Chesapeake Divorce Lawyer
M. Rogers & Associates Is on Your Side
The decision to divorce is never easy. If you are in the process of separating from your spouse, you probably have a lot of questions. Our Chesapeake divorce lawyer can help. We are driven to help clients restore peace and balance in their lives. Our family law firm offers free case consultations, and we often have same day appointments available.
Are you considering a divorce? M. Rogers & Associates can help. Call our divorce attorney today at (757) 828-0195 or contact us online.
Types of Divorce in Virginia
In the state of Virginia, there are two separate types of divorce: bed & board and divorce from the bonds of matrimony.
When the court has granted a divorce from bed and board, both parties are legally separated from one another, but are not allowed to remarry. The grounds for this type of divorce are:
- Desertion/abandonment
- Bodily harm and/or cruelty
When a divorce from the bonds of matrimony is permitted, the divorce is final and absolute. The grounds for this type of divorce are:
- Adultery
- Felony conviction
- Willful desertion or abandonment after one year
- Cruelty or apprehension of bodily harm one year from the date of the acts
- Living apart for a minimum of 1 year
It is important to remember that any party member who has undergone a bed and board divorce may request to have it merged into bonds of matrimony as long as one year has passed since the initial separation.
Grounds for Divorce in Virginia
A couple can file for divorce in Virginia using a variety of grounds. The state offers both no-fault and fault options for divorce.
To file for no-fault divorce in Virginia, a couple must first live separately for at least twelve consecutive months. After this period of time, they can then submit a petition for a no-fault divorce, which means that the divorce will be based on “irreconcilable differences” and not on any on spouse’s particular fault. The separation requirement can be shortened from one year to six months if the couple can show that:
- They don’t have any minor children together
- They have put together a separation agreement
Divorce based on fault grounds is also on option in Virginia. These grounds include:
- Adultery, sodomy, or buggery
- Felony conviction
- Abandonment for one year or more that is intentional
- Cruelty
Contact our firm to learn more about filing for divorce in Virginia and how to proceed with your specific situation.
We Take Care of the Details
There is a lot to consider when you are divorcing your spouse. Some clients report feeling overwhelmed by the process, but an experienced divorce attorney can help guide you. In addition to ensuring that your best interests are kept front and center, a knowledgeable lawyer will ensure all of your paperwork is in order and that you are always well-prepared for each stage of the judicial process.
Our divorce attorney in Chesapeake can help you with every aspect of your case, including:
- Determining the grounds for your divorce
- Preparing and filing your divorce petition with the courts
- Property and asset division
- Representation during mediation, hearings, and depositions
- Spousal support
- Child custody and parenting time agreements
- Child support agreements
Not all divorcing partners are on the same page, and they struggle to agree on the terms of their separation. Attorney Mandy Rogers is well-versed in how the courts handle divorce cases in Chesapeake, and she works tirelessly to provide clients with a strong legal representation that helps them feel confident in court.
Virginia Divorce FAQs
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Virginia?
In Virginia, in order for a couple to meet the residency requirement for divorce, at least one of the spouses needs to be a state resident for six months or more before filing for divorce.
What is the waiting period for divorce in Virginia?
In most cases a couple must live separately for one year before they can file for a no-fault divorce. After filing for divorce though, there is no additional waiting period.
You Are Our Priority
M. Rogers & Associates can help you at any stage of the divorce process. If you are considering separation and have questions, we have answers. Our Chesapeake divorce lawyer values strong client-attorney relationships. Our law firm is founded on tenets of integrity and professionalism, and we have good relationships with other attorneys and with the courts. We are prepared to put our knowledge and experience to work for you.
To discuss your case with an experienced Chesapeake divorce attorney, call M. Rogers & Associates at (757) 828-0195 or contact us online.