West Virginia’s Attentive Attorneys Guide You Throughout Your Divorce
Negotiating agreements that give you sound footing post-divorce
No matter what the particulars of a divorce, the dissolution of a marriage can be a stressful and complicated experience. At Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC, we have been applying West Virginia family law to clients’ needs since the firm’s founding. The more effectively and efficiently we negotiate an agreement, the easier it will be on you and your child. Let our experience assist you during this process and guide you into the next phase of your life.
Providing comprehensive support
The law firm of Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC has attorneys and attentive staff who work out viable strategies and plan a course of action. We handle:
- Family law matters: Whether your family law needs are complex or straightforward, we offer complete services.
- Child-related matters: All parents want to ensure that their children are protected. We offer solutions for custody and look out for your child’s financial well-being as you negotiate support.
- Legal separation: Some couples want to legally separate without a divorce. This may be cecause of insurance concerns or as a “trial.”
- Mediation: A contentious divorce can be expensive and difficult for families. With mediation, engaging an attorney protects your interests and gives you peace of mind before you sign papers. This process may be significantly less costly.
Our aim is to help you untangle the situation you are in and find out the best path to take toward resolution.
Identifying grounds for divorce in West Virginia
Either party can file for divorce on one or more grounds, many of which require proof. Among the grounds:
- Irreconcilable differences: Your spouse must agree to this in writing to claim this basis.
- Living separately: After six months of non-cohabitating, you may file.
- Cruel and inhumane treatment: This may include domestic violence, or threats of violence.
- Adultery: The party requesting a divorce must demonstrate credible evidence of adultery.
- Conviction of crime: A party may file for divorce if the spouse is convicted of a felony.
- Permanent insanity: If your spouse is mentally ill and has spent at least three years in a row confined for treatment you may be able to file for divorce. A medical officer must testify that the condition is incurable.
- Habitual drunkenness or drug addiction: When alcohol or drugs affect your quality of life, you may have grounds for divorce.
- Desertion: If your spouse has left for a period of 6 months or more it is desertion.
- Abuse or neglect of a child: You may file if there has beenchild abuse, neglect or withholding basic care, including medical care.
If you believe you have cause for divorce, or if your spouse is accusing you of any of the above, contact Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC to discuss your options.
Divorce and financial matters: support and distribution of assets
Once you file, each party needs to present “discovery” evidence — information about finances, assets, debts, proof of income and expenses (including child-related costs) so that you can negotiate —or litigate — the details of your divorce. Our experienced attorneys handle all matters related to separation (sometimes called temporary divorce) and absolute divorce. These matters include:
- Separation of assets
- Alimony or spousal support
- Child support
- Child custody (legal, physical)
- Visitation / parenting time
- Child protective orders / temporary restraining orders
- Attorney’s fees, court fees
- Adoption of stepchildren
- Enforcement of support
- Modifications
Filing post-divorce modifications
Even the most complete divorce agreement may require changes over time. Most of the time once assets are divided (for example, by selling a house) theseagreements can’t be changed. Child custody and matters of financial support can fluctuate significantly over time, warranting a modification.
Our attorneys know West Virginia divorce law and can advise you of your options, so call today!
At Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC we understand that divorce is much more than just separating assets. Your entire life is changing, and we advocate in your best interests. To have a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys call 304-842-4300 or contact us online. We serve all of West Virginia from our office in Bridgeport.