NOVA Legal Professionals serves families throughout the Greater Fredericksburg Area in Virginia. We provide a wide range of legal services, and we are committed to helping families achieve positive, sustainable, and mutually beneficial outcomes. We can assist you with matters related to divorce, child custody, spousal support, child support, domestic violence, protection orders, and much more. We understand that when you are dealing with family matters, a certain degree of consideration and care is important. With the help of our legal team, you can pursue these matters in ways that have minimal impacts on your family, your children, and your general well-being.
What is Family Law in Virginia?
Family law is a rather broad term that refers to a wide range of possible legal matters. Family law attorneys handle cases involving divorces, protection orders, child custody, and much more. Family law is an especially important aspect of our legal system in Virginia, since it has the power to impact our lives in real, tangible ways. Some might even argue that relationships between spouses, children, and parents form the foundation of our very society. Because the family structure is so important to the well-being of our nation, family law attorneys play a vital role in this country, down to our local communities.
Practice Areas – Virginia Family Law In Detail
Family law encompasses many other practice areas. Here are some examples of what a family law attorney can help with:
Divorce: When many Virginians hear the phrase “family law attorney,” they immediately think “divorce.” It is true that a large number of family law cases involve divorce, and this is definitely something we can assist you with. Like every other state, Virginia has its own unique laws when it comes to divorce.
One of the most important requirements is that both spouses live apart for at least one year. However, you can reduce this number to just six months if you have no children and sign a separation agreement. You can also file for a “no-fault” divorce or a “fault-based” divorce. If you file for a fault-based divorce, you will need to prove that your spouse is guilty of some kind of marital misconduct, such as adultery, cruelty, and abandonment. Learn more about how we help Greater Fredericksburg Area residents with divorce here.
Child Custody: We also handle a considerable number of child custody cases in any given year. The prospect of losing your children can be almost unthinkable for many parents in Virginia, and understandably so. Because of the close bond between parent and child, many spouses are willing to fight tooth and nail for primary custody after a divorce.
Perhaps you believe that your spouse is unfit to act as a parent. Maybe your spouse has lied about your parenting abilities, resulting in you losing custody for no real reason. Whatever the case may be, our experienced child custody attorneys can help you pursue a positive legal outcome. Learn more about how we help with Child Custody here.
Protective Orders: Many spouses stay in abusive marriages because they fear retribution from their spouses. This is one of the most tragic situations imaginable, but it is avoidable with the right legal strategy. Victims of domestic violence can team up with one of our qualified family law attorneys to achieve safety and security.
A family law attorney can help these victims pursue a protective order, which protects them from further harm. Emergency protective orders can be granted within the space of just a few days. These court orders can then become permanent. Victims can also receive emergency financial assistance in the form of temporary child support and alimony, allowing them to live independently without worrying about money. Learn more protective orders here.
What Does a Virginia Family Law Attorney Do?
A family law attorney will carry out a number of important tasks as they represent you in all legal matters. The process starts with an initial consultation, during which your attorney will go over your case. They will then try to gather as much information and evidence as possible over the next few weeks or months. This is known as the “discovery” phase of the pre-trial process. During this period, they might request police reports, obtain depositions, gather financial documents, and search for anything else that they think might be helpful to your case.
In the case of a divorce, a family law attorney might also represent you at the negotiating table during the collaborative law process. With this approach, spouses can mutually agree upon aspects of their divorce and create a separation agreement without going to trial. This agreement will outline how various issues are handled, such as child support, alimony, property division, child custody, and so on. With an attorney by your side, you can ensure that this separation agreement is serving your best interests.
If spouses cannot agree on certain matters, your family law attorney will represent you in court during the trial process. They will present evidence on your behalf, question witnesses, and help you convince the judge to rule in your favor. For example, there might be a dispute about child custody. With the help of a qualified attorney, you can prove that your former spouse is unfit to be a parent due to something like a substance abuse issue. The judge could then rule in your favor and grant you primary custody.
Your attorney can also help you obtain a temporary protective order if you are being victimized at home by your spouse. With the help of your lawyer, this court order can be granted quickly and without unnecessary and potentially dangerous delays. A hearing will follow, during which your lawyer will prove that you are in genuine danger of being harmed.
Reach Out Today
If you would like to explore your options with a family law attorney serving the Greater Fredericksburg Area, Virginia, look no further than NOVA Legal Professionals. We have helped countless spouses, parents, and concerned family members pursue positive legal outcomes over the years. Thanks to a wealth of experience in family law, we can assist you with a variety of potential cases.
Whether you are pursuing a divorce, a child custody order, a protective order, or any other family law case, we are here to help. We understand that these situations can be difficult for family members. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Reach out today, and we can help you move forward.
Serving the Greater Fredericksburg Area including Stafford County, Caroline County, Spotsylvania County, and King George County