Virginia Beach Divorce Lawyers Deliver Strong Counsel
Experienced Hampton Roads attorneys advise on custody and alimony issues
As the state’s largest city and a major seaside destination, Virginia Beach attracts families from all over the globe who want to enjoy the boardwalk, the aquarium and the history that dates back more than four centuries. Unfortunately, marital discord exists even in the best locations, and when you’re going through a divorce, finding a qualified family lawyer is a top priority. Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law in Virginia Beach represents area spouses in marriage dissolution proceedings and can help you pursue favorable parenting and financial arrangements.
Fault-based versus no fault divorce grounds
After living apart for at least one year, Virginia couples can obtain a no fault divorce, where neither party needs to prove misconduct on the other’s part, just assert that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This period is shortened to six months for childless couples with marital settlement agreements. You can also seek a divorce based on fault grounds if your spouse committed adultery, was convicted of a felony or is guilty of abandonment.
Knowledgeable counselors advise on marriage dissolution options
When you first meet with one of our attorneys, we will outline the various methods you can use to conclude your marriage. After learning what type of terms you seek relating to spousal support, custody, child support and other matters, our family law attorneys can outline your options and develop a sound strategy designed to achieve your objectives. In many cases, we can help you avoid the time and expense of court by settling issues 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 under Virginia law
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 which items will be split between you and your ex and which are classified as separate property, and therefore not subject to division. 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, which won’t always mean an equal 50/50 split.
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 exactly how long a divorce will take, but if the required separation period has passed and spouses have reached consensus on all terms, 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” 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?
Each divorce case has unique elements, and even those that might seem uncontested can change once parties consider the potential consequences. 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 skillful lawyer for a free consultation about your Virginia Beach divorce
Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law in Virginia Beach handles divorce proceedings for clients throughout the Hampton Roads area. To set up a free consultation, please call 757-499-2600 or contact us online.