Introduction of a Virginia Pendente Lite Hearing

When you and your spouse are ending your marriage, you should become familiar with the terminology associated with divorce in Virginia. Pendente lite is one of the terms you may hear from your Hampton divorce attorney.

Pendente lite translates to "pending litigation." At a pendente lite hearing, the judge addresses the pressing matters in the divorce and makes temporary decisions regarding them. These temporary judgments often stay in effect until the final decisions are made during divorce litigation.

In a divorce, there are many important matters like the court needs to decide:  

• whether there will be spousal support;
• how much child support needs to be paid;
• which parent will have custody of the children; and
• which spouse will be living in the marital home.  

The court looks at much financial information along with your child's progression and happiness to make the decisions about support in pendente lite hearings. The decisions may be changed at a later time as the case goes on and further information is obtained.

Often, the date for the pendente lite hearing is sent along with the Complaint for Divorce. It's important that you appear at this hearing, and that you have your Hampton divorce attorney with you. 

Contacting a Virginia Divorce Attorney

Throughout your divorce proceedings, you'll naturally have a lot of questions specific to your circumstances. Get your questions answered by requesting one of our FREE divorce guides for women, or reserving your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.

The Virginia divorce attorneys at Hofheimer/Ferrebee are committed to fighting for your rights, assisting in child custody disputes, and advocating that you receive everything you are entitled to and need in order to start your new life.