Norfolk Attorneys Guide Clients Through Uncontested Divorce
Experienced Virginia lawyers help ease the stress of ending your marriage in the Hampton Roads area
We chose to locate one of our law offices in Norfolk, Virginia, where the historic Elizabeth River flows into Chesapeake Bay, for good reason. As an independent city, it has its own trial-level courts. With about 245,000 inhabitants, Norfolk is the second most populous city in the Commonwealth, exceeded only by nearby Virginia Beach. As the hub of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, it is conveniently placed for the 1.7 million people who live in the region, many of whom are military families stationed at the largest naval base in the world. When area families face legal challenges, we are ready to help. At Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law, we provide a full range of family law services to Hampton Roads residents, including the option of an uncontested divorce.
The advantages of an uncontested divorce in Norfolk
Norfolk is also a prime location for divorces in Virginia, because its judges are known for their relatively favorable consideration of divorce petitions. In fact, the city handles 10 percent of all divorces in the commonwealth despite having only three percent of Virginia’s population. You can make your divorce even easier if you do not contest it. Because you and your spouse settle rather than fight over divorce issues in an uncontested divorce, there is no need for a trial, so the process is quicker, less stressful and less expensive.
Why you need an attorney in an uncontested divorce
While uncontested divorce is an easier method for ending your marriage, it is still important to hire a lawyer to guide you through the process and help you reach agreement on the relevant issues such as:
- Property division, which involves determining what constitutes marital property and what constitutes separate property
- Alimony
- Child custody and visitation schedules and arrangements
- Child support
Consulting with your own attorney ensures that your interests are protected while these issues are resolved. A lawyer can also make sure that you meet the qualifications for filing in Norfolk. First, at least one spouse must reside in Virginia for at least six months and at least one of you must have resided in Norfolk itself. You must have a legally recognized ground for divorce. You can divorce on a no-fault ground if you have been living separate and apart for a period of time: one year if you have children and six months with a separation agreement and no children. There are also several fault grounds without time requirements. Your attorney can advise you on grounds and help you complete and file the paperwork correctly.
Uncontested divorces for members of the military
An uncontested divorce may be particularly useful for military families, because it allows soldiers and sailors to waive the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which limits the ability to sue members of the U.S. Armed Services. However, military divorces involve specialized rules that do not exist for civilian divorces, such as where to file, child custody and support determinations, the division of military pensions and post-divorce healthcare. That’s why it’s essential to hire an attorney with a deep understanding of those rules. Fortunately, at Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law, we have the experience and knowledge to offer sound counsel to service members and their spouses when they seek to end their marriages.
Knowledgeable Norfolk attorneys assist with your uncontested divorce
At Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law, we know how to protect your best interests in an uncontested or contested divorce. To schedule a free initial consultation today in our Norfolk, Virginia office, contact us online.
