Thorough, Compassionate Divorce Representation

Many people across Virginia want to get divorced. They may even have started taking the first steps and looked at the requirements. Some may have downloaded paperwork. However, taking the next step in divorce is hard, complicated and often a lot easier with the help of a divorce lawyer.

My name is Melissa Kelley, and I’m a divorce lawyer. My clients come from across the Hampton Roads area and are all looking for guidance and comfort as they enter a major life upheaval. My goal is to be the resource they need to have confidence about their future. I act as a counselor and a lawyer to my clients throughout their family law cases.

A Quick View Of Divorce Law In Virginia

Virginia, like most states, has a no-fault divorce law. This means that anyone can pursue a divorce regardless of fault. This important piece of divorce law in Virginia matters because prior to no-fault divorce, one had to find cause before ending a marriage. That cause could be violence or infidelity, but what made it harder was proving the cause.

In a no-fault divorce, that need is eliminated and that makes at least securing a divorce easier. However, securing a divorce requires attention to a lot of important parts of your life and financials. I can help you with all of these upcoming problems:

• Child custody arrangements: Every parent wants time to spend with their kids. They want to be involved in the day-to-day decisions. But child custody is an often hard fought area of a divorce.
• Property division: Dividing the property of a marital estate in Virginia falls under an equitable distribution model. This is a complicated area, which can create rifts in even the most amicable of divorce proceedings.
• Spousal support: Also called alimony, the idea of continually contributing to an ex’s financial well-being is challenging for many. However, Virginia law allows for support in several scenarios.
• Protective orders: If there is any allegation of abuse or violence, a protective order may be needed. These can be short- or long-term orders which can be received on an emergency basis, if necessary.

Finding a solution and resolution to these very problems can be highly disruptive and costly. However, there are other methods for arriving at a solution to your divorce challenges.

Mediation Services For Divorce

Mediation is one of the most effective alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods around. It is essentially the use of a neutral third party to discuss all of the major aspects of a divorce but with an eye toward an easier, simpler solution. Many people choose mediation – or come to love how it works – because of these three factors:

• Privacy: Mediations – unlike court proceedings – are inherently private. They are not a matter of the public record. If you have a high profile or sensitive issue in your divorce decree, mediation is one way to keep it from a wide audience.
• Cost-effectiveness: Mediation is much more cost-effective because it does not rely on frequent court dates and protracted legal battles. It is streamlined and much more efficient, saving you a great deal in legal fees.
• Speed: Courtrooms are always difficult to book and it is one of the major holdups in divorce. By contrast, getting into mediation is significantly faster, and so are the results.

Mediation is about problem-solving. As someone who worked as a litigation manager for 20 years, I understand all of the factors that go into solving a complex issue like a divorce agreement.

A Counselor Through These Challenges

Divorce can include more than just the logistical challenge but also personal challenges. It’s hard to end a long established relationship. It’s hard to move on to the next phase of your life. However, if you believe it is time for you, then you do not have to wait. I am here to help you.

, is a woman-owned business, and I care about the clients who come to me with their problems. I’m empathetic to all my clients and take the time to listen to their problems. I work with you to find solutions that you are happy with. Call my office today at or send an email using this form.