Steady guidance through one of life's hardest transitions. Cline & Singh, PLLC represents clients in Weirton, Wheeling, and throughout the Northern Panhandle. Divorce is rarely simple — legally or personally. Our attorneys provide straightforward counsel, protect your interests, and help you move forward with clarity.
Divorce involves far more than ending a marriage. It requires resolving questions about property, debt, support, and — when children are involved — custody and parenting arrangements. The decisions made during this process can affect you and your family for years to come.
Our divorce lawyers represent clients at every stage, from initial filings through final orders. We work to understand your priorities, give you an honest picture of what to expect, and advocate firmly on your behalf whether your case resolves through negotiation or requires a judge to decide.
Uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues — property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and, if applicable, custody and child support. When spouses can reach a full agreement, the process is typically faster, less expensive, and less adversarial. We help clients document their agreements properly and ensure everything is filed correctly with the court.
Contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot reach agreement on one or more issues. Contested cases require more time, more court involvement, and stronger advocacy. We represent clients through contested divorce proceedings, prepare them thoroughly for each stage, and fight to protect their interests at every turn.
Even when a divorce starts out amicable, disputes can arise. Having an attorney from the beginning ensures you are protected regardless of how the process unfolds.
West Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly — but not necessarily equally. The court considers a range of factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions, and each party's financial circumstances.
Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title or account. Separate property — such as assets owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance — is generally not subject to division, though the lines can blur over time.
We help clients identify and value marital assets, understand what they are entitled to, and negotiate or litigate a fair division of property and debt.
West Virginia courts may award spousal support — also called alimony — when there is a significant disparity in income or earning capacity between spouses. Support can be temporary, rehabilitative, or in some cases permanent, depending on the circumstances of the marriage.
We advise clients on both sides of spousal support disputes, helping those who need support pursue it effectively and helping those facing support claims understand their obligations and options.
When children are involved, divorce becomes more complex. Custody arrangements — both physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (who makes major decisions about the child's upbringing) — must be established as part of the divorce proceeding.
West Virginia courts make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, the stability of each home, and the child's own preferences depending on their age and maturity.
Child support is calculated according to state guidelines based on both parents' incomes and the custody arrangement. We help clients understand how support will be calculated, ensure the numbers are accurate, and advocate for arrangements that reflect the reality of each family's situation.
Weirton is our home base. Because the city is split between Hancock and Brooke counties, a Weirton divorce may be filed in either county, depending on where the spouses live.
Divorce cases are filed with the Hancock County Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in New Cumberland and are heard by the family court judges of the First Family Court Circuit, which also serves Brooke and Ohio counties.
Divorce cases are filed with the Brooke County Circuit Clerk and heard in Brooke County Family Court, both located in the Brooke County Judicial Center on Main Street in Wellsburg. The family court is part of the First Family Court Circuit, which also serves Hancock and Ohio counties.
A divorce begins with a petition filed with the circuit clerk, along with financial disclosure statements and, if there are minor children, a proposed parenting plan. The other spouse is served and has the opportunity to respond.
While the case is pending, either spouse can ask the family court for temporary orders covering who stays in the home, temporary support, and a parenting schedule. Parents of minor children are generally required to complete a parent education class. Many cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation; those that are not go to a final hearing before the family court judge.
West Virginia allows divorce on no-fault grounds, including irreconcilable differences, without either spouse proving the other did anything wrong. Fault grounds still exist and occasionally matter.
With Pennsylvania next door and Steubenville just across the river, many Weirton couples have one spouse living or working in another state. Where the marriage took place and where each spouse has lived affect whether a West Virginia court can hear the case.
If the couple was married in West Virginia, either spouse can generally file as long as one is a West Virginia resident. If the marriage took place in another state, one spouse generally needs to have lived in West Virginia for about a year before filing.
We represent individuals and families going through divorce throughout the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia and surrounding areas. If you are located in any of the following communities, our divorce attorneys and divorce lawyers are here to help.
Wheeling Divorce Lawyer · Weirton Divorce Lawyer · Wellsburg Divorce Lawyer · New Cumberland Divorce Lawyer
If you would like a plain-language overview before talking with anyone, these guides explain how this area of West Virginia law generally works.
The Divorce ProcessA plain-language overview of how a divorce case generally proceeds under West Virginia law, from grounds and filing through property division.
Divorce is a significant decision. Contact our attorneys today for an honest conversation about your circumstances, your options, and what to expect going forward. Consultations are free.