{"id":2075,"date":"2021-10-27T16:42:29","date_gmt":"2021-10-27T20:42:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divorceanswers.com\/?p=2075"},"modified":"2022-07-28T09:59:34","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T14:59:34","slug":"divorce-in-virginia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divorceanswers.com\/divorce-in-virginia\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Complete Guide to Getting a Divorce in Virginia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
What We Cover In This Article<\/strong><\/p>\n Divorce Laws<\/a> | Residency Requirements<\/a> | Grounds for Divorce<\/a> | Divorce Attorney<\/a> | Filing for Divorce<\/a> | Online Divorce<\/a> | How Long?<\/a> | Divorce Costs<\/a> | Custody<\/a> | Child Support<\/a> | Alimony<\/a> | Division of Asset<\/a> | Common-Law Marriage<\/a> | Alternatives<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n The brutal truth is divorce is never pleasant and the process of getting a divorce can be daunting. A complex maze of procedures, requirements and laws make the process intimidating. However, it doesn\u2019t have to be unclear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need the correct information on the types of divorce laws, residency requirements, and grounds for divorce in Virginia to guide you the process and make the correct decisions for your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This guide will do just that and show you everything you need to know about getting a divorce in Virginia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Divorces in Virginia can be contested or uncontested. The type of divorce informs the laws and guidelines that will apply to your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A contested divorce in Virginia is when one or both parties disagree with the terms of the divorce. The terms in a divorce can include property division, child support, child custody, spousal support, division of non-property assets, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When one party disagrees with any part of a divorce settlement, they are contesting the divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A contest practically means that the judge will decide how the two parties can separate assets and how they will settle the divorce. That can include but is not limited to the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Property allocation refers to which party gets what in terms of real property, possessions, and assets. Most people assume this means real estate property, but it covers almost all possessions the two parties shared while together. That can mean a house, for sure, but also a vehicle, internal household possessions, secondary homes or property, and sometimes money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Property allocation gets tricky when the issue is possessions in a home. While most parties can agree on internal home possessions, even those can cause a dispute in a contentious split. That is why, if you are thinking about divorce, it is wise to start inventorying anything you might want as part of the agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The property falls into assets in this section. Still, asset allocation is primarily focused on investments because tangible assets like property are easier to understand than intangible assets, like a business investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples of that include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned, a contested divorce also includes figuring out how to handle any debt the couple has accumulated. That can be a tricky proposition as it has an impact on virtually all other financial settlement details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, an individual might have personal debt. The court must designate debt owed by both parties to one party or the other. They can offset payment of debt with an asset in a divorce agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a contested divorce, the child custody aspect of the agreement often gets very ugly. Children are usually highly loved and highly valued by both parties. The fact that the two parents are divorcing, however, requires an agreement on the following (this list is not comprehensive):<\/p>\n\n\n\n Agreeing on all of those points can be difficult for both parents, and the court can serve as a mediation between the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Co-parenting With a Narcissist<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to reaching an agreement on custody and visitation, another goal of the contested divorce process is to let the court determine the best course of action regarding custody of a child or children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if a parent travels on business and is only home on weekends, the primary responsibility of the children will likely go to the other parent, provided they are around more. Likewise, if there are mitigating circumstances, such as criminal charges or addiction, the judge will review those facts and determine if the circumstances should affect child custody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When preparing for this part of the divorce process, it is critical to keep in mind that the judge has a process they must follow, but they are not required to agree with one party or the other. Likewise, the court does not have to provide one parent a minimum amount of time or unsupervised time with a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve covered just a very partial list of areas that might fall under scrutiny in a contested divorce. The goal of the contested divorce process is to secure an agreement or ruling on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a contested divorce, the court is objective and desires an amicable split but will rule based on the law and the circumstances as presented. One element of the goal of a contested divorce process is to ensure both parties get a fair arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an uncontested divorce in Virginia, both parties agree on all issues, or any disagreements they have are not significant. Part of that is an agreement on the reason the marriage is dissolving. In addition, both agree on the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n One reason for an uncontested divorce is to cut out the need to go to trial. Generally, an uncontested divorce works best with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The court has the following priorities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The priority list shows what the court will want to emphasize and why it will focus on various aspects of a settlement (assets, debt, and spousal obligations). Additionally, when possible, the court will encourage both parties to seek counseling to save the marriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A court will do all it can to encourage saving a marriage unless it is obviously irretrievably broken. If the parties cannot agree to terms and a settlement in the divorce proceedings, the judge will rule on all aspects of the divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final ruling from a judge is legally binding. Not following the verdict can result in financial penalties and other measures to ensure adherence to the order. Courts will generally try to avoid that, but repeat violations of the agreement will eventually result in a penalty action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you qualify for an uncontested divorce, using an online divorce service is a great way to save a lot of money. Keep in mind in Virginia, divorce can cost over $11,500 <\/span>in fees if you file for divorce with an attorney.