Big Changes to Pendente Lite Relief
A spouse can now ask the court to order the other spouse to pay debts in the months leading up to the divorce trial. Virginia Code 20-103 was modified recently to permit courts to “order that a party pay secured or unsecured debts incurred jointly or by either party“. Previously, the court was only permitted to order the payment of a mortgage.
The court is also permitted to award the following relief during the months before a trial:
1. spousal support
2. health insurance coverage
3. payment of secured or unsecured debts
4. attorney's fees and costs
5. an order preventing a spouse from imposing any restraint on the personal liberty of the other spouse
6. custody and visitation
7. health care coverage for minor children
8. child support
9. exclusive use and possession of the marital residence
10. an order preserving the estate of either spouse
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