When your family is changing, you need attorneys who actually show up.

Divorce costs vary widely. They depend on whether you and your spouse agree on terms, how custody and finances are handled, whether the case ends up in court, and a long list of other factors. Family law is genuinely unpredictable, so any firm promising a precise total upfront is likely going to disappoint you down the road.

What we are straightforward about: our hourly rates, what the initial retainer covers, and exactly how billing works. We'll walk through all of that at your consultation.

Virginia law requires a separation period before a divorce can be finalized. For couples without minor children who have a signed separation agreement, the wait is six months. For couples with minor children, or without a signed agreement, the wait is one year.

After the separation period, an uncontested divorce can finalize within a few weeks. Contested divorces take longer depending on the court calendar and the complexity of your issues.

Virginia courts apply the best interest of the child standard, weighing factors like the child's age, physical and mental condition, each parent's role in the child's life, willingness to support the other parent's relationship with the child, and several other statutory factors.

There is no automatic preference for either parent. Outcomes depend on how the case is presented and what evidence supports each parent's position.

A protective order is a court order limiting contact and behavior from someone who has caused or threatened harm. Virginia has three types: emergency protective orders issued by law enforcement that last 72 hours, preliminary protective orders issued by a judge that last up to 15 days, and permanent protective orders that last up to two years.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 first. After that, we can help you understand which type of order fits your situation and walk you through the filing process.

You can technically file without one, but you'll be navigating Virginia's court paperwork, deadlines, and legal language alone. Most people who try it end up needing to redo filings, which costs time and sometimes money.

Smith | Ashcraft handles uncontested divorces alongside our contested work, and we'll walk you through exactly what to expect at your consultation.

You'll hear from our team within one business day. We'll ask a few questions about your situation, answer initial questions about our process and the initial retainer, and schedule a consultation with the attorney best suited to your matter.

For divorce matters with sufficient assets to support it, we can sometimes structure flexible payment arrangements. We also offer financing through Affirm, integrated with our practice management software, which can spread costs out depending on what you qualify for.

The right approach depends on your situation. We'll talk through it at your consultation.