Getting a divorce can run even the strongest individuals thin. You spent so much time and energy building a relationship that now requires time and energy to end. This can leave you feeling a little lost during a time of transition.
Our team of Virginia divorce attorneys works closely with clients to make this transition as stress-free as reasonably possible, but we’ve seen firsthand how the stress of a divorce can linger even after the judge dissolves your marriage. These lingering issues can prolong this time of stress and confusion, and we want to help you navigate what’s to come.
Can Virginia Family Law Orders Be Modified?
Divorcees on both sides of orders such as child custody, child support, and alimony often fear they’re locked into these circumstances long-term. These orders actually can be modified, however, so if you feel like you didn’t get enough time with your kid or aren’t receiving enough child support then that can change down the line.
Virginia courts generally won’t consider modifications within a year of the order being issued and will require a significant change in circumstances to do so. This could mean child custody changes when one parent moves farther away (or closer). This could mean decreasing child support if the paying parent loses their job.
A variety of factors will need to be present before a modification is possible, but you aren’t stuck with the orders handed down by the court forever.
What If I Find Out My Spouse Lied?
Some of what happens during a Virginia family law case depends on the honesty of those involved. In dividing assets, honesty is required in disclosures of assets and accounts each spouse has. In determining child support and alimony, honesty is required in disclosing income and other financial factors.
If you find out later that your spouse hid assets or money to avoid having to split them in your divorce then the court can step in. The most efficient way to handle this situation would be to gather all the evidence available to you and speak with your Virginia family law attorney right away. Do this before speaking to your ex or anyone who might tell them because they may move to hide assets/cash again if they’re aware you’re onto them.
Will I Have to Refinance My Mortgage?
This is actually a topic we focused an entire article on. Refinancing your mortgage after your marriage is a distinct possibility if you ended up getting the family home in the divorce. Read our article for more on how that process will play out.
Do I Still Need an Attorney?
The short answer to this is yes. The long answer is that it depends on how comfortable you are with the results of your case. If you are satisfied and can walk away with your head held high then you may not need a family law attorney (until something comes up down the line). If you feel like your circumstances need to be modified then you should work with your attorney to determine your best course of action to get that done.
As noted above, your spouse may not have been honest or you may need to make changes a year down the line. At Rinehart Bryant, we don’t abandon clients the second a judge hands down a court order. We will be your Virginia family law firm from the start of your case until you no longer need us. Contact us and we’ll work with you to get the best results and answer all your biggest Virginia family law questions.
Rinehart Bryant, PLLC
