If you are planning a divorce, a West Virginia lawyer can help you with the legal issues involved. The state of West Virginia has community property laws, which determine how property is divided after a divorce. Your local lawyer can explain these laws and how they will affect the division of assets. Read on to learn more about divorce attorneys in Weirton. In addition, we’ve covered Mediation and Cost. So, which of these options is best for you?
Legal separation
Depending on your situation, legal separation and divorce lawyers in West Virginia may be needed. West Virginia has no-fault divorce laws, which are less complicated than fault-based divorces. However, if you have lived apart for at least a year, you can file for separation based on your separate residences. The one-year minimum will restart if you reunite with your ex-spouse within the year. This option is useful if you and your spouse have separated only temporarily and do not wish to permanently part ways.
The process of filing for divorce in West Virginia can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on how contested or uncontested the divorce is. Even uncontested divorces can be complex. The details, from the division of assets to child custody, are vital and can affect the rest of your life for many years to come. Getting an experienced West Virginia divorce attorney to help you navigate the process is critical. By hiring a West Virginia divorce attorney, you can avoid a long and stressful legal battle, and get the result you deserve.
No-fault divorce
In West Virginia, you can file for a no-fault divorce if the divorce is not due to either of you have committed any fault. Under the law, this type of divorce is a great option for those who want a no-fault divorce without blaming either party. The grounds for a no-fault divorce in West Virginia are irreconcilable differences or one year of living separate and apart without cohabitation. If either spouse is opposing the divorce, then it is up to the spouse to prove that there were other reasons.
The state of West Virginia offers two types of divorce: traditional fault grounds and no-fault grounds. To file a no-fault divorce, you must have lived in the state for at least a year before the filing date. In addition, the parties must have been separated for at least a year before filing. You can file the petition in either county. No-fault divorce attorneys in West Virginia can help you with your no-fault divorce.
Mediation
If you’re a West Virginia resident looking to settle your divorce, mediation may be a good option. The reason for this is that in many cases, mediation is more cost-effective than a court-based divorce. If you have a complicated property or financial situation, mediation may help you to settle the matter without the help of a divorce attorney. However, you should be aware that in some cases, you’ll still need to hire an attorney.
A divorce lawyer in West Virginia can be an invaluable resource. The state’s Rules of Professional Conduct, which outline how lawyers practice their profession, are invaluable resources. The West Virginia Bar Association’s website is another excellent resource. There are several mediators in the state, but it’s recommended to choose someone with experience and training in family law. If the mediation process isn’t right for you, consult a local attorney and learn about your options before hiring one.
Cost
The cost of divorce lawyers in West Virginia varies depending on the complexity of your case. While less complex cases will cost less, more complicated ones can cost a great deal more. Divorce filing fees are normally about $155 to $160 per spouse, and some states also charge service fees for serving your spouse with divorce papers. You may ask the court to waive these fees if you can’t afford them. This will depend on the courthouse you file your divorce in.
The cost of divorce lawyers in West Virginia varies, and you may choose to file for a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce. In either case, you must file the proper divorce forms with the court and serve your spouse with them. Filing fees are generally around $160 each, and you may even choose to pay the sheriff’s deputy to do the serving. Both spouses may also have to pay for a parenting education class, which costs $25.