divorce in virginia

divorce in virginia

Divorce in Virginia is ruled by the laws of the state that detail the process, grounds, and legal requirements for the termination of a marriage. These laws need to be understood by all who are considering divorce within the state.

Grounds for Divorce
A divorce in Virginia can be either "fault" or "no-fault." A no-fault divorce comes through the separation of the spouses with no subsequent cohabitation for a specified period. For couples without minor children, the separation must be at least six months, provided they have a separation agreement between them. In case they have minor children, the separation period must be a year.Fault-based divorces can be granted on several grounds, including adultery, cruelty (which can be either physical or mental), desertion, or a felony conviction with a consequent sentence of more than one year. Adultery is particularly difficult since it requires clear and convincing evidence.