Full-service Family Law Firm in Fredericksburg

Virginia lawyers provide skillful legal support for various domestic matters

Family law cases are deeply personal, and the results can affect parties and their loved ones for years to come. These matters address various aspects of a couple’s relationship, from premarital agreements to divorce and its aftermath. Whether you are experiencing the pain of marital conflict or facing another type of legal challenge close to home, the lawyers at Simmons and Hodge, PLC will listen to your concerns, understand your needs and help you pursue a favorable resolution. Based in Fredericksburg, our Virginia attorneys have served clients for over 20 years in Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline and King George Counties.

Providing reliable counsel in numerous types of family law cases

Domestic relations matters can be complex and tinged by high emotions. They often place at odds people who were once endeared to each other. Our attorneys are skilled in taking positive actions to protect clients’ interests in the following matters:

• Divorce — Dissolution of a marriage can be the most stressful time in someone’s life. It often involves division of marital assets and debts, disposition of the marital home, payment of spousal support and arrangements for child custody and parenting time. In a contested divorce, one or more of these issues might be disputed. Our divorce attorneys are skilled in reaching effective solutions through negotiation, mediation and litigation. In an uncontested divorce, financial and parenting issues are agreed upon, but it is still necessary to make sure that all statutory requirements are met.
• Military divorce — When servicemembers and their spouses are getting divorced, there are legal considerations that differ from civilian cases, particularly regarding division of benefits. Federal law allows state courts to treat military retirement as marital property and to award a portion to the non-military spouse, subject to eligibility rules. We can explain how military law affects your case and will make sure that all applicable laws are complied with.
• Separation — Although Virginia does not recognize legal separation as a formal status, couples may live separate and apart as a prerequisite for obtaining a no-fault divorce. The separation must last at least 12 months for couples with children or six months for couples without children if they sign an agreement. We assist in creating separation agreements that can settle issues like property division, spousal support and child custody for the impending divorce.
• Spousal support — Divorce is difficult, but it should not lead to a financial crisis for either party. Our attorneys can advise on establishing fair spousal support terms.
• Custody and visitation — Divorce and separation affect children profoundly, so the most important decisions to be made are often about child custody and support. We can help you pursue appropriate child custody and visitation arrangements based on your child’s needs.
• Grandparent custody and visitation — Grandparents may step in and request visitation or even custody when the parents are unable or unwilling to care for their children properly or, in some cases, when the grandparents are being denied contact with their grandchildren. Our attorneys can help you decide what course of action is appropriate in these cases.
• Protective orders for family abuse — Protective orders are issued in cases where there are allegations of abuse by a family or household member. We can assist you in obtaining or defending against a protective order.
• Adoption — Bringing a child into a home is cause for great happiness, but when something goes wrong, there is a chance of substantial heartache. Our attorneys assist families with the complex legal process of adoption so that you can feel secure about your child’s future well-being.
• Premarital Agreements — When you marry your beloved, you may not foresee the potential problems that can eventually lead to divorce. A premarital agreement can protect both parties’ interests and can alleviate some of the stress if the marriage ends.

When appropriate, settlement of contested issues through mediation can provide more expedient and more predictable results than a costly and emotional trial. We can often help clients secure favorable divorce agreements through alternative dispute resolution.

Contact an experienced Virginia family law attorney for a consultation

At Simmons and Hodge, PLC in Fredericksburg, we are devoted to assisting residents of Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline and King George Counties in a full range of family law matters. Call us today at 540-710-7800 or contact us online to learn how we can help you.