The Cost of Divorce in Virginia

May 5, 2023 Amanda

The Cost of Divorce in Virginia

Cost Item	Average Cost
Attorney Fees (Uncontested)	$800 – $1,500
Attorney Fees (Contested)	$10,000 – $20,000+
Court Filing Fees	$250 – $300
Mediation Fees	$100 – $300/hour
Property Appraisal Fees	$300 – $500
Parenting Class Fees	$50 – $100
Private Investigator Fees	$1,000 – $5,000+
Therapy Fees	$100 – $300/hour
Child Support	Varies based on income and number of children
Alimony	Varies based on income and length of marriage

Understanding Divorce in Virginia

If you decide to file for a no-fault divorce in Virginia, you will need to meet certain requirements before doing so. These include living separately from your spouse for at least one year if you have children under 18 years old or six months if there are no minor children involved. You must also have a written separation agreement that outlines how property will be divided and any child support or spousal support arrangements.

Filing for a Fault-Based Divorce:

If you choose to pursue a fault-based divorce in Virginia, you will need to prove that your spouse committed one of the following acts: adultery, abandonment or desertion, cruelty or abuse (physical or mental), felony conviction with incarceration time exceeding one year or confinement in a mental institution. It’s important to note that filing for a fault-based divorce can often lead to longer court proceedings and higher legal fees due to the need for extensive evidence gathering and litigation.

Overview of divorce laws in Virginia

DIVISION OF PROPERTY AND ASSETS:

In Virginia, marital property is divided equitably between spouses during divorce proceedings. Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage such as homes, vehicles and bank accounts. Property owned prior to the marriage or inherited by one spouse is typically considered separate property and not subject to division.

These are just some of the important aspects of Virginia’s divorce laws that individuals should keep in mind when considering filing for a divorce.

Types of divorce in Virginia

Fault-Based Divorce:

A fault-based divorce in Virginia requires one party to prove that the other committed an act that led to the dissolution of their marriage. The following grounds for fault-based divorces are recognized by Virginia law:

Adultery or infidelity
Cruelty or abuse (physical or mental)
Felony conviction with incarceration time exceeding one year
Abandonment or desertion
Incurable insanity with confinement in a mental institution for at least three years

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Virginia, it’s important to understand which type would be best suited for your situation.

No-fault divorce

Living Separately: In Virginia, couples must live separately and apart from one another for either six months or one year (depending on whether they have minor children) before they can file for a no-fault divorce.
Separation Agreement: Couples who wish to file for a no-fault divorce must also have a written separation agreement that outlines how property will be divided and any child support or spousal support arrangements.

No-fault divorces may be preferable to fault-based ones because they tend to be less contentious and require less time and expense than proving fault.

Fault-based divorce

Cons:

Pursuing a fault-based divorce also comes with several potential drawbacks, including:

A potentially longer and more contentious legal battle due to the need for extensive evidence gathering and litigation
A higher likelihood of damaging your relationship with your soon-to-be ex-spouse due to accusations made during legal proceedings

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Virginia, it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand which type would be best suited for your situation.

Grounds for divorce in Virginia

No-Fault Divorce:

A no-fault divorce in Virginia can be granted on the grounds that the couple has lived separately and apart without cohabitation (i.e., sexual relations) for at least one year if there are minor children involved or six months if there are no minor children. This is commonly referred to as a “living separate and apart” divorce.

It’s important to note that living separately doesn’t necessarily mean that you must live in different homes, but rather you should demonstrate to the court that you’ve maintained separate households during this time period. Additionally, under Virginia law, parties may also obtain a no-fault divorce by mutual consent if they have been separated for a minimum of six months and have signed a written agreement resolving all issues related to property division, alimony/spousal support, child custody/support.

Adultery

Adultery is one of the grounds for a fault-based divorce in Virginia. If you can prove that your spouse committed adultery, it may be easier to obtain a favorable outcome in property division and spousal support proceedings.

Proving Adultery:

To prove adultery, you must provide evidence that your spouse engaged in sexual intercourse with someone else during the marriage. This can include text messages, emails, or photos as well as testimony from witnesses who saw them together.

