Family legal matters are among the most personal and emotionally demanding situations a person can face. Whether you’re going through a divorce, navigating a custody dispute, or dealing with another issue that affects your family’s future, the decisions made during this process can have lasting consequences. Inman & Strickler approaches every family law matter with the combination of legal knowledge and genuine care that these situations require.
Our family law practice covers the full range of issues that Norfolk families encounter, including divorce and legal separation, property division, spousal support, child custody and visitation, child support, modification of existing orders, adoption, and protective orders in cases involving domestic violence.
Norfolk’s large military population adds a layer of complexity to many family law matters. Questions about jurisdiction, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, division of military pensions under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act, and the impact of deployments on custody arrangements all require attorneys who understand the intersection of military and civilian family law.
Virginia allows both fault-based and no-fault divorce. A no-fault divorce requires a separation period—one year for couples with minor children, six months if there are no minor children and the parties have a separation agreement. Fault grounds include adultery, desertion, cruelty, and felony conviction, and they can affect property division and spousal support in some circumstances.
Property division in Virginia follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital property in a way that is fair—though not necessarily equal. Both spouses’ financial contributions, the length of the marriage, and other factors influence the outcome. Understanding how these rules apply to your specific assets, including retirement accounts, real property, and business interests, is critical before reaching any agreement.
Virginia courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors that include each parent’s involvement in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with each parent, the stability of each home environment, and in some cases, the child’s own preferences. Legal custody addresses decision-making authority, while physical custody determines where the child primarily lives.
Child support in Virginia is calculated using state guidelines based on both parents’ incomes and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Deviations from the guidelines are possible but require justification. Modifications can be sought when there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income or custody arrangement.
When domestic violence, threats, or harassment are involved, the legal process moves on a different timeline. Protective orders can be obtained quickly, and our attorneys are prepared to act promptly to help clients in urgent situations access the protection the law provides.
Your family’s future deserves careful, experienced legal representation. Contact Inman & Strickler to schedule a consultation with a Norfolk family law attorney. We’ll listen, explain your options, and help you make decisions you can stand behind.