How Long Does Divorce Take in Virginia?
Virginia has a mandatory waiting period of 6 months (agreement, no children) / 12 months. Uncontested divorces typically take 2–4 months after the waiting period. Contested cases can take 1–3+ years depending on the issues involved.
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Talk to AI AdvisorKey Facts
Waiting period
6 months (agreement, no children) / 12 months
Residency requirement
6 months
Divorce type
Fault & No-Fault
Filing fee
$85–$150
The Virginia Divorce Process
Meet residency requirements
You or your spouse must have lived in Virginia for 6 months before filing.
File the divorce petition
One spouse files the petition with the court and pays the filing fee ($85–$150). Fee waivers available for low income.
Serve your spouse
The other spouse must be formally served with divorce papers. They then have a set time (usually 20–30 days) to file a response.
Exchange financial disclosures
Both spouses must disclose all income, assets, and debts. This is mandatory and cannot be skipped.
Negotiate or litigate
If you agree on everything, submit a settlement. If not, try mediation first. If mediation fails, the case goes to trial.
Final judgment
Once all issues are resolved and the 6 months (agreement, no children) / 12 months waiting period has passed, the judge signs the final judgment and your divorce is complete.
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Legal Disclaimer: This article covers Virginia divorce law for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Virginia family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.