<\/p> We reviewed, rated, and ranked the best online divorce services available and our #1 choice is 3StepDivorce.<\/p> The court must have jurisdiction over you before granting a divorce. To file a divorce in Virginia, at least one of the parties must meet the residency requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of 6 months<\/a> to file a divorce. They should also be residing in the state at the time of filing. If one of the spouses lives in another state, the complainant must follow the proper procedures for serving their spouse with the papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the spouse has never lived in Virginia, the court will decide jurisdiction over them. If the state has limited authority, the court may divorce the parties but not settle the terms of separation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed or residing in Virginia is considered a bona fide resident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Successfully serving your spouse with divorce papers if you cannot contact them is challenging. However, the court can process your case if you formally deliver the documents and submit \u201cproof of service\u201d to the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Civilian employees of the United States, such as foreign service officers stationed in Virginia before the suit, are bona fide residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Members of the armed forces and civilian employees of the state are deemed to be stationed in Virginia if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Members of the Armed Forces would meet the residency requirements if they lived six months in Virginia before being stationed in a different country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a petitioner wants to file for divorce in Virginia but doesn\u2019t meet the residency requirements, they can establish residence through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virginia is a fault and no-fault state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No-fault divorce has one ground: divorce based on separation. Eligibility for no-fault divorce requires the parties to have separated for one year if there are minor children. In case there are no minor children, eligibility is six months separation with a signed settlement agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A fault divorce is based on bad conduct with the following grounds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If one of the spouses has been convicted for a felony after the marriage, divorce can be granted. That is, if the spouse has been sentenced to one year or more confinement in prison, and cohabitation has not resumed after imprisonment after knowledge of the conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of the felony conviction, there is no waiting time to file for divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A spouse can file for divorce based on abandonment or desertion. Breaking of cohabitation with intent to abandon by cutting contact and denying spousal support is considered abandonment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The abandoned spouse may have the advantage when it comes to court alimony decisions. To prove abandonment as a ground for divorce, you must verify that your spouse stopped living with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spouse should prove the other party's intent to abandon and that the abandoned spouse was not at fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Desertion can be justified with evidence of conviction or incarceration, cruelty, and adultery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The court can grant a divorce if proof of cruelty exists. The two main types of cruelty recognized by the state of Virginia are emotional and physical cruelty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bodily harm, acts of violence, and conduct that endangers safety and life constitute physical cruelty. Neglect, verbal abuse, humiliation, and inhumane treatment are considered emotional cruelty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence of cruelty acts is required to prove this ground of divorce. This could be physical evidence such as videos, photographs, and hospital records. Collaboration by a third party like friends, law enforcement, and family to testify to cruelty is evidence for cruelty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adultery in Virginia occurs when married parties engage in a voluntary physical affair. Emotional affairs may not qualify as adultery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To prove this ground of divorce, the petitioner must provide convincing evidence that their spouse had sexual intercourse with another person. In addition, a collaboration of the adultery through testimony from a witness is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Confession or statements from your spouse of their adultery or texts can support the case. Likewise, admission through text alongside collaborative materials like photographs and love letters can provide convincing evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A divorce case on the grounds of adultery can be barred through several defenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adultery can affect alimony but does not necessarily attract a fine for punitive damage. Proving adultery can be leveraged for divorce settlement negotiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you may not require an attorney for a simple uncontested case, you still need legal advice. The court expects you to follow the same rules, standards, and procedures divorce attorneys apply without assistance from the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A contested divorce needs an experienced legal advocate to advise on your rights, facilitate the paperwork, advice on proposed agreements and represent you in a trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An attorney will help you negotiate the terms of your divorce and the division of assets and child custody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The divorce process comes with emotional and financial stress. A good lawyer will guide and support you through the process. Here are the competencies to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An experienced attorney will advise on the best approach for your divorce and how to achieve your goals. Due to their experience, they know how to leverage issues like custody, alimony, and spousal support for a favorable outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are objective when handling divorce cases and do not make rush decisions that can negatively impact the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An experienced attorney will comfortably work through the red tape to resolve the case. They have experience working with opposing attorneys and the family court and will represent you for the best verdict in your favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A professional attorney will give you the best outcome and experience. A professional attorney is competent, respectful, effective, and ethical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A professional attorney will be punctual to meetings, confident, not arrogant, and will successfully meet deadlines. You can assess the professionalism of your divorce attorney by looking up the State Bar if they have been disciplined or suspended for misconduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your attorney should