However, it’s important to note that Virginia law requires “corroboration” of the alleged adulterous behavior – meaning there must be additional evidence beyond just an accusation made by one party.

Cruelty

Mental cruelty:

Mental cruelty refers to conduct that inflicts severe emotional distress on an individual. This may include verbal abuse, threats of violence or intimidation tactics designed to control and manipulate a person’s behavior.

If you are considering filing for divorce based on cruel treatment in Virginia, it’s important to gather evidence and consult with a knowledgeable family law attorney who can guide you through the process.

Desertion

Actual Desertion:

This occurs when one spouse physically leaves the marital home without any intent to return. For example, if your spouse moves out and sets up residence elsewhere without your knowledge or agreement, you may be able to use this as a ground for divorce based on actual desertion.

Constructive Desertion:

This type of desertion involves situations where one spouse makes it intolerable for the other to continue living together due to their actions or behavior. Examples could include substance abuse issues, emotional or physical abuse, infidelity or failure to provide financial support.

If you believe that you have been deserted by your spouse in Virginia and want to file for divorce based on this reason, it’s important to consult an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process.

Felony conviction

A felony conviction can impact your divorce proceedings in Virginia. If one spouse is convicted of a felony with incarceration time exceeding one year, the other spouse may have grounds for a fault-based divorce on the basis of that conviction.

It’s important to note that the following factors may affect how a felony conviction impacts your divorce:

The nature and severity of the crime committed
The length of the prison sentence
Whether or not both spouses were aware of the criminal activity prior to filing for divorce

If you or your spouse has been convicted of a felony and you’re considering filing for divorce in Virginia, it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can advise you on how best to proceed.

Separation

A properly executed Separation Agreement can provide several benefits including:

Avoiding court costs associated with litigation
Maintaining privacy since agreements are not part of public record
Providing structure to your separation period
Certain tax advantages

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Virginia or entering into a Separation Agreement with your spouse, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process.

Residency requirements for divorce in Virginia

Either spouse must have been a resident of Virginia for at least six months before filing for divorce.

To file a fault-based divorce:

The plaintiff (the person filing the suit) must be either:

A resident of Virginia at the time of the offense that led to the breakdown of the marriage
A resident of Virginia for at least six months prior to filing

If you do not meet these residency requirements, your case may be dismissed. It’s important to ensure that you are eligible to file before beginning legal proceedings.

Cost of Filing for Divorce in Virginia

If you’re concerned about the cost of filing for divorce in Virginia, it’s important to do your research and find an attorney who offers competitive rates and payment plans that work within your budget. Additionally, exploring alternative dispute resolution options like mediation or collaborative law may help reduce legal fees in certain situations.

Court fees for filing for divorce

Filing fee: This is the fee required to initiate your case in court, which typically ranges from $100-$400.
Service fee: If you cannot locate your spouse or they refuse to accept service of process, you may need to pay an additional fee for alternate methods of service such as publication or certified mail.
Court appearance fee: If you are required to appear before a judge during your divorce proceedings, there may be an additional cost associated with this appearance.

It’s important to note that these fees do not include any legal representation costs if hiring a lawyer, nor does it factor in any other expenses related to dividing property or child custody arrangements. As always, it’s best to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process and help ensure that everything is done correctly and efficiently.

Attorney fees for divorce in Virginia

While hiring an attorney may seem like an added expense during what can already be a financially trying time, it’s important to remember that going without legal representation could end up costing you more in the long run.

In Virginia, some attorneys charge by the hour while others offer flat fee arrangements for their services. It’s important to discuss these options with potential attorneys before making a decision on which one to hire for your case.

Hourly rates

The lawyer’s experience and reputation
The complexity of your case
Your location within Virginia
The amount of time required to resolve your case

It’s important to discuss fees with any potential attorney before hiring them so that you have a clear understanding of what you will be expected to pay. Many lawyers also require retainer fees upfront, which are paid at the start of representation and used as a deposit against future billing.

Flat fees

Predictability: You know exactly how much you will be paying upfront with no surprises or hidden costs.
Savings: Flat fees can often save clients money compared to hourly billing if the case is relatively simple and straightforward.
Ease of Mind: Clients who choose a flat-fee arrangement can focus on other aspects of their lives without having to worry about fluctuating legal bills or unexpected expenses related to their divorce.

