Virginia Complaint for Divorce with Children
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If the couple has children, however, the couple must have been separated for at least a year. Their written separation agreement also must include an adequate solution to the future custody and support of their children. The separation agreement lays the framework for an uncontested divorce.
Do you need a legal separation before divorce in Virginia? No, because there is no state of being legally separated in Virginia. However as discussed above, you do generally need to live separately from your spouse for either six months or a year, depending on which type of divorce you qualify for.
In the state of Virginia, it is required that you live apart from your spouse for at least a year before you can file for uncontested divorce (six months if you have no minor children as well as a signed separation agreement). Legal separation is defined by physical separation, as well as the intent to be separated.
Ensure that you physically separate from your significant other. Determine where you are going to file. File the forms and serve the other party. Request and attend a hearing or alternatively file an affidavit. Obtain a final order from the judge.
The separation agreement is a legally binding contract once the parties sign it; it becomes a part of the divorce decree once the divorce is finalized by the court. This agreement is not required, though, to separate in Virginia. You can sign one before you officially separate or after.
Virginia divorce laws allow any spouse to request spousal support from the other to prevent financial hardship. The court will determine whether alimony is just by considering the needs and economic conditions of both parties involved.
If your spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers, you can file for a contested divorce.If your spouse doesn't respond or show up in court, the court can grant a default divorce, meaning that by default, you are given the divorce you want and the terms you asked for in your filing.
Family law attorneys are frequently asked if there is an advantage to filing first. Whether it is for divorce, support or child custody, the answer is both yes, there is an advantage, and no, there is no advantage to filing your complaint first.
Legal separation is not available in Virginia. Instead, the only option for ending a marriage is for the couple to file for divorce, either a traditional no-fault divorce or a divorce from bed and board. Divorce from bed and board requires one spouse to allege fault, like cruelty, desertion, or abandonment.