×
Menu
Search

Family Law Attorneys Norfolk

Home/Family Law Attorneys Norfolk

Family law addresses matters like divorce and the terms of divorce, but its reach is far broader. If you need a post-divorce modification, if you have child custody concerns outside of marriage, or if you are interested in adopting or need to establish paternity – you’ll need to turn to family law. When your family is involved, it is an important matter, and working closely with an experienced family law attorney in Norfolk is in your best interest. 

The Division of Marital Property

In the State of Virginia, divorcing couples must divide community property – or those assets they acquire during the course of their marriage – equitably. This means that these assets must be distributed between you in a way that the court considers fair in the face of wide-ranging factors. 

Child Custody Arrangements

Child custody arrangements, including legal custody and visitation, are another primary divorce term – and family law matter – in Virginia. Child custody is addressed in terms of both legal custody and physical custody (or visitation). Legal custody addresses parental decision-making authority for major determinations such as the following:

  • The school your children attend
  • The health care your children receive
  • The religious upbringing your children receive
  • The extracurriculars that your children participate in

Child Support

Child support is calculated in accordance with state guidelines, but the court has the discretion to rule otherwise when there are mitigating circumstances involved. 

Spousal Support

Spousal support or alimony is designed to provide a spouse who loses considerable financial ground with divorce the help he or she needs to become more financially independent. Alimony is only ordered when the payor has the financial means to help, and it is generally temporary.

Adoption

Adoption allows parents to expand their families and enrich their lives, but the legal process is complicated and having professional legal counsel on your side is the surest path forward. 

Paternity

In Virginia, a child’s father must be determined if the parents are not married at the time of his or her birth. If both parents are in agreement on the matter, all that’s required is filing a signed document, but if there is any question on either side, a paternity test will need to be ordered. 

Establishing paternity is generally beneficial to everyone involved. Consider the following:

  • The child benefits by knowing the love of both parents, having the financial support of both parents, the protections of inheritance rights on the father’s side, knowing his or her paternal health history, and much more.
  • The father benefits from the opportunity to establish a lifelong bond with the child.
  • The mother benefits from the financial assistance of child support and from the visitation schedule the father has with the child.

Consult with an Experienced Family Law Attorney in Norfolk Today

The compassionate family law attorneys at Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, in Norfolk, Virginia, have an impressive track record of helping clients effectively and efficiently resolve their family law concerns. We’re on your side, so please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us for more information today.