Richmond Divorce Attorneys
CowanGates PC has been helping families in a broad range of domestic relations cases since 1977. Our firm's representation includes helping those with concerns related to divorce, juvenile issues, and other family law matters. This broad concept of family law ensures our clients receive comprehensive and thoughtful representation. Our clients include civilians, and active duty and retired military personnel.
Would you like to speak with a lawyer regarding a family law concern such as divorce? Please contact CowanGates PC today to arrange your consultation. Read about family law.
Family Law and Divorce
Our firm can help you address the eight issues that are generally confronted by individuals considering a divorce:
- Gathering a support system - A support system can include friends, a counselor, social worker, minister, or pastor.
- Hiring an attorney - Even if the parties have agreed on the issues regarding marital assets, each party should have their own attorney.
- Determining a fault vs. no-fault divorce - In Virginia, a divorce can be granted for reasons such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion. A no-fault divorce can be granted based upon a separation of the parties (one year if the couple has children under 18 years of age or six months if there are no minor children) and if the parties have entered into a property settlement agreement/separation agreement.
- Working through a property settlement agreement - A standard property settlement agreement includes the division of marital assets such as real estate, automobiles, furnishings, and savings accounts.
- Reaching settlement - The property settlement agreement is final unless it was signed under fraud, coercion, or duress.
- Considering spousal/child support - A court can award rehabilitative spousal support for a period of time based upon certain factors such as the education, training, employment history, and physical and mental health of the party seeking support. Child support is governed by statute and is based on the incomes (real or imputed) of both parents.
- Dealing with child custody battles - The courts look exclusively at the child’s best interest and no longer prefer the mother over the father in custody issues.
- Considering an alternative to litigation - Mediation involves many of the same procedures as litigation but is designed to produce less hostility and lower the costs for the parties.
Contact CowanGates PC today to learn how we can help you.
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