Where do I file for divorce?

In Virginia, you can file for a divorce in the Circuit Court for the county in which either you or your spouse lives. If you and your spouse have agreed to the terms of the divorce, you will file an Agreement of Divorce or Separation with the court. If you and your spouse dispute any of the terms, then you will need to go through the more formal process of filing a Bill of Complaint, which is the initial pleading that initiates the divorce litigation. Before you file, you should review the Virginia Code to make sure that you meet the residency requirements to file for divorce in the state. Also, if you and your spouse have minor children together, you will need to provide the court with detailed information about their custody and support. You or your attorney will need to prepare the necessary court paperwork for a divorce action. This includes filing a complaint and a summons and serving them on your spouse, as well as filing an answer to the complaint. After filing, the clerk of court will provide a hearing date. Both parties must attend the hearing. The court will hear evidence, consider related documents and witness testimony, and make a final decision about the division of property, child custody, and support. Once the divorce is granted, the court will issue a final divorce decree. This decree is the final ruling that resolves all issues between the parties. Both parties must abide by the decree and any orders issued by the judge.

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