If you’re looking for an affordable and predictable way to navigate your Virginia divorce, considering choosing an attorney who offers flat-fee pricing options.

Retainer fees

Retainer fees are a common way for divorce attorneys in Virginia to charge their clients. A retainer fee is an upfront payment made by the client to secure the attorney’s services and ensure that they will be available when needed.

How Retainer Fees Work:

Retainer fees can vary widely depending on the attorney, case complexity, and location within Virginia. Typically, retainer fees in Virginia range from $2,500-$5,000 but can go much higher if the case is particularly complex or contentious.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Virginia and need legal representation it’s important to understand how retainer fees work before hiring an attorney. Be sure to discuss all costs associated with your case with your potential attorney so there are no surprises later on down the line.

Additional costs associated with divorce

In addition to these expenses, it’s important to consider how divorce will impact your finances long-term. It may be necessary to adjust your budget and lifestyle after separating from your spouse. If you have joint accounts or debts, those will also need to be divided during the divorce proceedings.

Mediation fees

Mediation can be a useful tool for couples who wish to avoid the time, expense and emotional turmoil of going through traditional divorce proceedings. Mediation involves working with a neutral third-party mediator to resolve issues related to the dissolution of your marriage.

While mediation can often be less expensive than traditional divorce litigation, there are still costs involved. These may include:

The cost of hiring a mediator
The cost of legal representation (if you choose to hire an attorney)
Filing fees for court documents if you decide to file for divorce after reaching an agreement in mediation

If you’re considering using mediation as part of your Virginia divorce process, it’s important to understand what costs may be involved so that you can plan accordingly.

Property appraisal fees

If you’re considering getting a divorce in Virginia, it’s important to understand that there may be additional costs beyond legal fees. A property appraisal is just one example of this, but knowing what expenses you might incur can help ensure you’re financially prepared throughout the process.

Expert witness fees

COMMON TYPES OF EXPERT WITNESSES IN DIVORCE CASES:

Financial experts
Real estate appraisers
Mental health professionals (such as psychologists or psychiatrists)
Educational specialists

If you’re involved in a divorce case that requires the use of an expert witness, it’s important to understand the potential costs associated with this service. Depending on the type of expert witness needed and the complexity of your case, fees for these services can vary greatly.

Parenting classes

The effects of divorce on children
Coping mechanisms for both adults and children
How to create a positive co-parenting relationship
Maintaining open communication with your child(ren) throughout the process

If you’re required to take parenting classes during your Virginia divorce proceedings, it’s important to approach them with an open mind and willingness to learn how best to support your child through this challenging time.

Division of Marital Assets in Virginia

In some cases, a prenuptial agreement can dictate how property is divided upon divorce.

If you’re facing a divorce in Virginia, it’s important to understand your rights when it comes to division of marital assets. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive a fair share of your shared property.

Understanding marital property

In order to determine how marital property should be divided, Virginia courts follow a process known as equitable distribution. This means that they will consider a variety of factors when making decisions about dividing assets and debts. Some of these factors include:

The length of the marriage
The age and health of each spouse
The income and earning potential of each spouse
The contributions made by each spouse towards acquiring and maintaining marital property
Custody arrangements for any children from the marriage

If you’re going through a divorce in Virginia, it’s important to understand how your marital property will be divided so that you can make informed decisions about your future financial stability.

Equitable distribution of marital assets in Virginia

In Virginia, marital property is divided equitably between spouses during divorce proceedings. Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage such as homes, vehicles and bank accounts.

Factors considered by Virginia courts when dividing marital property:

The length of the marriage
The contributions made by each spouse to acquire and improve assets
The financial circumstances of each spouse at the time of divorce
The age and health status of each spouse

If you are going through a divorce in Virginia and have questions about how your marital assets will be divided, it may be helpful to consult with an experienced family law attorney.

