Divorce is one of the most sensitive and complex legal processes that a person can go through. When minor children are involved, the process can be especially heartbreaking and upsetting for everyone. When the parties can agree about disputed issues involving child custody and parenting time, child support, spousal support, and marital property division, it helps to streamline the process. However, this does not always happen, and the court might have to decide the outcome of these disputed legal issues for the divorcing spouses.
Whether your divorce is amicable or filled with conflict, you can rely on a Norfolk divorce attorney from Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, for experienced, goal-oriented legal representation. Our legal team will work to make the divorce process as simple as possible for you and can help resolve or litigate any disputed issues.
There are many reasons why a couple may wish to divorce. For instance, the couple may have disagreements about finances, or there may be domestic violence or abuse involved in the relationship. However, while couples were once required to state that one spouse was at fault for causing the marriage to end, this is no longer the case. All states now recognize some form of “no-fault” divorce, although Virginia couples still have the option of filing for divorce on fault-based grounds.
No-Fault Divorce – According to Virginia divorce laws, couples may file for a “no-fault” divorce if they have lived “separate and apart without cohabitation” for at least one year prior to filing. In some cases, this period can be shortened to six months if there are no children shared between the couple and they have entered into a separation agreement.
Remember that “no-fault” is not the same as uncontested, and there may still be disputes about property division or parental rights in a no-fault divorce.
Fault-Based Divorce – While it is not common, divorces in Virginia can still be requested on fault-based grounds. These include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, and conviction of a felony requiring at least one year of confinement. If one spouse’s behavior directly caused the marriage to end, there may be considerations for the other spouse in the divorce agreement. However, fault-based divorces are often more expensive and require longer to settle, so any advantages should be weighed carefully against the possible consequences.
An experienced Norfolk divorce attorney can help you determine the best approach to your divorce. We can also assist in resolving the many issues involved in a divorce case, including property division, child-related matters, and spousal support.
If you are in the midst of divorce proceedings or if you are contemplating a divorce, you need an experienced attorney on your side who can assist you throughout the process.
The knowledgeable divorce attorneys at Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, will do everything possible to bring about a fair and efficient resolution of your case. To request an initial case evaluation with an experienced Norfolk divorce attorney, please contact us online today.