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General Guide to Divorce Laws in Virginia

Going through a divorce can be very stressful. Before you start the divorce process, you should have some general idea of the divorce laws in Virginia so you know what your options are and what is the best route for you to take in your divorce case. This General Guide on Virginia Divorce Law has been prepared by Raheen Family Law, experienced in Virginia family law, and made available to you to help you understand the initial steps of the divorce process in Virginia.

To file for divorce in Virginia, it is important to understand the requirements under Virginia family law. Get in touch with our exceptional team of divorce lawyers today!

Grounds for Divorce

To file for divorce in Virginia, you must have legal grounds recognized by the state. Virginia law offers both “no-fault” and “fault” grounds for divorce. The grounds for divorce include separation for a period of time required under the Virginia Code, adultery, cruelty, desertion, and incarceration for felony of more than one year.

Virginia law recognizes both fault based grounds, such as adultery or cruelty, and no-fault grounds, such as living separately for the required period. In addition, there are specific residency requirements that must be met before filing for divorce. At least one spouse must meet the residency requirement by having lived in Virginia for a minimum period, typically six months, before initiating divorce proceedings.

Virginia does not formally recognize legal separation. However, couples may live separately and formalize their separation with written agreements, which can address issues like property division and support while remaining legally married.

Separation for the Statutory Period

You can file for and obtain a “no-fault” divorce if you have been separated from your spouse for at least one year. However, if you have a signed Property Settlement or Separation Agreement with your spouse and there are no minor children from the marriage, you can file and seek a divorce based on at least six months of separation. Property Settlement or Separation Agreement is a contract between the spouses resolving all issues arising out of the separation and divorce, including custody, visitation, child support spousal support, and division of assets and debts. The Property Settlement or Separation Agreement often includes the date the spouses separated. Although Virginia does not require that spouses file anything with the court to document their date of separation, including the date of separation in the Property Settlement or Separation Agreement is helpful in the event the other spouse later disputes the date of separation. Establishing your date of separation is important for several reasons. See Establishing Date Of Separation In A Virginia Divorce for a more thorough understanding of the importance of your date of separation.

Adultery

Adultery includes sexual intercourse with a person outside of marriage. Divorce can also be filed and granted based on sodomy (a sexual act, such as oral or anal sex with someone out of marriage) or buggery (bestiality or a sexual act against nature). To get a divorce based on any one of these grounds, the spouse must prove the adultery, sodomy, or buggery by “clear and convincing evidence”, which is a higher standard of proof than the standard used for any of the other grounds for divorce. The complaining spouse must also present corroborating evidence of the adultery. The corroborating evidence is evidence or testimony from an outside source and not just the complaining spouse’s testimony or even the guilty spouse’s admission if one exists. However, the corroborating evidence need not be eyewitness testimony, which is often difficult to have. Adultery is difficult to prove because it often takes place behind closed doors. The guilty spouse has various defenses such as condonation, connivance, recrimination, and bar by statue of limitation. If the guilty spouse proves any of these defenses, divorce cannot be granted based on adultery. However, if no such defenses can be proven, the court will grant an immediate divorce and no waiting period is required. Adultery, if proven, has certain financial implications including possible barring of spousal support.

Cruelty

Cruelty involves acts of physical violence or conduct that tend to cause bodily harm and render the spouses living together unsafe. Normally, rude comments alone are not enough. In addition, mental and emotional cruelty alone is normally not a ground for divorce. However, if the conduct is so extreme, such as repeated humiliation, name calling, and abusive language, that it affects and endangers the mental health of the spouse, then it may constitute a ground for divorce. Divorce on the ground of cruelty cannot be granted until after a period of one year from the date of the cruelty.

Desertion

Desertion or abandonment requires the innocent spouse to prove that the other spouse broke off marital cohabitation with an intent to desert. If the spouses mutually agree to separate, that is not considered desertion. Divorce on the ground of desertion cannot be granted until after a period of one year from the act constituting abandonment.

Incarceration for Felony of More than One Year

If a spouse is convicted of a felony, sentenced to confinement for more than one year, in fact confined, and the innocent spouse does not resume cohabitation with the guilty spouse after knowledge of the confinement, then the innocent spouse has a ground for divorce.

Contested versus Uncontested Divorce

The divorce can either be contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all terms and have signed a separation agreement resolving all issues arising from the divorce, including custody, visitation, child support, spousal support/alimony, division of assets and debts, attorney’s fees and costs, etc. If the spouses do not have an agreement as to any of these issues, the divorce will be contested.

To resolve a contested divorce, one of the spouses will have to initiate the divorce by filing the Complaint for Divorce with the court. If the spouses do not agree on all terms, the court will decide the unresolved issues. As the case proceeds through the court the spouses may resolve the issues instead of going to trial. However, if they are unable to reach an agreement, the court will decide based on all the evidence presented at the trial. Sometimes, the spouses can resolve some but not all the issues. For example, they may have an agreement as to all issues except custody, visitation, and child support. In this case, the spouses can enter into a separation agreement resolving the agreed upon issues, but the outstanding issues can be litigated and presented to a judge for determination.

Issues Arising in Divorce

There are several main issues in a divorce case that must either be resolved between the spouses in a separation agreement or litigated in court and decided by a judge. In a family law case, key issues often include property division, custody arrangement, and financial support, in addition to spousal support, equitable distribution, child custody and visitation, and child support.

