File Divorce in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Divorce Advice

The Law Firm of Stallings & Bischoff, P.C., assists clients who want to file divorce in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Hampton Roads, Virginia.

The Virginia divorce process is essentially the same for a contested or uncontested divorce, although both require that the parties fulfill specific requirements and submit to particular timelines.

Our firm guides you through the steps of a divorce so that you can have the life you want post-divorce.

The steps to divorce are the same throughout Virginia—but our offices are the largest in Virginia Beach, so come talk to us about the steps to get through this emotional period as efficiently as possible:

Getting Divorced in Virginia

Complaint

This is your initial filing for divorce. We write it for you and file it with the right court. The court can grant certain types of relief based on your complaint. We talk out which types you want before we file.

Service of Process

Your spouse needs to be served. The Sheriff’s Department or a private server can handle this. Your spouse may voluntarily accept service, too.

Defendant’s Answer

Your spouse will answer your complaint. Either, he or she agrees to what you assert or there are issues to work out.

Pendente Lite

This is a hearing in open court that lets you settle some issues—like use of residence, attorney fees or child visitation—with a temporary order.

Discovery

This may be the longest part of your divorce. Both sides are trying to collect the information and evidence required to make their cases. You or your spouse may need to submit to interrogation or produce documents.

Trial

You may want to mediate your divorce instead of go to trial, but if a trial is necessary, our offices are fully equipped to make your case in divorce court. This may be several months out from the date of filing the complaint, but when the trial is over, you are a single person again.