We Answer Your Questions About Family Law

Family law in Virginia is a complicated issue. When you have a question about family law you do not want to scour the internet looking for answers. You want to go to a reliable source that you can put your trust in.

At Pack Law, we prioritize earning the trust of our clients. From our Bedford office, we are tireless advocates and problem-solvers for people across Virginia. Here are the answers to a few of the more common questions we’ve received.

How long will my case take?

The length of your case is impossible to calculate with any degree of accuracy. There are some waiting periods in place for divorce, such as 12 months of separation before being eligible for divorce, but that is hardly an exact time frame. Your case’s duration will change based on court priorities, the type of case you’re filing and even the amount of resistance from your ex.

What are the child custody laws in Virginia?

Child custody laws in Virginia govern how the court will divide the child’s time between parents. Generally speaking, there are three types of custody.

• Joint legal custody
• Joint physical custody
• Sole custody

The primary difference between the three is the level of input and access that both parents have on the child’s life.

Which style of custody arrangement parents end up in is often one part of divorce negotiations, but should that fail, the court will make the decision. They will look to the best interests of the child to determine custody, to ensure their physical safety, mental well-being and financial security.

How is spousal support calculated?

When the court must decide to award spousal support it must review the circumstances of both parties in a divorce. The court will consider each individual’s:

• Income
• Age
• Mental and physical health
• Special circumstances
• Property

The court may also consider the length of the marriage in this discussion as well. The longer a marriage lasts, the more likely the court is to allow alimony or spousal support.

How much will child support be?

The best interests of the child will once again be the main factor in the court’s calculation of child support. However, they will also review the financial situation of both parents to ensure that a fair and equitable amount of child support.

Will I lose my house?

As Virginia divides property on an equitable basis, as opposed to a community property basis, this question can have complications. Depending on your situation, you may very well retain primary possession of your home. This is a question that requires individual, tailored advice.

What can a lawyer do for my family law issue?

We can review your case and provide you with tested, insightful advice on your specific issues. More than that we can advocate for the outcomes that work for you.

We can support you throughout your family law matter and pursue the results that you want. Contact us today by email or call us at 540-586-7225.