be well-equipped with the skills and resources you need for a successful case. For instance, they should have the means to support their client to get evidence for grounds of divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They should have an accounts team to locate and collect records for assets and liabilities. They should also have adequate human resources like associates to work on your case around the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A track record of success in similar divorce cases is a sign the attorney is well-equipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Divorce cases are high-pressure, and confidence in an attorney is critical. Confident lawyers can convince the judge with their arguments and display assertion to prevent bullying by the opposing counsel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good communication is vital in the divorce process. The lawyers should communicate with you easily and clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They should be willing to explain divorce laws to you in simple terms and advise on the best available options for your case. In addition, they should be open about the weaknesses, strengths, and expectations of your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The attorney should be able to communicate effectively with the opposing counsel and persuasively even with the judge. This will facilitate settlements and negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good attorney is available when you need them. A lawyer with ample time will take on your case effectively. They should be available to respond to your queries in good time. Avoid divorce attorneys overloaded with cases or understaffed law firms; they will not be dedicated to your lawsuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose your attorney based on their professional background and track record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask for recommendations from your network and go through reviews and testimonials from previous clients to assess credibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will give you a credible list of potential divorce attorneys. Do your research to narrow down the list for your final pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through an interview, you will find the ideal lawyer for your situation. Asking the right questions will extend your research and evaluate their suitability for your immediate needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before hiring an attorney, get information on their initial consultation and recurrent fees. Find out more about all extra costs in the divorce process to avoid putting a dent in your pocket during the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Request for a fee structure to avoid surprises. Understand how much you are required to pay and when.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose a lawyer and feel they are not doing a great job, you can change the attorney even if your case is pending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The top ten questions to ask a divorce attorney include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An attorney that specializes in divorce law will be the best fit for your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The answer will highlight the level of expertise of the attorney. For example, a divorce attorney with years of practice knows what is necessary to win your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask about the success rate of the cases they have handled to know if you will get a favorable outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Divorce attorneys with extra accreditations apart from their qualifications are resourceful. A history of successful cases and achievements is a sign you are hiring an expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask how much the retainer is, what it covers, and if there is an additional retainer after depletion. The retainer deposit is paid to start the case. Confirm if the retainer covers the whole matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other fees to ask about include the hourly rate, contingent fee, statutory fee, and flat fee. An estimate of the fee structure will help you decide if you can afford the attorney or budget or make alternative plans to avoid dragging out the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Average communication of about one to four times a month is a sign of a good communicator and an organized attorney. The attorney should indicate the mode of communication: email, in-person meetings, or videoconferencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will tell you the attorney's availability and if they have a team to support them with the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lawyer that can utilize mediation can help you avoid the ill-will of a divorce process and save fees on litigation. Choose a lawyer with mediation experience, and they can prove this through certifications in the specialty area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This question will help get the best fit. Do you want an aggressive lawyer that can represent you in a trial, or do you want a good mediator who will facilitate a settlement outside the court?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alimony, child support, and custody are critical elements of the separation agreements. Asking this question will give you a feel of whether the attorney is experienced in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Confidence and clarity in answering the question is a good sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from the professional qualifications and competencies, interpersonal skills are vital in a divorce attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look out for red flags such as the attorney not getting along with people, inability to communicate effectively with other divorce lawyers, and their support for conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the attorney mentions they are busy 15 hours a day, they may not be available for your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The answer to this question will tell you if the attorney shares your values and you can connect effectively for the success of your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The consultation fees vary with law firms. Some firms offer a free initial consultation and others will charge an hourly or flat fee rate. Be sure to ask ahead of time to avoid surprises. In an initial free consultation, you will discuss the nature of your case, what to expect, and your options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When seeking legal advice, communication with an attorney is privileged, and the attorney cannot disclose it to anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key benefits of hiring a divorce attorney are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To file for an uncontested divorce in Virginia, spouses must settle the division of assets, personal property, alimony, and child custody and support and memorialize the terms in a settlement agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To file for this divorce, spouses must meet Virginia\u2019s residency requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spouses must have lived separately for one year uninterrupted. If you don\u2019t have minor children, you are required to live six months separately before filing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Document the terms of your divorce in a divorce settlement agreement. This serves as a contract between