Factors considered by the court

In addition to these factors, courts in Virginia also have discretion to consider any other relevant factor that could affect how assets are divided or spousal support is awarded.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Virginia, it’s important to be aware of these considerations so that you can prepare yourself for what lies ahead. An experienced family law attorney can help guide you through this process and work towards achieving a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Separate property

Examples of Separate Property:

Here are some examples of separate property under Virginia law:

Property and assets owned by one spouse before getting married
Gifts given to only one spouse during the course of the marriage
An inheritance received by only one spouse during the marriage
Certain personal injury awards

If you have questions about what constitutes as separate property in Virginia, it’s best to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance tailored to your individual situation.

Retirement accounts

Retirement accounts are often a significant asset that needs to be addressed during divorce proceedings in Virginia. Whether or not the retirement account is considered marital property can depend on factors such as when it was acquired and how contributions were made.

Division of Retirement Accounts:

If a retirement account is determined to be marital property, it must be divided equitably between spouses. This may involve dividing the balance in the account at the time of divorce or awarding one spouse a portion of future benefits paid out from the account.

It’s important to work with an experienced attorney who understands Virginia’s laws regarding division of assets, including retirement accounts. They can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive your fair share of any assets that are subject to division during your divorce.

Business interests

If one spouse owns a business prior to the marriage, it may be considered separate property and not subject to division during the divorce. However, if the other spouse contributed to the growth or success of that business during the marriage, they may still be entitled to a portion of its value.

In order to determine the value of a business interest during divorce proceedings in Virginia, it’s important to obtain an accurate valuation from a qualified professional. This will help ensure that both parties receive their fair share of any marital assets that are being divided.

Tax implications of asset division in Virginia

TAX IMPLICATIONS OF SPOUSAL SUPPORT:

In Virginia, spousal support payments are generally tax-deductible for the paying spouse and must be claimed as taxable income by the recipient. However, if both parties agree that spousal support will not be tax-deductible or taxable in accordance with IRS regulations then this agreement can become part of the court order.

Understanding these tax implications can help you make informed decisions about how to divide assets and liabilities during your divorce proceedings.

Spousal Support in Virginia

The amount and duration of spousal support payments in Virginia are determined by various factors including:

The length of the marriage
The earning capacity and income potential for each spouse
The age, physical condition, and mental state of each spouse
The contributions made by each spouse towards their marital assets

If you’re going through a divorce in Virginia and believe that you may be entitled to spousal support payments, it’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through this complex legal process.

Types of spousal support in Virginia

Rehabilitative Spousal Support:

This type of spousal support in Virginia is intended to help a lower-earning spouse become financially independent after a divorce. It’s typically awarded for a specific period, allowing the recipient time to acquire education or job training needed to enter or re-enter the workforce.

Permanent Spousal Support:

If one spouse has been out of work for an extended period due to factors such as illness, disability or child-rearing responsibilities, they may be eligible for permanent spousal support in Virginia. The amount and duration of payments are determined on a case-by-case basis by considering several factors such as age, health condition and earning capacity of both spouses.

Temporary spousal support

The income and expenses of each party
The length of the marriage
The age and health condition of both parties
Custodial arrangements for any children involved
The earning capacity or potential income of both parties

If you believe that you may be entitled to temporary spousal support, it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process.

Rehabilitative spousal support

The length of the marriage
The earning capacity and needs of each party
The age, physical condition, mental state, education, and training level
Tax consequences

If you are facing a divorce in Virginia and believe that you may be entitled to rehabilitative spousal support, it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process.

Permanent spousal support

To determine whether an award of permanent spousal support is appropriate, the court considers many factors, including:

Each party’s income and assets
The needs and expenses of both parties
Each party’s contributions during the marriage (including child care)
The overall financial situation of each party after dividing marital property and debts.

If you’re seeking permanent spousal support as part of your divorce settlement in Virginia, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate these complex legal issues.

Factors considered by the court when awarding spousal support

The length of the marriage
The age and physical condition of each spouse
Each party’s income, earning capacity, education level and work history
The standard of living established during the marriage
Custodial arrangements for any children involved

In addition to these factors, courts may also take into account any marital misconduct that led to the divorce, such as adultery or abuse. It’s important for both parties to provide complete financial disclosures during divorce proceedings in order to ensure an accurate assessment of each person’s finances when considering spousal support.

Tax implications of spousal support in Virginia

If you have questions about how spousal support will impact your taxes following divorce in Virginia, it’s recommended that you speak with an experienced tax professional who can provide guidance specific to your situation.

