Virginia divorce at a glance
Official source: Virginia court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in Virginia: step by step
Virginia has no official divorce forms; after your required separation period, an uncontested divorce can often finish by affidavit. Here is the path to a Final Decree of Divorce.
- Confirm you can file in Virginia
One spouse must have been a Virginia resident for 6 months. You must be separated for 1 year — or 6 months if you have a signed separation agreement and no minor children.Source: Va. Code § 20-91(A)(9) - Prepare your complaint (no official forms)
Virginia has no official statewide divorce forms — the Complaint for Divorce and Final Decree are drafted documents. Prepare your Complaint for Divorce.Source: Va. Code § 20-91 - File with the Circuit Court
File with the Circuit Court clerk (about $86–$105), plus Form CC-1414 if you can’t afford the fee.Source: Form CC-1414 (fee waiver) - Serve your spouse
Serve your spouse, or have them sign a waiver/acceptance of service.Source: Va. Code § 8.01-288 - Complete a child-support worksheet (if children)
If you have children, complete a Virginia child-support worksheet (DC-637/638/640) under the income-shares guidelines.Source: Va. Code § 20-108.2 - Submit an affidavit or attend a hearing
Many uncontested Virginia divorces finish by affidavit without a hearing; otherwise a brief hearing is held. The judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce.Source: Final Decree of Divorce
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in Virginia?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for Virginia
Virginia child support calculator → An itemized estimate from Virginia’s official guideline, figures effective 2025-07-01. The court’s worksheet controls.
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official court forms and guidance →
How long does a Virginia divorce take?
The main wait is the separation period itself (6 months or 1 year); after that, an uncontested divorce can often proceed by affidavit without a hearing. After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons Virginia divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. High. Virginia has no official statewide divorce forms — divorces are drafted and filed in Circuit Court, and each court has its own pro-se packet and decree preferences.
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Organize your Virginia case
Document tools are in preview and are not released to ordinary users. Accounts, case intake and official court resources are available. No complete generated filing packet is promised.
Official Virginia forms → See how it worksWhy LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
Virginia divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Virginia?
No lawyer is required: Virginia courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat links the official Virginia forms and lets you organize your case free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in Virginia to file for divorce?
One spouse must have been a resident and domiciliary of Virginia for 6 months before filing. Confirm the current rule with the official Virginia court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Virginia?
The court filing fee is about $86–$105 for the circuit court filing, plus service costs. File Form CC-1414 (Petition for Proceeding in a Civil Case Without Payment of Fees). LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.