Northern Virginia's Family Law Firm

Divorce

A divorce can be a stressful experience—whether it’s contested or uncontested. The best divorce lawyers can alleviate some of the emotional burden. Our experienced attorneys can give you peace of mind, by providing a steady hand throughout settlement negotiations and, if necessary, trial. Our attorneys have years of experience with contested divorce cases under each of the fault-based grounds in Virginia, including adultery, cruelty (mental or physical) and desertion (actual or “constructive”). We also handle uncontested divorces, under the no-fault grounds of (1) separation for at least twelve months or (2) separation for at least six months, with a separation agreement and no minor children. For more information, see our Guide to Divorce in Virginia.

Child Custody and Visitation

Nothing is more important than securing a custody and visitation schedule that is in your child’s best interests. Our attorneys are veterans of many tough custody battles, fighting on behalf of mothers, fathers and grandparents in custody cases across Northern Virginia. We have expertise both with initial custody determinations and also cases involving relocation of custodial parents or modification of prior court orders. For more information on Virginia custody and visitation law, including the types of custody in Virginia, the factors used by courts in deciding custody, modification, relocation and denial of visitation, see our Guide to Custody in Virginia.

Separation

Unlike many other states, Virginia does not have legal separations granted by courts. However, a married couple may enter into a separation agreement, stipulating that they will live apart and divide their property and debts in a certain way. These agreements usually resolve any other outstanding issues, such as child custody and visitation, child support and spousal support. With such an agreement in place, once the parties have separated and lived apart for six months (with no minor children) or twelve months (with minor children), either party may then file for divorce on the ground of separation. Entering into a separation agreement without the advice of experienced counsel can result in a deal with terrible, long-lasting financial and legal consequences. Make sure your interests are protected—never sign a separation agreement without at least reviewing it with an experienced family law attorney. For more information, see our Guide to Separation in Virginia.

Military Divorce

Military divorce cases involve a complex intersection of federal and state law, involving issues of military retirement, the Survivor Benefit Plan, disability pay, and the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act. The attorneys at Livesay & Myers, P.C. have years of experience representing servicemembers and spouses in military divorce cases. For more information, see our Guide to Military Divorce in Virginia.

Other Family Law Matters

Our attorneys handle every other type of family law matter in Virginia, including child support, annulment, adoption, premarital agreements, name changes and protective orders.