What are possible grounds for a divorce in Virginia?

In Virginia, potential grounds for fault-based divorce may include adultery, cruelty, wilful abandonment, or felony conviction of one spouse. If spouses meet legal separation requirements, they may file for a no-fault divorce. An attorney can assist you in seeking a divorce from the very first steps, including determining the grounds under which you can seek divorce and how to navigate the process of either a contested or uncontested divorce. We approach each case with the utmost compassion, listening to your situation, exploring all options available to you, and honoring your priorities.

How long does a divorce take in Virginia?

The length of time it will take to finalize your divorce depends on the disputes involved and the process required to resolve them. An uncontested divorce, in which both parties agree on major issues like how to distribute marital assets, structure child custody arrangements, and handle any child or spousal support requirements, can often be finalized in as little as a few months or potentially even a matter of weeks. However, in a contested divorce in which the spouses are unable to agree on how to handle these issues, the process can take far longer—often up to 18 months, although it’s also possible for individual cases to take even longer. Having a knowledgeable divorce attorney on your side can help you keep your case on track and ensure the process keeps moving forward as efficiently as possible.

How do I protect myself in a divorce?

In divorce proceedings in Chesapeake, VA, the stakes are high. An unfavorable divorce agreement could cost you a great deal of money, now and in the future, as well as time with your children if custody arrangements don’t go your way. To protect yourself, you need to document and safeguard your finances and retain the guidance and advocacy of a dedicated divorce attorney. You should choose legal counsel who will listen to your priorities, develop solutions based on your unique circumstances, and pursue a favorable resolution through settlement, mediation, or trial, depending on your needs.

Should I try to settle divorce disputes or go to trial?

Often, divorcing spouses don’t see eye to eye on certain matters involved in the dissolution of their marriage, including how to divide assets and property, how to manage child custody, and who should pay child support or spousal support (alimony) and in what amount. All of these disagreements need to be resolved before finalizing the divorce. Although disputes of this nature can be decided through a trial, most are resolved out of court instead. Settlement negotiations and mediation allow for more efficient and cost-effective resolutions compared to fighting legal battles in court. Divorcing spouses also maintain more control over the outcome of these cases when negotiating or mediating disputes than when a court has the final say. At The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, we possess both the skills of a trained mediator and the aggressive advocacy of an experienced litigator. Our firm is often able to reach resolutions outside of court that align with our clients’ individual priorities and protect their interests, but we’re also prepared to put forward compelling arguments in your favor at trial if necessary.

Chesapeake Divorce Lawyer | Divorce Attorney in Chesapeake, VA

Divorce Attorney in Chesapeake, VA, Representing Clients in South Norfolk, Butts Road, Deep Creek, Pleasant Grove, Western Branch, Washington, and Throughout Southeastern Virginia

If you’re approaching the end of a marriage, you need skilled legal guidance to face what’s next. The divorce process in Virginia can be a significant legal hassle with consequences that affect your future financial situation and family dynamics. Having a knowledgeable and compassionate Chesapeake divorce lawyer on your side can ensure peace of mind throughout this transition and provide the foundation you need to move forward after the dissolution of a marriage.

At The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, clients going through a divorce receive both dedicated advocacy and genuine compassion. Contact us today, and find out the difference our divorce attorney in Chesapeake, VA, can make as you navigate the divorce process.

Understanding the Divorce Process in Chesapeake, VA

In Virginia, the divorce process officially begins when one spouse—who has been a resident of the state for at least six months—files a Divorce Complaint in the Civil Intake Division of the Circuit Court, as well as other required forms. There are also civil fees that apply, including a filing fee. Generally, before the process of seeking a no-fault divorce can begin, spouses must be separated for at least six months if they have no children or at least one year if they have children together.

Once the Complaint is filed, the other spouse must be served with documents. From there, all disputes over marital property distribution, child custody, child support, and spousal support must be resolved before the divorce can be finalized. In contested divorces, in which the spouses don’t agree on how to distribute assets or manage child custody, there may be a formal discovery process, as well.

Typically, it’s beneficial to resolve these disputes outside of court, such as through settlement or mediation, rather than having to go through the ordeal of a trial and handing over the final decisions to the court. This means you may go through negotiations, settlement conferences, and meetings with a mediator on the path to achieving a divorce settlement. However, if going to trial provides the best opportunity for achieving the outcome you deserve, our Chesapeake divorce lawyer is prepared to take your case as far as necessary.

