Virginia Divorce Lawyers: Find the Support You Need Near You

Divorce in Virginia can be emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. Whether you're navigating disagreements about custody, dividing marital assets, or pursuing a peaceful uncontested divorce, having the right attorney can make all the difference. A skilled Virginia divorce lawyer can help protect your rights, clarify your options, and guide you through a system with strict legal procedures and timelines.

Virginia allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces, and marital property is divided through an equitable distribution process. With major decisions affecting your future, it's essential to have the right legal guidance.

Below is a detailed overview of Virginia divorce laws and a vetted directory of trusted family-law attorneys across the state.

Understanding Divorce in Virginia

Residency Requirement

You may file for divorce in Virginia if:

• One spouse has lived in the state for at least 6 months

Grounds for Divorce

Virginia recognizes:

No-fault divorce

• Spouses must live separate and apart for:

  • 1 year, OR

  • 6 months if there are no minor children and you have a signed separation agreement

Fault-based divorce

• Adultery

• Cruelty

• Desertion/abandonment

• Felony conviction

Property Division

Virginia uses equitable distribution, meaning:

• Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally

• Courts consider contributions (monetary and non-monetary), income, earning potential, and debts

• Separate property typically remains separate

Child Custody (Legal & Physical Custody)

Courts evaluate:

• Child’s best interests

• Parental involvement and caregiving history

• Stability of each home

• Ability to co-parent

• Safety concerns such as abuse or substance issues

Custody arrangements may be joint or sole.

Child Support & Spousal Support

Child support follows Virginia’s guideline formula.
Spousal support (temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent) depends on:

• Length of marriage

• Financial need and ability to pay

• Contributions to the household

• Income and earning capacity

When You May Need a Virginia Divorce Lawyer

Consider hiring an attorney if:

• You disagree about custody or visitation

• You own a home, business, investments, or significant assets

• One spouse controls financial information

• You suspect hidden assets or income

• There is domestic violence or coercive behavior

• Your spouse hired a lawyer

• You want strong representation in court or negotiation

Even cooperative divorces benefit from an attorney to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Virginia Uncontested Divorce Options

A Virginia uncontested divorce requires:

• A signed separation agreement

• Mutual agreement on all issues

• Required separation time (6–12 months)

Divorce.com supports Virginia couples by:

• Preparing accurate state-specific divorce forms

• Helping avoid filing mistakes

• Ensuring an efficient, affordable process

• Providing support throughout the divorce journey

This path is ideal for low-conflict couples.

⭐ Virginia Divorce Lawyers by Metro Area

A curated list of reputable divorce attorneys statewide.

Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria)

• Curran Moher Weis

• Livesay & Myers, P.C.

Richmond

• Bowen Ten Long & Bal, P.C.

• The Ervin Law Firm

Virginia Beach / Norfolk

• Poole Brooke Plumlee PC

• The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller

Roanoke

• Altizer Law

• Fishwick & Associates

Charlottesville

• Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C.

• MichieHamlett Attorneys at Law