Divorce Mediation Attorney in Chesapeake
Find Clarity & Control In Your Divorce
Divorce changes nearly every part of your life. When you are worried about your children, finances, and what comes next, sitting in a courtroom and letting a judge decide everything may feel like the last thing you want. Divorce mediation gives many families a way to work toward agreements with more control and less conflict.
At Pettrey Law, PLC, we help people in Chesapeake and nearby communities use mediation to resolve custody, support, and property issues in a structured and informed way. With over a decade of Virginia family law experience and the direct involvement of Attorney Kevin Pettrey in every phase of your case, we work to bring clarity to a process that often feels overwhelming.
If you are considering mediation and want guidance from a family law team that focuses on both respect and protection of your rights, we invite you to call for a free initial phone consultation. You can speak with us about your situation, get answers to basic questions, and decide whether this approach feels right for you.
Take control of your future by choosing a collaborative path. Contact a divorce mediation attorney in Chesapeake at Pettrey Law, PLC today by calling (757) 796-6996 or contacting us online for your free consultation.
Understanding Divorce Mediation Laws in Virginia
In Virginia, mediation is a voluntary and confidential process defined by the Code of Virginia § 8.01-576.5. Unlike a trial, where a judge makes final, binding decisions, mediation involves a neutral third party—the mediator—who facilitates communication and helps spouses reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
While the process itself is voluntary, Virginia courts often take an active role in encouraging it. Under Virginia Code § 20-124.4, in any case involving contested custody or visitation, the court is generally required to refer the parties to a dispute resolution orientation session. This is not a requirement to settle, but a mandate to learn about the benefits of mediation.
Key aspects of Virginia mediation law include:
- Confidentiality: Almost everything said during mediation is "off the record." Per § 8.01-576.10, statements made during the process generally cannot be used as evidence in court if the case later proceeds to litigation.
- Enforceability: Once a mediated agreement is reached and signed by both parties, it becomes a legally binding contract. It is typically incorporated into the final Decree of Divorce, making it as enforceable as any other court order.
- Voluntary Participation: Either party can walk away from mediation at any time. You are never forced to sign an agreement that you do not believe is in your best interest.
The Crucial Difference Between a Mediator and an Attorney
It is a common misconception that a mediator is "your" lawyer. In Virginia, a mediator must remain strictly neutral; they cannot provide legal advice to either side or advocate for one person’s interests over the other.
This is precisely why having a Chesapeake divorce mediation lawyer is so important. While the mediator facilitates the conversation, your attorney at Pettrey Law, PLC ensures you understand your legal rights, reviews the proposed terms, and advocates for your specific priorities to ensure the final agreement is fair and sustainable.
Benefits of Choosing Divorce Mediation in Chesapeake
Choosing mediation over litigation is not just a procedural choice; it is a choice for the health and well-being of your family.
- Cost-Efficiency: Litigation is notoriously expensive, involving discovery, expert witnesses, and countless court hours. Mediation typically costs a fraction of a contested trial.
- Time Savings: The Chesapeake Circuit Court docket can be backed up for months. Mediation can be scheduled at your convenience and often resolves in a matter of weeks.
- Privacy: Court trials are public records. Mediation occurs in a private setting, keeping your financial details and personal family matters confidential.
- Control: In a courtroom, a stranger (the judge) makes decisions about your children and your money. In mediation, you and your spouse are the decision-makers.
- Reduced Conflict: For parents, the most significant benefit is the preservation of a co-parenting relationship. Mediation models healthy communication and problem-solving.
Our Approach To Divorce Mediation in Chesapeake
People seeking divorce mediation in Chesapeake often want more than legal facts—they want consistent guidance. The firm provides hands-on support from the initial consultation through the final order, with Attorney Kevin Pettrey personally involved at every stage. Clients are not passed between staff, ensuring continuity, accessibility, and a clear understanding of the process from start to finish.
Early conversations focus on identifying the issues that matter most in mediation, including children, property, and support. The attorney listens carefully and explains how Virginia courts typically approach these topics. By offering a realistic picture of likely outcomes, clients can set informed priorities that align with their values, long-term goals, and financial circumstances.
As mediation approaches, the firm helps refine proposals, assess counteroffers, and consider the practical effects of any agreement, including court-specific requirements in Chesapeake. While committed to amicable resolution, the practice is prepared to litigate when necessary to protect clients and children. Professional recognitions reflect a sustained commitment to preparation, attentive listening, and effective advocacy.
Schedule a free consultation with a divorce mediation attorney in Chesapeake at Pettrey Law, PLC. Call (757) 796-6996 or reach out through our online form.
Values That Drive Us Integrity, Compassion, and Advocacy at Our Core
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Proven ResultsCommitted to excellence and proven success, we strive for favorable outcomes using experience and innovative legal strategies to protect your rights and interests.
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Integrity and TransparencyWe pride ourselves on building trust with our clients through open communication and honest advice. At Pettrey Law, you will always know where your case stands and the options available to you.
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Compassionate CounselWe understand that legal matters can be stressful and emotional. Our team is here to provide not only expert legal advice but also the empathy and understanding you need during challenging times.
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Client-Centered AdvocacyAt Pettrey Law, PLC, your needs come first. We focus on personalized legal strategies, ensuring you receive the guidance and support tailored to your unique situation.
Is Mediation Right For Your Divorce?
Even once you understand the process, it is natural to wonder whether mediation is realistic for your family. Mediation tends to work best when both spouses are willing to come to the table and participate in good faith, even if there is tension or anger. You do not need to agree on everything at the start. You only need a genuine willingness to explore solutions.
For parents, mediation can support a better long-term co-parenting relationship. Instead of fighting in court, you and your spouse talk through schedules, holidays, transportation, and communication. This often leads to parenting plans that are more detailed and practical, because you both know what will and will not work for your children in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, or Suffolk.
Many people worry about power imbalances, such as one spouse being more outspoken or more familiar with finances. Having your own attorney gives you a private place to talk through proposals and to understand whether an offer is in line with what a court might do. We work to help you recognize when something is workable, and when it may be unfair or unclear.
There are situations where mediation may be limited. If there are serious safety concerns, active substance abuse issues, or a complete lack of willingness to share information, full mediation can be more difficult. In these cases, we discuss with you whether certain issues can still be mediated or whether it makes more sense to ask the court to address key questions directly. Our firm is prepared to litigate when needed, and we structure our advice around both your safety and your long-term stability.
What To Do If You Are Considering Mediation
If you are considering divorce mediation, taking a few early steps can help you feel more confident and prepared. You do not need to have everything finalized before speaking with a lawyer, and reaching out sooner can prevent issues that are harder to address later. Mediation is often most effective when you begin with a clear sense of your situation, priorities, and available options.
- Gather basic financial information, such as recent pay stubs, bank and retirement account statements, mortgage details, and a list of significant debts
- Write down your primary goals and concerns, including parenting time, key assets, and any worries about your spouse’s proposals
- Schedule a free initial phone consultation to discuss your circumstances, priorities, and how mediation typically works in the Chesapeake area
- Learn how representation is structured, including communication, fees, and strategy tailored to your case
- Benefit from local experience handling divorce matters in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk, where much of the process can be resolved outside court before presenting agreements to a judge
If you are ready to learn more or want to talk through whether mediation is a realistic option, we encourage you to contact us. You can ask questions, explain your concerns, and start to see a path forward that feels more structured and less chaotic than going through this alone.
Call (757) 796-6996 to discuss whether mediation might be right for your Virginia divorce.