Family Law

Family law is one of the major practice areas at the Conley Law Office, PLLC, and we help individuals and families across West Virginia through divorce and all the issues that may arise, such as child custody, support and the division of property. In all of these areas, the court will impose orders on the parties if they cannot agree amongst themselves on how to resolve the issues in their divorce. At Conley Law Office, we encourage settlements so that the parties control the outcome. We have found that a negotiated settlement is much more likely to meet your needs and is more likely to be voluntarily implemented without the need for court enforcement. However, when settlements cannot be reached, we provide strong and effective advocacy in court to make sure your rights are protected and that the issues are resolved with your best interests in mind.

Grounds for Divorce

West Virginia allows for a no-fault divorce. In West Virginia, a divorce may be granted on the grounds of irreconcilable differences between the parties. West Virginia also provides statutory fault-based grounds, such as adultery, abuse or abandonment.

Property Division

West Virginia is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning that the marital property will be divided by the court in a manner which is fair and equitable, but not necessarily equal. Although marital misconduct is not generally considered in the property division, the court may look at the differing level of contribution to the marriage – both monetary and nonmonetary – that each spouse made in determining how to divide the property in an equitable fashion.

Child Custody and Support

We recognize the best interests of the child as the guiding force in determining to grant joint or sole custody, and how to award visitation and parenting time in the absence of a parenting plan drawn up by the spouses. Child support is determined according to statutory guidelines based on the “income shares” model.

Spousal Support/Alimony

Whether an award of spousal support or maintenance is made depends on a variety of factors, such as the duration of the marriage, the income and earning capacities of the parties, and the age and health of each spouse. In West Virginia, the court may consider the property division in making its award.

Able and Experienced Family Law Attorney

Ginny Conley is a former elected Prosecutor who handled family abuse and neglect cases and is experienced in many aspects of custody and divorce addition to advice and representation in a divorce proceeding, we can assist in post-divorce modifications and related matters such as paternity and adoption. Contact Conley Law Office, PLLC for assistance in your family law matter.