Child Custody and Support in Virginia

Support:

In Virginia, both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children until they reach 18 years old (or until they graduate from high school if that happens after age 18). Child support payments are typically calculated based on each parent’s income, number of children involved and other relevant factors related to financial needs.

If you’re going through a divorce in Virginia involving minor children, it’s essential to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Types of child custody in Virginia

PHYSICAL CUSTODY:

Physical custody in Virginia determines where the child will live and who will have primary responsibility for their day-to-day care. Physical custody can also be joint or sole.

VISITATION RIGHTS:

If one parent is granted physical custody, the other parent typically receives visitation rights unless it would not be in the best interest of the child due to safety concerns or other extenuating circumstances. Visitation rights can take on many forms ranging from supervised visits with specific conditions attached all the way up through generous time-sharing arrangements that provide significant parenting time.

Understanding these types of child custody in Virginia is crucial when going through a divorce if you have children involved. It’s highly recommended that you hire an experienced family law attorney who specializes in child custodial cases so they may assist you with making informed decisions about your future as well as your children’s future.

Sole custody

Factors Considered When Awarding Sole Custody:

When deciding whether to award sole custody, Virginia courts will consider several factors such as:

The age and health of each parent
The relationship between each parent and the child
The ability of each parent to provide a stable home environment
The mental and physical well-being of each parent

If you’re considering pursuing sole custody in Virginia, it’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process.

Joint custody

Joint Physical Custody:

In a joint physical custody arrangement, children spend significant amounts of time with both parents. Parents may have equal parenting time or one parent may have slightly more than the other depending on what works best for their particular situation. Joint physical custody arrangements can help ensure that children maintain close relationships with both parents after divorce.

If you are considering pursuing joint custody in Virginia during your divorce proceedings, it’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances.

Physical custody

When determining who should have primary physical custody of a child, Virginia courts consider several factors including:

The age and developmental needs of the child
The mental and physical health of each parent
The ability of each parent to provide for the child’s emotional, educational and medical needs
The willingness of each parent to promote a positive relationship between the child and other parent

If you’re going through a divorce in Virginia that involves children, it’s important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate this complex process.

Legal custody

If one parent is granted sole legal custody, they alone will have the right to make major life decisions for the child. This may be appropriate in situations where one parent is deemed unfit or unable to provide proper care for the child.

It’s important for individuals going through a divorce in Virginia with minor children involved to understand how legal custody works and what type of arrangement would be best suited for their family’s unique circumstances.

Factors considered by the court when awarding child custody

In addition, Virginia law also recognizes two types of custody arrangements:

Legal Custody: This refers to a parent’s authority to make major decisions on behalf of their child.
Physical Custody: This refers to where a child will physically reside. It can be awarded solely or jointly between both parents.

If you’re going through a divorce with children involved in Virginia, understanding how custody is determined can help you prepare for what lies ahead.

Child support guidelines in Virginia

Calculating Child Support:

To calculate child support in Virginia, you can use a worksheet provided by the state’s Department of Social Services. The worksheet takes into account each parent’s gross income and certain allowable deductions to determine a monthly amount for child support payments.

Modifying Child Support Orders:

If circumstances change after a child support order has been issued, either parent can request a modification. For example, if one parent loses their job or becomes disabled and unable to work, they may need to have their child support obligation reduced. Alternatively, if one parent receives a significant increase in income or incurs additional expenses related to caring for the children (such as medical bills), they may be able to seek an increase in child support payments.

Understanding Virginia’s child support guidelines can help parents ensure that their children receive appropriate financial support during and after divorce proceedings.

Calculating child support

The Virginia Department of Social Services provides an online Child Support Calculator to help individuals estimate their potential child support obligation based on these and other factors. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and actual payments could differ based on additional considerations such as custody arrangements or changes in circumstances over time.

Deviation from child support guidelines

The financial resources of each parent
The physical and emotional health of the child
The standard of living that would have been achieved had both parents stayed together
The educational needs and potential earning capacity of the child once they reach adulthood

If you believe that deviation from Virginia’s child support guidelines is necessary in your case, it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through this process.

