Your Roanoke Divorce Lawyer: We Can Help

At Magee Goldstein Lasky & Sayers, PC, we bring extensive knowledge and experience to your divorce and all of the issues it will involve. Our attorneys understand how difficult and challenging it can be to break up a marriage and family. You are likely wondering any of the following:

• What is the Process for Filing for Divorce in Virginia?
• How Does Adultery Affect Divorce in Virginia?
• Can I File for Divorce in Virginia Without a Lawyer?
• How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Virginia?
• Who Gets the House in a Virginia Divorce?
• How Quickly Can I Get Divorced in Virginia?
• What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Virginia?
• How Do I Prepare for Divorce Mediation in Virginia?
• What Are My Rights in a Virginia Divorce?

Going through this transition can lead to all kinds of emotions, worries, and uncertainty. We are here to guide you through the process in the least painful manner, such as through conciliatory methods rather than through distressing courtroom battles. However, regardless of the path your divorce takes, our priority is to be your trusted and tenacious advocate throughout.

Need legal help from our Roanoke divorce lawyers? Schedule a free consultation online or call (540) 343-9800  for assistance.

Divorce in Virginia

In all divorces, the following issues must be resolved to the satisfaction of the court:

• Child custody and visitation

• Child support

• Spousal support where it is sought or contested

• The division of marital property and debt

For some couples with little to no assets and no children, a no-fault separation agreement may be simple. For others, however, with children and more complex marital property, spousal support and the division of marital property, child custody and support, and other matters may require much more analysis, planning, and determination.

Keep in mind:

• If you and your spouse can agree upon these issues outside of court, you can submit your settlement agreement to the judge for approval.

• If you cannot, you may need to negotiate or mediate the issues.

• If compromise still cannot be reached, you may need to litigate these matters in court, at which point the divorce process becomes “contested.”

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

There are two different types of divorce in Roanoke: contested and uncontested.

Divorces may also be classified by the grounds for ending the marriage, such as whether a couple is filing for a no-fault or fault-based divorce.

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on all issues related to the divorce. That means they either already agree or have come to a compromise on alimony, child custody, asset division, etc.

Generally, uncontested divorces are obtained through Virginia’s no-fault divorce option. Under this option, you and your spouse can get a divorce if you have lived separate and apart for at least a year.

For couples without minor children, you can obtain a divorce after having lived separate and apart for only six months—that is, as long as you have made a valid separation agreement.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Virginia?

You might be wondering, “How quickly can I get divorced?” The quickest uncontested divorces may take as little as 30 to 90 days and, in some cases, court appearances may not be required. A contested divorce may take longer.

What Is a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce is one in which parties disagree on divorce-related issues.

Fault-based divorces are generally contested due to the fact that you must prove marital misconduct in court. In Roanoke, these types of divorces take longer due to the need for the gathering and documentation of supporting evidence and the preparation of your case. They may still be negotiated or mediated to a resolution.

However, without coming to an agreement on the divorce issues, a judge will have to make a decision on all divorce-related matters based on the evidence presented by both sides.

Grounds for a Fault-Based Divorce:

• Adultery

• A felony conviction that involves a minimum of one year in prison with some time served

• Desertion or abandonment

• Cruelty (fear of physical harm)

In a fault-based divorce, you will have to provide specific evidence of the alleged misconduct. Proven fault in a divorce may have an impact on how the court determines such matters as spousal support and the division of marital property. Our contested divorce attorneys are highly skilled in handling these types of family law disputes.

Proven Roanoke Uncontested & Contested Divorce Attorneys

Magee Goldstein Lasky & Sayers, PC has been assisting clients in both the uncontested and contested divorce process since 1980. We will work to resolve your differences with your spouse in a fair and just manner, whether through negotiation or litigation.

The decisions you make in your divorce can have a huge impact on your finances, your children, and your future. We are here to provide counsel and advocacy so that you can navigate this process with confidence and security.

Contact a Roanoke divorce lawyer online to get the help you need today.