Experienced Chesapeake Divorce Lawyers Deliver Strong Advocacy
Virginia firm offers spouses guidance on parental rights and financial terms
Chesapeake is known for its waterways, along with the variety of shops and restaurants that attract both visitors and locals. No matter how lovely a city might be though, marriages break down, and you might find yourself in need of a good divorce lawyer. Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law in Chesapeake gives Virginia clients the comprehensive legal support they deserve as they look to secure appropriate arrangements addressing custody, spousal support, property division and child support.
No fault and fault-based divorces are permitted under state law
After living apart for at least one year, Virginia couples can obtain a no fault divorce where no misconduct is alleged but the parties have irreconcilable differences. This period is shortened to six months for childless couples with marital settlement agreements. You can also seek a divorce based on traditional fault grounds including adultery, felony conviction and abandonment.
Skillful advocates guide clients toward the dissolution process that works best
After learning what type of terms you seek relating to spousal support, custody, child support and other matters, our Chesapeake family law attorneys can outline your options and develop a sound strategy designed to achieve your objectives. When appropriate, we look to avoid litigation through negotiation, mediation or the collaborative divorce process. Our firm is also well versed in the specific considerations that affect the divorces of childless and same-sex couples.
Property division in Virginia divorces
Marital assets to be divided during a divorce not only include the family home and car, but also property that might be more complicated to break apart, such as stocks, business shares and retirement funds. We’ll review your situation closely and advise you on which items will be split between you and your ex-spouse and which are classified as separate property and therefore not subject to division. This analysis might be affected by a prenuptial agreement if you have one. When consensus cannot be reached, Virginia’s equitable distribution law requires the judge to issue an order based on what he or she thinks is fair. The parties do not have to receive equal value.
How do I file for divorce in Virginia?
To file for a divorce in Virginia, either you or your spouse must have resided in the state for at least six months. Someone who is stationed at a military installation within Virginia for that period of time also qualifies. Our firm guides you through each step of the process, starting with the filing of a complaint in Circuit Court.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Virginia?
It’s impossible to predict how long a divorce will take, but if the required separation period has passed and spouses have reached consensus on all terms, such as child support awards and custody arrangements, the legal proceedings might be wrapped up in a few months. High-conflict cases that go to court often run longer than one year.
What is the quickest way to divorce in Virginia?
Virginia does offer an “immediate divorce” option if one party can prove the other committed adultery and files for divorce based on that fault ground. Other fault grounds and no-fault divorce require a separation period of six months or a year, depending on the specific circumstances.
How much is an uncontested divorce in Virginia?
Even when you think the terms of your marriage dissolution are uncontested, complications can arise before the marriage is legally dissolved that wind up costing more. We work to keep expenses down wherever possible, and the new law removing the third-party witness requirement makes the process more efficient.
Contact a respected Chesapeake divorce lawyer to set up a free consultation
Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law in Chesapeake advises divorcing spouses throughout the area. For a free consultation regarding your legal options, please call 757-499-2600 or contact us online.
