Overcoming Divorce Disputes
A contested divorce is any divorce in which the spouses cannot reach an agreement on one or more of the issues involved, including:
Contested divorce cases increase in complexity depending on the number of issues being disputed. At the Nova Family Law Group, our lawyers have decades of experience guiding our clients through challenging divorces and helping them reach positive outcomes.
Fairfax County Complex Divorce Attorneys
Before we begin any case, we believe it is important to explain the steps involved. A brief overview of the contested divorce process follows:
- The complaint for divorce is filed with the circuit court: Divorce may be requested on no-fault grounds or on fault grounds, such as adultery, cruelty, desertion or constructive desertion. Divorces granted on fault grounds are rare.
- The other spouse files an answer or a counter complaint: This needs to be done within 21 days. An answer is essentially a statement that the other spouse wishes to participate. It prevents a default judgment. A counter complaint may also be necessary.
- Pendente lite orders are issued: These are temporary orders addressing child support and visitation, alimony and spousal support, or other issues.
- The discovery process begins: This is the information-gathering process. Three tools are used: interrogatories (written questions to be answered under oath), deposition (verbal questions to be answered under oath) and production of documents (requests for documents such as income information, tax returns or credit card statements).
- Experts are enlisted: Experts may be necessary for things like real estate appraisals or other complex issues.
- Negotiation, mediation or trial: Depending on the situation, a settlement may be reached through negotiation or mediation. If that is not possible, our attorneys are prepared to take the contested divorce to trial to fight for you.
Contact the Nova Family Law Group
To schedule an appointment with one of our Fairfax contested divorce attorneys, you can call us at 703-763-0980, toll free at 866-639-8801 or send an e-mail.
