retirement Benefits Court Order
•            Court Order acceptable for processing (FERS)

Don't mind retaining an attorney for this, but it's going to cost me a few grand to fly back just to rent a car, and be frustrated. Got divorced in Fairfax, courthouse was in Alexandria.

Thanks much.........

(Just another Irredeemable Deplorable who voted, and made DoS' head's explode)  




I can't help, but I'm sorry you took such as huge hit.  I guess "going our separate ways" now means "I'm taking half of your retirement with me".  


Why is it again divorce is so expensive?


Apparently that is what they mean when they say "cheaper to keep her".  That's easier said than done, of course.

Sorry again, OP.
Link Posted: 10/11/2016 3:36:38 PM EDT
[#6]
You don't really need a lawyer here.  The documents are public record in the courthouse.  You should be able to handle it by phone/ letter.  That said, I know a guy in that area who practices in the area of divorce and family law.  I will PM you his name and number.
Link Posted: 10/11/2016 10:23:57 PM EDT
[#7]
All,

Thanks for the info.  I tried requesting the documents, but according to the website, you have to request the docket number in advance, then you have a window to view the documents. 14 hours on an airplane, rental car, and then dealing with NOVA traffic, I'd rather hire someone to get me the documents.  The big issue is that I haven't seen any copies of the final divorce decree, which almost leads me to believe that her attorney may have dropped the ball.

Oh, it's expensive, but it's worth it.  After putting up with 26 years of nastiness, it's over.  I knew it was over when I got off the plane from Iraq after 6 months, and she couldn't be bothered to show up at the airport.  

Link Posted: 10/12/2016 3:14:00 PM EDT
[#8]
She is not responsible for providing you with copies.

Your legal representative will retrieve them.

If you did not have representation you selected the really foolish option.



Link Posted: 10/12/2016 3:20:23 PM EDT
[#9]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
She is not responsible for providing you with copies.

Your legal representative will retrieve them.

If you did not have representation you selected the really foolish option.



View Quote


Way to cheer him up and help him out.

Link Posted: 10/12/2016 4:15:51 PM EDT
[#10]
I know you have checked the website, but have you tried actually contacting the clerk's office and talking to a person.  I know that it would be difficult to coordinate due to the time change, but there may be something that they can do to help you given the circumstances and your location.  Additionally, have you tried contacting your wife's attorney and asking the status?  Since you are not represented by counsel, there is nothing that prevents him from talking to you and he may be willing to forward you a copy of those documents.
Link Posted: 10/13/2016 4:53:54 AM EDT
[#11]
Thanks for all the replies and help.  In my case, the ex could have been awarded more, but she was going to get 1/2 the retirement and TSP regardless.  I'm old, kids are grown, and I only have a few years until retirement.  Divorce in your mid 50's sucks, but I just couldn't take 30 more years.  One good contracting gig post retirement and I'll be set.

Here's hoping Thailand doesn't get too bad after the King dies......but there's always Chile
Link Posted: 10/14/2016 4:45:57 AM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
All,

Long story short, I'm in Beijing, and got divorced in July.  Divorce went as well as could be expected, she got 30% of net, plus 1/2 of TSP and 1/2 retirement. We were adults about it, but now, the ex wont forward me the proper documents to move her HHG's back to the U.S., and refuses to send me copies of any finalized proceedings.

Anyone got a line for a attorney that will hook a brother up?  I just need the copies of the divorce documents:

•           Commonwealth of Virginia-Report of Divorce or Annulment (issued by Richmond)
•           Final order of Divorce
•            Retirement Benefits Court Order
•            Court Order acceptable for processing (FERS)

Don't mind retaining an attorney for this, but it's going to cost me a few grand to fly back just to rent a car, and be frustrated. Got divorced in Fairfax, courthouse was in Alexandria.



Thanks much.........

(Just another Irredeemable Deplorable who voted, and made DoS' head's explode)  


View Quote


Something is very wrong here. The Fairfax County Courthouse is in Fairfax, not Alexandria.
Link Posted: 10/14/2016 8:09:43 AM EDT
[#13]
I know, but there is a family court in Alexandria.  I thought the same thing, I lived right off of Govt.Center
Link Posted: 10/14/2016 9:19:41 AM EDT
[#14]
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Quoted:
I know, but there is a family court in Alexandria.  I thought the same thing, I lived right off of Govt.Center
View Quote


Alexandria City and Fairfax County are two separate jurisdictions with two separate clerks offices and two separate computer and filing systems.

I just spoke with the Clerk's Office in Alexandria.  They said you can do this through the mail.  You need to send a written request with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order for the amount of the documents.  If you PM me your case number I'll try to find out how much it'll be.  If you don't have your case number, PM me and I'll try to figure it out for you.

I'd go pick up the docs for you, but I'm not in VA anymore.
Link Posted: 10/14/2016 11:04:37 AM EDT
[#15]
Mailing addresses in Northern, Va often do not reflect legal jurisdictional boundaries.

McLean is a mailing address. It has no legal status.
A larger area than the strict City of Falls Church has a Falls Church mailing address.
Chantilly is another mailing address.