Each family law issue requires careful consideration and legal guidance to ensure a fair and equitable resolution.

Spousal Support

Spousal support is mainly an issue in a divorce case where the spouses have been married for many years and there is a significant disparity in their incomes. Spousal support is intended to protect the well-being of the financially dependent spouse, ensuring their emotional and personal welfare during and after the divorce process. The amount and duration of spousal support is determined based on a series of factors. Spousal support varies based on the facts of every case. Therefore, it is important that the relevant evidence as to each of the factors is presented in court. At Raheen Family Law, we have a thorough understanding of the factors considered by the court in establishing spousal support and we can help you provide us the relevant facts in your case that will help us achieve the best results. For more information on spousal support see our General Guide to Spousal Support in Virginia.

Equitable Distribution

Virginia is an “equitable distribution” state where the assets and debts are classified as either “separate property”, “marital property”, or “hybrid property” (part separate and part marital) and the courts have the authority to award monetary award to one spouse, divide the property (and debt), order the property sold, or transfer jointly-titled marital property to one spouse. Under “equitable distribution” laws the court considers various factors to divide marital assets and debts. The court is not required to equally (50/50) divide the marital assets and debts between the spouses. However, after considering all the factors, the courts often equally divide marital assets and debts. In some cases, depending on the facts presented under the equitable distribution factors, the court may award a division of marital assets and debts different from 50/50 (such as 40/60, 45/55, etc.), and this decision is formalized through a court order.

Child Custody and Visitation

Initial child custody and visitation determination is made based on what is in the child’s best interest. Under the best interest of the child determination, the courts look at a series of factors. Child custody and visitation cases are fact specific, and it is important that all the relevant facts are presented to the court. Custody arrangements may include decision making authority for one or both parents regarding the child’s upbringing. If parents cannot agree on custody or decision making authority, a family law judge will make the final determination based on the child’s best interests. For more information on child custody and visitation laws see the General Guide to Virginia Child Custody and Visitation Laws.

Custody battles present some of the most emotionally charged and legally complicated issues. At Raheen Family Law we offer the experience and knowledge to represent your interests in these highly contested and legally challenging cases.

Child Support

In Virginia, child support is based on a formula. Child support cases range in degree of complexity. Some child support cases involve complicated legal issues. For example, it is not always clear what income should or should not be used when calculating child support, or the case may involve issues of voluntary underemployment or unemployment, etc. You should seek assistance of an experienced attorney who can explain the overall process and knowledgably represent your interests. At Raheen Family Law, we will advocate for you and your interest. For more information on child support see the General Guide to Virginia Child Support Laws.

In Virginia, child support is based on a formula. Child support cases range in degree of complexity. Some child support cases involve complicated legal issues. For example, cases involving complex child support calculations may include situations where a parent has multiple sources of income, self-employment, or disputes over voluntary underemployment or unemployment. You should seek assistance of an experienced attorney who can explain the overall process and knowledgably represent your interests.

At Raheen Family Law, we prioritize the client’s needs and interests in child support cases, advocating for you every step of the way. For more information on child support see our General Guide to Virginia Child Support Laws.

Pendente lite Orders

After the divorce is filed, either or both spouses can file a motion with the family court requesting certain things while the case is pending and awaiting trial. Pendente Lite orders are temporary orders issued by the family court, which means they are in effect for the period while the case is pending. These temporary orders help protect the interests of both parties while they are divorcing. A pendente lite order may: (a) award temporary spousal support and/or child support, (b) order that the spouse provide the other spouse and/or the children with health insurance, (c) grant one spouse temporary use and possession of the marital residence, (d) order maintenance of existing life insurance policies, (e) require a spouse to pay the bills associated with the home or other marital debts until the divorce is final, (f) award temporary custody and/or visitation of the parties’ minor children, (g) award attorney’s fees to one spouse enabling him or her to carry on the suit, (h) prevent the parties from harassing each another, and (i) prohibit either spouse from selling or otherwise disposing of any marital assets (e.g. withdrawing fund from bank or retirement accounts, selling a vehicle, etc.).

At Raheen Family Law, we offer the knowledge and experience to assist you with your divorce. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Military and Federal Employee Divorce

Military and federal employee divorce cases present unique challenges that set them apart from other family law matters. These divorces often involve complex issues such as the division of military pensions, Thrift Savings Plans, federal retirement benefits, and survivor benefits, as well as questions about jurisdiction and the enforcement of court orders across state or even international lines. Navigating these legal issues requires a deep understanding of both Virginia law and the specific federal statutes and regulations that apply to military and federal employees.

At Raheen Family Law, our experienced military divorce attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in Northern Virginia who are active duty service members, veterans, or federal employees, as well as their spouses. We understand the importance of protecting your rights and interests in these specialized divorce cases, whether you are seeking a fair division of marital property, establishing child custody arrangements, or ensuring continued access to health care and survivor benefits.

Contact Our Experienced Fairfax Attorneys Today!

Our family law firm is committed to providing personalized guidance and effective representation for all Northern Virginia residents throughout the divorce process. We work closely with our clients to address the unique legal issues that arise for each specific case, ensuring that all aspects of your case are handled with the utmost care and attention to detail. If you are facing divorce in Northern Virginia, trust our team of dedicated attorneys to advocate for your best interests and help you achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today!