Contested Divorce in Virginia

Norfolk VA Contested Divorce Lawyers – Family Law Attorneys

In Virginia, a contested divorce exists when the parties involved cannot come to a mutually acceptable agreement concerning the specific terms of the divorce. The designation “contested” does not necessarily have anything to do with the placing of blame or the assertion that one party is at fault. However, one can file for divorce alleging fault, such as adultery, mental or physical abuse, or desertion. If one or more of these transgressions is present, it can impact the decision of the court concerning the division of property, child custody and support, and possible spousal support. But even when there is no fault alleged, the divorce still may be contested.

The best way to settle any dispute is through cooperative communication, and many couples can and do continue to work together to find some common ground. However, when these efforts stall, or when there are hard feeling between the parties that makes communication difficult, experienced Norfolk Virginia attorneys can often times help the couple bridge the areas of contention. Beyond that, there are also third party mediators in the area that can be called upon to utilize their conflict resolution skills to assist the couple in finding a solution that makes sense for both individuals. If these types of efforts fail to produce an agreement, it will be up to the courts to decide the terms of the divorce.

Nobody wants to be forced by the law to accept a decree that they do not think is fair, and this is certainly true when it comes to financial matters. But, it is even more difficult to accept a court decision that you do not agree with when it concerns your children. For this reason, it is always best for a couple to do everything possible to reach an agreement privately without calling on the court to decide their fate (and that of their children). However, in cases where the couple simply cannot agree to the terms of the divorce, the court can and will make the final decision.

If you are involved in a contested divorce, you should always retain the services of a reputable Norfolk VA divorce lawyer.