spouses and handles all divorce issues, including alimony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A divorce attorney can help you prepare the settlement agreement and reach an agreement with your spouse. This document must be appropriately drafted and filed on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paperwork may vary with counties in the state of Virginia. Check with your local court<\/a> for additional documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the forms required include the complainant form that constitutes the spouses\u2019 identification details and residence. This form should be filled and submitted at your local Circuit Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A VS-4 Form should be submitted to a high court clerk for an official report of the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Cover Sheet for Filing Civil Actions will be filled once the case kicks off with a court clerk. Notary Public should be present as you sign forms that require notarization. All paperwork should be filed in a Circuit Court in the county you live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check the fees requirements for filing the paperwork, and if you cannot pay, check your eligibility for a waiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most counties in the state will schedule a hearing for you and your spouse to attend. You can also request for a hearing through an affidavit if unavailable for a physical hearing. Check with the clerk\u2019s office for the available hearing options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Uncontested divorce cases are usually quicker. However, the time the judge signs the Decree of Divorce may vary. It depends on factors like a contest to your petition if your spouse has an issue with your petition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The divorce is only complete when the judge signs the Decree of Divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To file for a contested divorce in Virginia, you must follow these critical steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are eligible to pursue a divorce in Virginia, get your forms from your county website and print them. The structure of the documents may vary with counties in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Files required to file for divorce include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The document includes information on both parties' residences and the date and place of your marriage. In addition, you should provide the names and dates of birth of minor children and the grounds for your divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Submit the complaint at your local Circuit Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The document is used to report your case to the Department of Vital Records officially. Fill it out and submit it to the high court clerk before the formal hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cover Sheet for Filing Civil Actions<\/a> will be filed with a court clerk when your case commences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The documents will have fields for the plaintiff and the defendant. Forms that require notarization must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. Make copies of the documents for your records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want assistance with preparing your divorce forms appropriately and instructions on how to file them correctly, using an online divorce service is a great idea to save a lot of money and hassle.<\/p> We reviewed, rated, and ranked the best online divorce services available and our #1 choice is 3StepDivorce.<\/p> File the forms with the clerk of court\u2019s office of the city you last lived together with your spouse. Pay filing fees to serve your spouse with the papers. In case you are unable to pay, you can file a petition to proceed without payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Provide notice of the divorce to your spouse with a \u201cservice of process.\u201d A proper service process includes a copy of the complaint, official court summons, and other relevant documents handed over through an impartial third party or the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your spouse will then file an answer within 21 days. After that, your spouse can either admit or file a counterclaim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This occurs when either party requests an action from the other party. For example, spouses can file motions requesting motions to compel discovery, pendente lite<\/em> relief, and continuances. This is when the parties prepare their legal strategies and collect evidence for the ground of divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a settlement meeting that occurs between the lawyers and the judge. It takes place before the trial date is set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several pretrial meetings may take place after discovery or just before the trial date. The lawyers provide their client's settlement position and their versions of facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is an undistracted opportunity with the absence of evidentiary interruptions often featured in trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lawyers ensure the judge is not misled by ensuring only accurate facts are portrayed. The pretrial conference allows the judge to interact with the facts and evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The court then indicates its likely verdict if identical evidence was presented in a trial, creating a basis for recommendations on the settlement. The parties can then consider the proposals or proceed to the trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spouses can request the pendente lite<\/em> relief for issues that require immediate action. For instance, spousal support until the actual hearing to maintain the financial status of a spouse pending the hearing of the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The judge can also issue an order for a spouse to cover the healthcare costs of the other spouse. The court can also give a ruling on child support and custody until the hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is still part of the pretrial, whereby the spouses get information and evidence from the other party. The process ensures uniformity in access to information, which both parties use to negotiate a favorable settlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The discovery process may feature subpoenas, requests for admissions, depositions, and the production of documents. In addition, financial records are requested in the discovery process to determine the division of assets and debts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Records relevant to the conduct of a spouse are requested to resolve custody disputes. Failure to comply with the discovery process could lead the court to rule in favor of the other party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expert testimonies provide a professional opinion to the court on a divorce settlement. For instance, financial experts can provide insights into the value of a couple\u2019s assets. Social workers and psychologists can provide advice in the best interest of the children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To determine spousal support and alimony, experts can advise on the earning capacities of the spouses based on their mental and medical status. In addition, financial experts like forensics accounts and real estate experts can help you understand the value of your assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the discovery process, the couple can request for trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Decide if you want an oral hearing with a judge or use a deposition or affidavit out of the courtroom. Suppose you choose an oral hearing, file a hearing request form. If approved, you will receive a scheduling notice for your hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A deposition or affidavit divorce can occur in the attorney\u2019s office if the parties do not want to participate in the process or are unavailable. Hearing is usually scheduled about six months after request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the hearing, the court decides on the case after a review of the evidence brought forth. The final ruling often comes weeks after the trial. The divorce is only complete after the judge signs a Decree of Divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have an uncontested divorce case and are looking for an inexpensive divorce, you can file online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The online services can help you navigate Virginia\u2019s complex divorce process for a quick and stress-free dissolution. Online divorce is the perfect solution for couples that agree on the terms of a divorce and are looking to save money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preparation of divorce documents in Virginia can be done online from the comfort of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spouse filing a divorce must meet the residency requirements in Virginia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have minor children, you must be separated from your spouse for six months. If there are no minor children, you must have separated from your spouse uninterrupted for at least one year.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTypes Of Divorce Laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Contested Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Property Allocation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Asset Allocation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Debt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Child Custody<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Well Being of the Child<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The Goal<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Pros & Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n
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Uncontested Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Judge\u2019s Decision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pros & Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n
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<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVisit 3StepDivorce\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRead Our Review\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\tResidency Requirements in Virginia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do you prove residency?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to establish residency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Grounds For Divorce in Virginia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No-Fault Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fault Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Felony conviction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Abandonment or Willful Desertion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cruelty<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Adultery<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Using a Virginia Divorce Attorney<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Makes a Good Divorce Attorney?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Experience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Professionalism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Well-Equipped<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Confidence<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Good communicator<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Available<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to Find a Good Divorce Attorney <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Look in the right places<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Conduct an interview<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Consider the fees<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Interview Questions for Divorce Attorneys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Which area of law do you practice?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. How much experience do you have handling divorce cases?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Do you have any awards or accreditations?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. What is your rate?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. How frequently will we communicate about my case?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
6. What is your existing caseload?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
7. Do you use mediation?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
8. How will you support me with the divorce case?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
9. How will child support, alimony, and custody be applicable in my case?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
10. Tell me about yourself<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Is the Initial Consultation Free?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the Meeting Confidential<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pros of Using an Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cons of Using an Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Filing for Divorce in Virginia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Filing for an uncontested divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Draft Divorce Settlement Agreement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Prepare Divorce Forms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Attend the Final Hearing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Complete the Process<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Filing For a Contested Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Preparing Your Divorce Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
i. Complaint Form<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
ii. VS-4 Form<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
iii. Cover Sheet for Filing Civil Actions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVisit 3StepDivorce\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRead Our Review\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t2. Filing Your Divorce Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Serving Your Spouse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Filing of Pretrial Motions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Pretrial Conference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Request for Pendente Lite<\/em> Relief<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Discovery Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Expert Testimony<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Divorce Hearing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Finalizing of The Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Online Divorce in Virginia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Requirements For Filing an Online Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n