When you say “I do,” you believe it will be until death do you part, as it says in more traditional vows. Unfortunately, in many cases, till death do us part is not possible. There are several reasons that a couple may decide to end their marriage. Each one is difficult and could be downright traumatic. When the love has gone out of your marriage, there may be a difficult reason, or it may be a mutual decision. Either way, divorce is tough and should not be made more difficult by red tape.
Types of Divorce in Virginia
We all hope that when we enter into a marriage contract, it will last forever and that we will grow old together. When something goes irreparably wrong, and divorce is the only resolution, having all the facts makes it just that little bit easier to deal with your marriage’s dissolution. Let’s take a look at the two different forms of divorce proceedings in Virginia.
Divorce from Bed and Board: this is not a divorce in the traditional sense, more of a separation. You and your spouse live in separate houses but do not have the right to lawfully get married again as you are technically still married. Grounds for separation of this kind are abandonment or fear of cruelty or bodily harm. When your marriage can yet be saved, it is wise to seek professional help from a counselor or therapist before considering the second divorce proceedings.
Divorce from Bond of Matrimony: This is a full dissolution of marriage. In most cases, the Divorce from bed and Board happens prior to a divorce from the bond of marriage. In the event of divorce from the bond of matrimony, you are effectively dissolving your marriage. You are free to marry again, should you wish. When you end your marriage, you will potentially be splitting your possessions and rearing your children in separate households. If you have minor children, the parents would need to discuss and agree on custody arrangements suitable for both parents.
Cost of Divorce
More than the emotional toll that a divorce takes on the family, there is a financial implication. Traditionally this cost has kept some people in an unhappy or abusive marriage and has kept people from following through when their marriage is beyond saving. Though divorce is not to be entered into lightly, sometimes there is no saving a marriage.
Grounds for divorce are as diverse as marriage ceremonies themselves. From adultery to irreparable differences, marriages are ended daily all over Virginia. The cost does not have to be an obstacle anymore. There are specialized divorce companies that are more affordable than hiring a lawyer. These divorce companies offer document preparation services and allow you to apply for a divorce online, making it simpler and more cost-effective for people who cannot hire a lawyer. There is no reason that divorce should not be affordable if you are willing to do it yourself.
Divorce Online
With the invention of the internet, filing for divorce has gotten even easier. If the requirements are met for an uncontested divorce, you can get your divorce papers completed online. The whole thing can be done at your convenience. Filing for divorce without an attorney is most definitely an inexpensive route to consider. Divorce over the internet using https://virginiaonlinedivorce.com/ does follow the law in Virginia, and you need to meet the requirements to take advantage of the document preparation services.
In order to file for divorce in Virginia, at least one of you must have lived in the state for at least six months and is currently still a resident.
In the event of no-fault divorce, there has to be a separation where you live in separate houses for an entire year. There can be no interruptions where you live in the same house. If there are no minor children, this period is reduced to six months.
Divorce Procedure
After the papers are filed with the court, a copy of all the documents must be delivered to your spouse. Once your spouse has received the copies and responded, since there is no mandatory waiting period in Virginia, the final court hearing can be scheduled right away, assuming all the divorce requirements have been met.
Terms of Divorce
When getting a divorce, it is very important to consider that there are still some costs involved. You will be required to pay filing fees, though comparatively, this is inexpensive. When you have a web divorce, you are essentially going to do it yourself. Though this is a fast way to end your marriage, you need to ensure that the forms are completed correctly. Filling in your documents for a DIY divorce, you must include child custody arrangements for all minor children. Before submitting, it is good to know what the custody arrangements would be and why.
In some instances, there is a need for spousal support, and this will be determined by both parties. The payment of alimony is not always an easy decision and may need to be decided through legal avenues in the event that the parties cannot reach an agreement. If you and your spouse were fortunate enough to own property or properties, this would have to be divided. This property division should be included in your application. Property division does not strictly include land or buildings; property extends to any possession of you or your spouse, for example, vehicles or electronics.
Before you file for divorce, make sure that you meet the requirements for divorce in Virginia. Make sure that you have gathered all of your and your spouse’s financial information. It is in your best interest to discuss the divorce or your intention with your spouse wherever possible to know how to continue. In many cases, each spouse is too afraid to say they are considering divorce, while both parties are no longer happy in the marriage. Make sure you are up to date with the relevant laws in Virginia pertaining to child support and spousal support.
In a Bed and Boarding divorce event, either party may instigate a Divorce from a matrimony bond. The petitioner is the person that will apply for divorce. As the petitioner, you may consult a lawyer or fill in an application for divorce online. If all the terms are agreed to by the spouse, it is an uncontested divorce, and there is no need to consult an attorney. Once the filing fees are paid and the separation period has expired, a quick resolution can be reached. Though divorce is not something to be advocated for, it is nothing to fear either. If you and your partner are unable to resolve problems in your marriage, divorce is an option if you feel you have exhausted all other avenues.
In conclusion, it has become easier to dissolve a marriage, with no legal representation required but your own. It is simple, economical, and quick. Waiting periods do still apply, but there is no drawn-out waiting for the service of papers, which can be done instantly. If an agreement cannot be reached between the parties, there may still be some need for the advice of an attorney or lawyer, but in most cases, the larger expense of legal fees can be avoided. People can represent themselves and their interests, which is often easier without the involvement of attorneys that charge by the hour. Now when love and commitment are just not working, you can download the documents you require, make sure they are filled incorrectly, and file for a divorce at your convenience.
If you are filing for separation of Bed and Board, it is advisable to ensure that your spouse does have somewhere to stay to make the transition as painless as possible, especially if you have young children. If there are any controversies, whether it is over child custody or support or any financial matters, you will be required to state the facts in front of a circuit judge who will render a legal decision. This is not necessary if terms are reached beforehand, and the documents are completed and signed with the full terms by both parties. This is when an application for divorce online will be a cost-saving route. If you are not able to reach a resolution, both spouses will be advised to find separate legal representation. This is why it is very important to discuss your feelings with your spouse, to alleviate any uncertainty before the application for divorce is carried out, whether it is bed and board or divorce of matrimony.
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