Fairfax City is an actual city and NOT within Fairfax County.
Cities and Counties are equal in Virginia.
Towns, Villages, etc. are subordinate to counties.

The City also pays the county to run schools for them.

Houses beside each other can be in separate jurisdictions.
Things on opposite sides of the street can be in different jurisdictions.

There are a limited number of lots that span jurisdictions.
Link Posted: 10/14/2016 11:48:08 AM EDT
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Mailing addresses in Northern, Va often do not reflect legal jurisdictional boundaries.

McLean is a mailing address. It has no legal status.
A larger area than the strict City of Falls Church has a Falls Church mailing address.
Chantilly is another mailing address.

Fairfax City is an actual city and NOT within Fairfax County.
Cities and Counties are equal in Virginia.
Towns, Villages, etc. are subordinate to counties.

The City also pays the county to run schools for them.

Houses beside each other can be in separate jurisdictions.
Things on opposite sides of the street can be in different jurisdictions.

There are a limited number of lots that span jurisdictions.
View Quote


Yep.  Alexandria City is one jurisdiction with its own courts, while the Alexandria portion of Fairfax County falls within the jurisdiction of Fairfax County.  
Link Posted: 10/14/2016 9:01:19 PM EDT
[#17]
I'm surprised Alexandria has a family court when Falls Church doesn't.
Link Posted: 10/20/2016 8:24:11 PM EDT
[#18]
If you worked with an attorney your wife hired in a cooperative manner I would think they would be willing to forward you a copy - not sure how your wife would get your retirement et al without providing any paperwork to back it up.
Link Posted: 10/21/2016 8:21:06 AM EDT
[#19]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I can't help, but I'm sorry you took such as huge hit.  I guess "going our separate ways" now means "I'm taking half of your retirement with me".  
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
All,

Long story short, I'm in Beijing, and got divorced in July.  Divorce went as well as could be expected, she got 30% of net, plus 1/2 of TSP and 1/2 retirement. We were adults about it, but now, the ex wont forward me the proper documents to move her HHG's back to the U.S., and refuses to send me copies of any finalized proceedings.

Anyone got a line for a attorney that will hook a brother up?  I just need the copies of the divorce documents:

•           Commonwealth of Virginia-Report of Divorce or Annulment (issued by Richmond)
•           Final order of Divorce
•            Retirement Benefits Court Order
•            Court Order acceptable for processing (FERS)

Don't mind retaining an attorney for this, but it's going to cost me a few grand to fly back just to rent a car, and be frustrated. Got divorced in Fairfax, courthouse was in Alexandria.

Thanks much.........

(Just another Irredeemable Deplorable who voted, and made DoS' head's explode)  




I can't help, but I'm sorry you took such as huge hit.  I guess "going our separate ways" now means "I'm taking half of your retirement with me".  


This.  Hope you bounce back well.
Link Posted: 10/21/2016 8:21:36 AM EDT
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Thanks for all the replies and help.  In my case, the ex could have been awarded more, but she was going to get 1/2 the retirement and TSP regardless.  I'm old, kids are grown, and I only have a few years until retirement.  Divorce in your mid 50's sucks, but I just couldn't take 30 more years.  One good contracting gig post retirement and I'll be set.

Here's hoping Thailand doesn't get too bad after the King dies......but there's always Chile
View Quote


Try Ukraine.
Link Posted: 10/21/2016 11:21:24 AM EDT
[#21]
I think it's pretty common for divorces in Fairfax county to go through the Alexandria court.  

I've done the statement that the couple hasn't cohabited 3 times in that court, and know multiple additional Fairfax divorces that went through it.  

That being said, sorry, can't help with the OP's original question.
Link Posted: 10/23/2016 5:41:48 PM EDT
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I'm surprised Alexandria has a family court when Falls Church doesn't.
View Quote


Falls Church City used to hire Fairfax County.
They have used Arlington County for a while now.

Falls Church City is trying to keep costs down on its relatively small jurisdiction.

They Do have their own school system at this point.





Link Posted: 10/26/2016 12:54:29 AM EDT
[#23]
because its worth it!!!

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Quoted:


Why is it again divorce is so expensive?
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
All,

Long story short, I'm in Beijing, and got divorced in July.  Divorce went as well as could be expected, she got 30% of net, plus 1/2 of TSP and 1/2 retirement. We were adults about it, but now, the ex wont forward me the proper documents to move her HHG's back to the U.S., and refuses to send me copies of any finalized proceedings.

Anyone got a line for a attorney that will hook a brother up?  I just need the copies of the divorce documents:

•           Commonwealth of Virginia-Report of Divorce or Annulment (issued by Richmond)
•           Final order of Divorce
•            Retirement Benefits Court Order
•            Court Order acceptable for processing (FERS)

Don't mind retaining an attorney for this, but it's going to cost me a few grand to fly back just to rent a car, and be frustrated. Got divorced in Fairfax, courthouse was in Alexandria.

Thanks much.........

(Just another Irredeemable Deplorable who voted, and made DoS' head's explode)  




I can't help, but I'm sorry you took such as huge hit.  I guess "going our separate ways" now means "I'm taking half of your retirement with me".  


Why is it again divorce is so expensive?

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