Anonymous
Post 07/02/2025 10:35     Subject: Anyone ever pursue "order for separate maintenance" in VA?

In the process of speaking to family law lawyers about my marriage, which is most likely dissolving due to fault on DH's part. For reasons I don't want to get into (too specific and identifying), separation is something I'd find attractive in the short term despite having really clear fault grounds for divorce. I know there's no legal separation in VA, but one lawyer suggested filing an "order for separate maintenance" as a way to get exclusive use of my house, legal custody of my kids, and child support. I can't find a ton of information to cross reference what the lawyer said. Does anyone have experience?