Filing a case typically begins with submitting a petition or complaint to either the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court or the Circuit Court, depending on your issue. Then you must pay a filing fee and have the documents served to the other party. Given the specific paperwork and procedural rules in Virginia, consulting a legal professional can help prevent delays or rejections.
Family Law
Family Law Attorneys
Nearly every aspect of life and business involves legalities. Family life is no different. As such, there are law firms that focus on family law. Family law is broad and encompasses several different situations. Although when people think of family law, they most often think of divorce or child custody issues, a family law attorney can also help with other proceedings dealing with family. For example, adoption, foster care, paternity, emancipation, spousal support, reproductive rights, non-parent/grandparent rights, pre/post-nuptial agreements, and LGBTQ family issues.
How a Family Law Lawyer Can Help
There are many ways that an attorney who focuses on family law can help. They help members of families to realistically work through family disputes that are often crowded by emotions. When these issues cannot be settled outside of court, a family law attorney has the experience and knowledge to help their clients navigate the courtroom. Other issues, such as surrogacy or adoption, require legal documents to be drafted, reviewed, and signed, which can all be done with the representation of a family law attorney. An attorney can ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities and that all legal requirements are met in any type of family legal matter.
Common Reasons to Hire a Family Attorney
Even though a local family law attorney can help with many different legal needs, there are several common reasons for families and individuals to seek their services. These are the most common types of cases family law offices handle:
- Divorce: Each spouse should have their own attorney who is well-versed in dividing property, creating plans for child custody and support, and calculating spousal support.
- Child custody and support: Even though these issues are dealt with in the divorce decree, situations arise from time to time that require modifications to these plans. For example, if one parent loses a job or wants to move out of state.
- Adoption/foster care: Although fostering does not necessarily require legal representation, if you plan to adopt a foster child, you will need an attorney. With so many different state laws and requirements, a family law attorney can help ensure that adoptions go smoothly.
- Paternity: Mothers often hire attorneys to help obtain child support payments from the biological fathers of their children. Sometimes biological fathers seek the services of an attorney to assist them in their efforts to be involved in the lives of their children.
Need Family Law Representation? Contact an Experienced Family Law Firm
Family law involves issues that are far-reaching, emotionally sensitive, and private. This fact is not lost on our staff. Clients turn to the family law attorneys from Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, because we have the skills and experience to effectively resolve family law matters while also providing the compassion and advocacy that each case deserves. No matter what your family law issue may be, we are here to help. Contact us to schedule your family law case review today.
FAQs About Virginia Family Law
How do I file a case in a Virginia family law court?
Will working with a family law attorney lead to a better outcome?
While no attorney can guarantee specific results, having professional representation often leads to more favorable resolutions. A skilled lawyer understands Virginia statutes, courtroom procedures, and negotiation strategies that can protect your rights. They can help you reach fair agreements regarding assets, support, and custody, potentially saving you stress and future complications.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a family lawyer?
To make your initial consultation productive, gather relevant documents beforehand. This may include marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements), and any existing court orders. If children are involved, bringing a timeline of care or potential custody schedules is also helpful.
What should I expect during my first family law consultation?
Your first meeting is an opportunity to share your story and set goals. The attorney will listen to your situation, review your documents, and explain your legal options under Virginia law. They will discuss potential strategies, timelines, and fee structures. This conversation aims to clarify your path forward and determine if the firm is the right fit for you.
Can a family law attorney represent both of us in a case?
No, a single attorney cannot represent both parties in a divorce or family law dispute, as that creates a conflict of interest. Even in amicable situations, both individuals have distinct rights that need independent protection. One attorney can serve as a neutral mediator to help both sides reach an agreement, but they cannot give legal advice to either individual during that process.
Andrew T. Richmond 
Reeves W. Mahoney
Nicole M. Thurston
Jessica N. Trotman
Alafia A. SharpeVirginia Beach Location
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