The Basics of Divorce in Virginia
Legally divorcing in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach or anywhere in Virginia requires that either you or your spouse be a resident of Virginia or a member of the armed forces stationed in Virginia for six months.
To obtain an uncontested divorce, either spouse can file for divorce provided the two parties have lived separate and apart for at least one year, and the divorce papers claim that irreconcilable differences have caused a breakdown in the marriage. If the couple does not have children, the spouses can enter into a separation agreement and receive their divorce after being separated for only six months.
For a contested divorce, if the spouses are separated less than one year and are not in agreement that a divorce should occur, the spouse seeking a divorce must prove specific grounds for divorce.