Divorce in Norfolk

The Law Firm of Stallings & Bischoff, P.C., wants you to be aware of the basic steps involved in filing divorce in Norfolk.  For specific help or advice on the divorce process, it is recommended that you speak with one of our experienced attorneys.

Filing a complaint:  The divorce process begins when one spouse (the plaintiff) or an attorney on their behalf, files documents called a Bill of Complaint for Divorce with a court, and the complaint is then delivered, or served, to their spouse (the defendant).

Answer:  The defendant has 21 days to file their response, or answer, to the allegations in the divorce papers. The case proceeds when the defendant files his or her answer, or after the 21 days pass without a response, whichever comes first.

Pedente Lite Hearing:  Either spouse may request a hearing to set temporary ground rules on issues such as:

  • Who gets child custody
  • Who gets to live in the marital home
  • Spousal support

The rules set at this hearing are only intended to last until a final divorce decree is issued by the court.

Discovery:  During this process, the spouses and their divorce attorneys obtain information from each other that is related to the case. This can be done by:

  • Deposition:  face to face questioning of the spouses and/or witnesses
  • Requests for documents
  • Interrogatories:  written questions

Divorce hearing:  Virginia law requires that specific grounds for divorce must exist.  The point of the hearing is to establish whether Norfolk spouses have legal grounds for divorce.  If the court determines that they do, a judge or commissioner then reviews the evidence, with each side having the chance to make their case, call witnesses, etc.

The final decree:  At the conclusion of the divorce hearing, a judge issues a divorce decree.  The document includes the decisions made by the judge concerning divorce issues (property, custody, alimony, etc.) and declares that the spouses are divorced.

Contact us for divorce advice in Norfolk

Norfolk divorce law firm of Stallings & Bischoff offer assistance to clients filing divorce in Norfolk.  We can help you obtain fair results in divorce issues, either through mediation or fighting on your behalf in a court of law.  We provide advice before a divorce begins as well as assistance during all phases of the divorce process. Contact us for divorce help today.