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How to File for Divorce in Richmond, VA

Step-by-step guide to filing for divorce in Richmond, VA. Requirements, costs, and timelines. Virginia follows equitable distribution.

Property Type

Equitable

Filing Fee

$85–$150

Median Cost

$10,000–$42,000

Annual Divorces

30,000+

Understanding How to File for Divorce in Richmond, VA

To file for divorce in Richmond, VA, you must meet Virginia’s residency requirement of 6 months. The filing fee is $85–$150. There is a mandatory waiting period of 6 months (no children), 12 months (children) before the divorce can be finalized.

Virginia allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. Fault grounds include: Adultery, Sodomy, Felony conviction, Cruelty, Desertion, Abandonment. Filing on fault grounds may affect property division or alimony awards.

An uncontested divorce in Virginia typically costs $10,000 and takes 2–4 months. Contested cases average $42,000 and can take 12–18 months or longer. The governing statute is Va. Code §20-91.

Common Questions

How long do you have to live in Virginia to file for divorce?
Virginia requires 6 months of residency before you can file for divorce. Va. Code §20-91 governs the filing requirements.
Is Virginia a community property or equitable distribution state?
Virginia follows equitable distribution rules, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia?
Filing fees in Virginia range from $85–$150. The median total cost is approximately $10,000 for uncontested divorces and $42,000 for contested cases.
How long does a divorce take in Virginia?
Virginia has a mandatory waiting period of 6 months (no children), 12 months (children). Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2–4 months, while contested cases can take 12–18 months or longer.
How is child support calculated in Virginia?
Virginia uses the Income Shares model, based on both parents' combined income. The formula considers both parents' incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.

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Related Resources

This page provides general information about how to file for divorce in Richmond, VA and is not legal advice. Verify current statutes with Va. Code §20-91 or consult a licensed Virginia attorney. Last reviewed March 2026.