Richmond Divorce Lawyers

A Virginia divorce will be decided according to due diligence and good faith negotiations. An attorney with a comprehensive understanding of Virginia law and well-developed interpersonal skills can help you identify and achieve your legal goals.

At Barnes & Diehl, we maintain two Richmond-area offices to help clients secure timely and cost-effective resolutions to issues and disputes that arise when a married couple chooses to live apart and begin separate lives.

A Tradition Of Experience And Dedication To Family Law Issues

Even when a divorce is uncontested by both parties, you will still need a skilled legal advocate to properly draft, review and file all necessary paperwork to ensure that your rights are protected and that your agreements are legally sound. Consult with one of our attorneys regarding any of the issues below that your family law case involves.

• Divorce – contested and uncontested:
• Alimony or spousal support
• Asset protection and equitable distribution of assets in divorce
  • Distribution of compensation, such as ROTHs, RSU, RSA, RSG, restricted stock awards and grants
  • Distribution of retirement plans and pensions, such as 401(k) accounts and individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
  • Effects on a business and tax issues
  • Debt allocation
• Child custody and support agreements
• Adoption issues, including stepparent adoption

Other areas of our practice may also meet your needs, as described below.

• Estate planning, wills and trusts: An estate plan after a divorce is a necessity to account for changing life circumstances and to clearly state your wishes related to assets and the care of minor children.
• Misdemeanor and felony criminal defense: We defend against charges related to accusations of domestic violence, child molestation or sexual assault, including false or retaliatory accusations intended to influence divorce and custody cases.

Alternative Dispute Resolution In Divorce

At the offices of Barnes & Diehl, you will find experienced Richmond, Virginia, divorce attorneys capable of aggressively representing our client’s interests at all levels of the state and federal courts. We are, however, strong advocates for mediation, judicial settlement conferences and other non-court solutions where appropriate.

In many cases, thoughtful negotiation can save you time, money and allow more flexible agreements than what might be mandated by the courts.

Is Virginia A No-Fault Divorce State?

Yes, Virginia is a no-fault divorce state. This means you don’t have to prove wrongdoing on the part of the other spouse to get a divorce. To qualify for a no-fault divorce, however, you must have lived separately for at least one year, or six months if you have no minor children and have signed a separation agreement.

Virginia also allows fault-based divorces, which require proving misconduct such as adultery, cruelty or desertion. Our lawyers can help you decide whether it makes sense to pursue fault-based divorce.

How Are Contested And Uncontested Divorces Different?

In contested divorces, the parties do not agree on important aspects of the divorce such as custody, property division or spousal support. Contested cases may require court involvement. They can be lengthy, expensive and emotionally taxing. In contrast, an uncontested divorce means both parties agree on all terms, allowing for a more streamlined and cost-effective process.

The main difference lies in the level of conflict and court involvement. Even in uncontested cases, it’s wise to consult an experienced divorce lawyer to protect your rights and interests.

How Can I File For Divorce In Richmond, Virginia?

To file for divorce in Richmond, you or your spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months. You will need to file a petition in the appropriate circuit court. You’ll need to state your grounds for divorce, whether no-fault or fault-based, and submit supporting documents like a separation agreement. You will also need to serve your spouse with divorce papers in a legally acceptable method.

Throughout the divorce process, having legal representation can make a big difference. An experienced divorce lawyer can guide you through complex procedures, advocate for your rights and explore options like mediation or collaborative divorce to resolve disputes efficiently.

Contact A Divorce Lawyer

Since 1978, Barnes & Diehl has helped families in RVA and throughout Virginia struggling through a divorce to avoid issues and find closure. If you are considering a divorce or have been served with divorce papers, reach out to a divorce attorney at our offices in Richmond/Chesterfield and Henrico today for a comprehensive review of your rights and responsibilities.

Call 800-626-9310​ or send an email inquiry to schedule a consultation.