Winchester Contested Divorce Lawyers
Guiding Clients Through the Process of Contested Divorce in Virginia
In an ideal divorce situation, both parties agree to part ways without dispute over property, child custody, or grounds for divorce. However, in reality, most divorce cases are not that simple.
In Virginia, a contested divorce is a case where the court will have to decide on matters that you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement upon. During the trial, the judge will listen to both parties and make an informed decision on each issue.
A contested divorce can even last several months to over a year.
In a contested divorce, the judge may have to decide on certain matters such as:
- Child and spousal support
- Child custody (legal and physical)
- Property division
- Alimony
- Attorney fees
- Financial settlement
To help protect your rights and interests in a contested divorce in Virginia, seek the representation of a Winchester family law attorney from Amable Law. We are experienced and dedicated to providing the personal attention our clients need.
Going through contested divorce in Virginia? Contact our attorney today at (540) 739-2001 to get started with your case!
The Process of Contested Divorce in Virginia
If you have decided on filing for divorce, you must first determine the jurisdiction of your divorce. If you have been living consistently in Virginia in the last six months, you may be eligible to file your divorce in the state.
The next steps are as follow:
- File a complaint and notify your spouse by sending him/her a copy.
- Your spouse files an answer by either admitting or denying the claims and possibly raising defenses and counterclaims.
- Discussion of various issues through the separation agreement known as the discovery process.
How Long Does Contested Divorce Take in Virginia?
On average, a contested divorce can take anywhere between a six to eighteen months to complete. Contested divorce begins to stretch out into vast amounts of time as you and your spouse can contest each other’s claims over and over and not be able to agree. Temporary orders, such as for child support, are heard and decided on by the court.
When counterclaims, depositions, and mediation are unable to solve the disagreements, your and your spouse may request a court date to go over disputed issues. Depending on how busy the court is, this can take six to eight months before the disputed issues go to court and then after the court date, you may have to wait even longer as the judge reviews evidence and testimonials to make a decision and create a written decree.
Why You Must Hire a Contested Divorce Attorney
Since spouses cannot come to an agreement on one or more divorce-related terms, contested divorces are a serious matter that requires the assistance of an experienced attorney. A contested divorce lawyer can help ensure that all legal aspects of your case are handled properly, including paperwork and court proceedings. They can also help you reach a fair settlement with your spouse in terms of property division, child custody, spousal support, and other divorce-related matters.
Hiring a contested divorce attorney will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your interests are being represented by someone who knows the law and has experience dealing with divorce cases similar to yours. Your attorney can advocate for your rights in court and protect you from any unfair outcomes or settlements proposed by your spouse’s attorney. Additionally, they will assist you in understanding the legal process and the potential outcomes of your case, so that you can make informed decisions throughout the divorce proceedings.
Lastly, having a contested divorce attorney on your side gives you an edge in contested divorces. By relying on their expertise and guidance, you can ensure that all of your rights are safeguarded and that any settlements or court rulings are fair to both parties involved. All in all, hiring a divorce lawyer is key to ensuring that your interests remain protected during the entire process.
Let Our Winchester Contested Divorce Attorney Help You
At Amable Law, we know how emotionally draining a contested divorce is. Fortunately, you do not have to go through this alone. With us as your representation, you can be sure that we have your best interests at heart. We are prepared to go above and beyond to help you obtain the most favorable outcomes for your case. Additionally, you can trust that we will strive to ensure that your contested divorce will be finalized quickly and in a cost-efficient manner.
Contact a knowledgeable Winchester family lawyer to guide you through your contested divorce in Virginia. Call Amable Law at (540) 739-2001. Se Habla Español.