Whether disputes are resolved through settlement, mediation, or a trial, the marriage isn’t legally considered to be over until the court issues a Final Decree of Divorce.

Because Chesapeake, Virginia, is an independent city, you need to file for divorce in Chesapeake Circuit Court, which is located on Albemarle Drive. Both contested and uncontested divorces are heard in this court, as well as other types of civil cases and criminal cases.

Types of Divorce Matters Our Firm Can Assist With

As a Chesapeake divorce lawyer who provides comprehensive assistance with family law matters, The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, handles cases such as:

Chesapeake contested divorces
Chesapeake uncontested divorces
Chesapeake military divorces
Chesapeake divorces complicated by child custody, paternity, or child support disputes
Chesapeake divorces involving spousal support disputes
Chesapeake divorces influenced by prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
Chesapeake divorces involving domestic violence and protective orders
Chesapeake annulments
Chesapeake separations and formal separation agreements

Divorce is a much more nuanced type of legal matter than many people realize, but our firm can assist you with everything from developing creative solutions to complex disputes to diffusing high-tension situations with professionalism and compassion.

Areas Served in Chesapeake, VA

Located in the South Hampton Roads, part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, Chesapeake is more than a destination along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The population of Chesapeake, the second-most populous city in Virginia, encompasses tens of thousands of married couples. The reality is that, at some point during many of these relationships, it may become clear to one or both parties that the marriage isn’t working.

Our firm serves clients throughout Chesapeake’s six boroughs:

South Norfolk
Butts Road
Deep Creek
Pleasant Grove
Western Branch
Washington

We also represent clients in divorces and other family law matters in adjacent cities and counties in Virginia, including:

Virginia Beach to the east
Suffolk to the West
Norfolk and Portsmouth to the north

About Divorce in Chesapeake, VA

Whether your family lives in one of the urban areas of Chesapeake, in the suburbs, or in the rural regions, you need legal guidance that will protect what you’ve spent your life building and pave the way for life after divorce.

The Advantages of Retaining an Experienced Divorce Attorney in Chesapeake, VA

Going through a divorce is difficult and draining, not only emotionally but also in terms of managing the demands of the legal process.

Sorting out complex disputes over property distribution, custody arrangements, and support payments can be a stressful experience. Often, the more high-tension a divorce, the more challenging the process of resolving these disputes can be.

Even in the case of uncontested divorces—in which the spouses generally agree on the big issues that need to be decided before the marriage dissolution can be finalized—managing the full legal process with precision is critical. Otherwise, you’re facing potential delays, complications, and added costs, all of which can make an already challenging experience even more frustrating.

Having a Chesapeake divorce attorney at The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, to guide you through the process can streamline the dissolution of a marriage. From assisting you with legal filings to facilitating fair resolutions to the most pressing disputes involved in your divorce, our firm provides comprehensive support for clients at any stage of the divorce process.

Why Choose The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, as Your Chesapeake Divorce Lawyer?

At The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, we’re known for our excellent reputation in legal practice, our unwavering commitment to clients, and the unique perspective of both a mediator and a litigator.

A History of Excellence in Family Law Practice

Our firm is known for excellent representation and proven results in the practice of family law. Through meticulous case preparation, careful attention to detail, and precise handling of complex situations, we help our clients achieve divorce agreements that preserve what matters most to them and ensure they aren’t taken advantage of by their former spouses.

The Dedication to Advocate Effectively for Clients

We know how much committed representation matters when you’re facing your former spouse in the legal process and fighting to retain assets, support, and child custody. By advocating constantly for our clients’ needs and pursuing the outcome they deserve, we fiercely protect their interests and provide the foundation they need for life after divorce.

The Dual Experience of a Mediator and Litigator

Settlement negotiations, mediation, and courtroom representation all have their place in the divorce process in Chesapeake, VA. As both an accomplished mediator and an experienced trial lawyer, attorney Laura McQuesten brings a balanced perspective that facilitates both creative problem-solving and compelling representation in courtroom proceedings.

Contact a Chesapeake Divorce Lawyer at The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, Today for Your Initial Case Evaluation

The earlier in the divorce process that you retain a skilled attorney to assist you, the better our firm can take over the demands of the legal system for you. Going through a divorce is difficult enough without the added burdens of stumbling through the legal process alone.

For help from a divorce attorney in Chesapeake, VA, contact The Law Office of Laura L. McQuesten, PLLC, online or call 757-720-7516 today.

Chesapeake Divorce Lawyer