When Is a Virginia Divorce Lawyer Necessary? (Part A)

According to national divorce statistics, approximately 40-50% of first marriages and 67% of second marriages in the United States end in divorce. If you are facing the possibility of a divorce in Virginia, you may wonder "when is a divorce lawyer necessary?"

The truth is, it is almost always necessary to have an experienced Virginia divorce lawyer on your side to protect your best interests, even through the most amicable of divorces.

While a divorce is painful under any circumstances, the presence of children and the division of marital assets can make the process even more difficult. Working with a qualified Virginia divorce lawyer can help you navigate the complicated negotiations that often accompany a Virginia divorce, and ensure you receive the support that you need to begin your new life.

Virginia Property Settlements (Separation Agreements)

In a Virginia divorce, couples that wish to work together to quickly dissolve their marriage without long and costly court battles can opt to work together to create a property settlement agreement, also known as a separation agreement.

Creating a property settlement agreement is an ideal choice for couples who are separating amicably, as a property settlement agreement moves quickly through the court system and is not as expensive as other Virginia divorce proceedings.

A property settlement agreement will clearly spell out the responsibilities, assets, and obligations of you and your spouse after your divorce is finalized and can include:

Division of property

Child support, visitation, and custody

Other marital assets

Virginia Divorce Hearings

If you have children or assets with your spouse and are in need of mediation, your Virginia divorce will likely go to court where each of you will have the opportunity to present your case in front of a judge.

While the couple may come to court with a decided agreement, ultimately the court will issue the final terms of the divorce. During a Virginia divorce hearing, each side may present evidence in order to obtain a ruling in their favor. This evidence may include medical reports, bank records, and witness testimony from each side.

A Virginia divorce attorney can examine the specifics of your case to help you decide how much support to ask for, what child custody arrangement will work best for you and your children, and how to fairly divide your marital assets.

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