Contested Divorce in Virginia Beach

Are you anticipating troubled roads ahead?

Considering the amount of energy, emotions, and financial investment that goes into building a marriage, it is understandable why a divorce can be friendly or not so much. Given the increase in marital breakdown in society, you probably know couples who have been affected by a bad divorce, and hopefully yours won't be one of them.

My name is Keri A. Markiewicz, and as a Virginia Beach divorce attorney with over 20 years of experience, I am aware of what you stand to lose in a divorce and how even friendly divorces have a way of taking a turn for the worse. If you are worried about your rights to your children or property, I will protect your best interests and navigate you through the troubled waters of divorce, every step of the way.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Regardless if a couple has been married for five years or twenty, dissolving a marriage is a complicated process which involves property division, debt division, and other financial matters that can raise complicated legal problems, especially when there are children involved.

While few divorces are free of disagreements, the majority of couples are able to come to a voluntary settlement agreement on matters pertaining to property and debt division, alimony, child support, and child custody, with the help of their respective attorney and without interference from the court. These divorces are considered "uncontested divorces," they move through the courts faster and they are less expensive than a contested divorce.

What makes a divorce contested?

Unfortunately, emotional tensions can make it difficult, if not impossible for the divorcing parties to reach a voluntary settlement agreement – this would be classified as a "contested" divorce. Ideally and in an effort to save you time and money, I would be able to negotiate a settlement agreement with your spouse and his or her attorney. But, if all efforts at diplomacy fail and we cannot reach a fair agreement, then the next step will be to have your case heard before the judge of the Circuit Court.

Contact a Compassionate Legal Representative

As a family law attorney equipped with specialized knowledge of adversarial divorce proceedings, I can help you be aware of your rights and obligations under this complex field of family law.