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Roanoke Divorce Lawyers
Helping Clients Through Divorce Proceedings
Are you going through a divorce in the state of Virginia? Then you will need the assistance of a skilled family lawyer that understands how to protect your rights, assets, and property. There is a lot at stake in any divorce, but particularly in separations where children are involved or where high net worth is a factor.
At the Law Office of Seth C. Weston, PLC, we provide legal services for individuals pursuing a divorce. Whether you live in Roanoke City or any of the surrounding areas, our Roanoke family law attorneys are ready to help.
We have years of experience handling cases in Botetourt County, Roanoke County, Bedford County, and other Southwest Virginia areas. We’re dedicated to providing aggressive legal representation and honest advice to our clients.
As one of the best law firms for divorce in the state, we often hear many questions from our clients about their separation. These are some of the top questions that we get regarding divorce:
How Can I Get a Divorce in the State of Virginia?
To file for divorce in Virginia, you must be sure that you qualify first. One of the spouses needs to have lived in the state for a minimum of six months before the divorce can be filed in Virginia’s court system. This includes members of the military or armed forces that have a residency for at least six months in the state.
Virginia allows fault and no-fault divorces. Here are the requirements of each. In a no-fault divorce, the couple must be living separately for a period of at least one full year to file for divorce.
In a fault divorce, the spouse filing for divorce must have grounds to file. This includes adultery, willful abandonment or desertion, felony conviction, or reasonable fear of bodily harm.
If you can prove the grounds of adulatory, then a judge may grant the divorce without the requirement of living apart for a year.
If you meet the previous qualifications for a divorce and would like to proceed with your separation, then you need to file the necessary paperwork in your Virginia Circuit Court and pay the mandatory fees. You will be required to provide all relevant information such as the ages of dependent children and your grounds for divorce.
You should contact a skilled family law attorney to make the process as painless as possible. In a fault divorce, a lawyer will help you prove your case to the court. In both fault and no-fault divorces, the process of filing can be complex and stressful.
A good attorney will help you with the division of assets and property, spousal support or alimony, and the determination of child custody, child support, visitation, and parental rights where applicable. Divorces can be emotionally charged when so much is at stake, so it’s important to involve the help of a legal professional in these instances to take the emotion out of the equation.
How Can Divorce Lawyers in VA Help Me?
As previously mentioned, one of the most helpful things that a family lawyer can do is take the emotion out of the divorce proceeding. They will be able to advocate for your rights and fair division of assets.
In cases where children are involved, your attorney will work in the best interests of the child when helping the couple determine child custody arrangements, child support amounts, and visitation schedules. The best divorce attorneys will provide excellent, aggressive representation and honest legal advice in divorce cases.
Is Divorce the Only Way to End a Marriage in Virginia?
As a rule of thumb, a no-fault divorce is less complicated legally, but in some cases, the proof of fault may affect the division of property and assets or the alimony award.
Moreover, divorce may not always be the right option for partners who are dissolving a marriage. Legal separation is another option, and certain marriages may also qualify for an annulment.
It’s best to discuss frankly all of your options – fault divorce, no-fault divorce, and alternatives to divorce – with your family law attorney, and then thoughtfully consider your attorney’s recommendations before you take any formal legal action or file divorce papers.
How Can a Divorce Lawyer Help With an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce with the assistance of a skilled attorney can be quick and simple. The law firm will help you file the necessary paperwork for a fast resolution. Some people chose to represent themselves, also known as proceeding pro se, in an uncontested divorce.
Legally, this is allowed, but it’s recommended to involve the assistance of a skilled attorney to ensure that the process is properly followed. If you represent yourself pro se, then the judge will expect you to follow the same rules that an attorney would.
Do I Need a Roanoke Divorce Attorney for a High Net Worth Case?
It’s important to involve the help of an attorney in high net worth cases. The division of multiple, high-value assets and properties can be extremely complex. Even in agreeable breakups, couples may find it difficult to divide the marital property or assets fairly.
Asset valuation is critical in these cases, and it takes the help of a legal professional to ensure a favorable outcome. A reputable attorney with experience handling high net worth divorces will know how to keep your situation private and treat you with the dignity you deserve.
What Do Divorce Law Firms Cost to Hire?
When looking for a divorce attorney that’s affordable, it makes sense to question the fees. However, a top-rated attorney is worth every penny in a divorce.
Each law office will have their own fee structure, and the cost can vary by case. It’s important to discuss the cost with your attorney or law firm before your initial consultation. This will prevent you from being surprised by any fees you’re charged.
Many law firms offer initial consultations. In the first meeting with your divorce lawyer, you will discuss your case to better understand if the criminal defense attorney is a good fit for your family.
Be sure to ask questions about fees and the process during this initial consult. A qualified lawyer will be upfront and honest about what they charge. They can also share their track record and provide references upon request.
Call Our Award-Winning Roanoke Divorce Attorneys Today!
At the Law Office of Seth C. Weston, PLC, our legal team has helped clients through many difficult divorces over the years. Whether the divorce is uncontested or a high profile proceeding that requires experienced negotiation and aggressive advocacy, our lawyers are ready to help. Call us today at (540) 384-4585 for your no-risk consultation!
