How do I file for divorce?

In Virginia, filing for divorce is a legal process which takes place in circuit courts. To begin, the filing spouse must acquire a divorce packet from the clerk of the court or the local bar association. This packet contains the necessary forms and documents that need to be filled out and filed with the court. Once all the forms have been filled out and the filing spouse has paid the filing fee, the packet must be submitted to the court. The forms must be signed and notarized, and the filing spouse will need to provide the name and address of the other spouse. Once the court has accepted the divorce packet, the court will assign a case number and issue a summons to the other spouse. The summons will inform the other spouse of the filing and will require them to respond within a certain period of time. The other spouse can either answer the summons or default and will then be asked to provide financial information and proof of residency. Once all of the required documents have been submitted and reviewed, the court will decide if the divorce is to be granted. If the divorce is granted, the court will draft a divorce decree which outlines the terms of the divorce. The divorce decree is legally binding and is usually final within 30 days.

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