Contested Divorce in Virginia – Protect Your Rights and Your Family
The end of a marriage is never easy. It’s even tougher when you and your spouse are unable to agree on issues such as child custody, property division, child support or spousal support. When this happens, it is called a contested divorce, and it can affect every part of your life, including your financial security and your family’s future.
At Virginia Family Law Center, we understand that your case is about protecting the people you love most and defending your rights. That’s why our experienced team of attorneys are here to guide you through this process.
What Is a Contested Divorce in Virginia?
A Contested Divorce means you or your spouse disagree about any or all of these issues:
- Division of property and assets
- Child custody and visitation schedules
- Child support or spousal support (alimony)
- Fault grounds for divorce
Unlike an uncontested divorce, which can be resolved through an agreement between the parties, a contested divorce often requires litigation in court. Contested divorces frequently require increased legal preparation, negotiation, engaging in gathering evidence through discovery, the potential need for witnesses, depositions, subpoenas, litigation, and other legal services.
Protecting Your Rights as a Parent
A contested divorce will have a major impact on every part of your life, including where your children live, how much child support or spousal support is provided, and how marital property and assets are divided.
Not knowing your rights, and what you are legally entitled to, could cost you time, money, and even custody. You deserve an advocate who knows how important this process is and defends what matters most to you.
The Contested Divorce Process in Virginia
Here’s what you can expect when filing for a contested divorce.
- Filing – A contested divorce formally begins when one spouse files a Complaint for Divorce in the Virginia Circuit Court. Your spouse is served with the complaint and then can file an Answer disputing or agreeing to your claims.
- Evidence Gathering – This is where we begin building your case. With over 30-years of experience in Virginia family law, we know how to build compelling arguments with evidence.
- Motions & Hearings – If there are specific issues that immediate attention, such as temporary orders for child support, child custody, use of the marital home, or preventing the dissipation of assets, we represent you in all motions and hearings.
- Trial – If you and your spouse cannot come to a settlement agreement, our team is ready to litigate for your interests in court.
- Final Decree – After trial or settlement, the judge will issue a final divorce decree outlining all decisions concerning property division, child support, child custody & visitation, and other matters.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take?
Contested divorces can take anywhere between 6 months to over a year to finalize. The contested divorce timeline is impacted by the complexity of the issues in your case, your spouse’s willingness to cooperate, and court availability.
Take The First Step. Schedule a Consultation.
At Virginia Family Law Center, we believe everyone deserves client-centered customer service and zealous advocacy. If your marriage is on the path to divorce, call us today at 703.865.5839 to schedule a free “Get To Know You” call with our Client Intake Specialist.