Alternatives to Divorce in Virginia

SEPARATION:

A legal separation allows spouses to live apart without dissolving their marriage. This option gives individuals time and space to evaluate their feelings and decide whether they want to continue working on their relationship or pursue a divorce in the future.

MEDIATION:

If both parties are willing to work together amicably, mediation is another viable alternative to divorce. In this process, a neutral third-party mediator helps guide discussions about finances and custody arrangements with the goal of reaching an agreement that works for everyone involved.

Ultimately, deciding which path is right for your situation will depend on various factors unique to your circumstances. It’s essential always first seek professional guidance before making any final decisions about ending your marriage in Virginia.

Legal separation in Virginia

It’s important to note that while legal separation doesn’t end the marriage, it does provide a framework for resolving key issues between the parties. Additionally, any agreement reached during the period of legal separation may serve as the basis for a final divorce settlement should either party decide to pursue one at some point in the future.

Process for legal separation

Filing a Separation Agreement:

The first step in obtaining a legal separation in Virginia is creating and filing a separation agreement with the court. This document outlines how assets will be divided, any child support or spousal support arrangements, and other key details.

Living Apart:

To be eligible for legal separation in Virginia, you must also live apart from your spouse for at least one year (or six months if you have no children together). During this time, you must maintain separate households and refrain from engaging in sexual activity with your spouse.

Overall, seeking a legal separation can provide some financial benefits while allowing spouses more time to consider their options before pursuing divorce. However, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney when considering this option.

Benefits of legal separation

It’s important to note, however, that legal separation does require a written agreement between spouses outlining how property will be divided and any child support or spousal support arrangements.

Annulment in Virginia

Mental incapacity: One or both spouses were incapable of understanding the nature of their actions when they entered into the marriage due to mental illness or defect.
Fraud: One spouse was induced to enter into the marriage based on fraudulent misrepresentation by the other party.
Coercion or duress: The consent of one spouse was obtained through force or coercion by the other party.
Bigamy: One spouse was already legally married at the time of entering into this marriage.
Incestuous marriages: Marriage between close family members such as brother and sister, father and daughter, mother and son etc. are not allowed in Virginia law.

If you think your situation may meet any of these criteria, you should consider speaking with an attorney about whether seeking an annulment might be appropriate.

Grounds for annulment

If one of the parties was already married to someone else at the time of the marriage.
If one party was under 18 years old and did not have parental consent or court approval for the marriage.
If one party lacked mental capacity at the time of the marriage due to insanity or other reasons.
If fraud, force or coercion was used to obtain consent for the marriage from either party.

An annulled marriage is different from a divorce because it invalidates the union altogether rather than ending it. Individuals considering an annulment should consult with an experienced family law attorney in Virginia to determine their eligibility and explore their options further.

Process for annulment

If you believe your situation meets any of these criteria, you should consult with a family law attorney who can guide you through the process and help determine if pursuing an annulment is right for you.

Conclusion

Divorce can be a complex and emotional process, but understanding the divorce laws in Virginia can help make the process smoother for those involved. Whether it’s filing for a no-fault or fault-based divorce, dividing property and assets or navigating child custody arrangements, knowing what to expect is crucial.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Virginia, seeking the advice of an experienced family law attorney can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the entire process. With their knowledge and expertise, they can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair treatment under Virginia law.

Ultimately, while there may be costs associated with getting divorced in Virginia – both financially and emotionally – taking the time to educate yourself about your options can lead to a better outcome for everyone involved.

FAQ on ‘The Cost of Divorce in Virginia’

How long does it take to get a divorce in Virginia?

In Virginia, the minimum waiting period for a no-fault divorce is six months if you don’t have any minor children and one year if you do have minor children.

What factors affect the cost of a divorce in Virginia?

The factors that can affect the cost of a divorce in Virginia include attorney’s fees, court costs, mediator or arbitrator fees, and expert witness fees (if necessary).

Can I file for a low-cost divorce in Virginia?

Yes, it is possible to file for a low-cost divorce in Virginia. You may be eligible to file for an uncontested divorce, which can save you time and money on legal fees.

Do I need an attorney to get divorced in Virginia?

No, it is not required by law to have an attorney represent you during your divorce proceedings. However, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney before proceeding with your case.