What is the Easiest Way to Get a Divorce in Virginia?

Let’s face it—life rarely turns out the way it does in Hallmark movies and daily soap operas. Real-life can be messy, and turbulent relationships are a testament to that.

If you and your spouse have hit a rough patch, you might be considering divorce. However, it’s not easy to fly through the divorce process.

If you’re looking for the easiest way to get a divorce in Virginia, you might be wondering who to contact. Do you need a lawyer? Can you handle it yourself?

We’re here to help you out. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about filing for a fast divorce.

Filing for Immediate Absolute Divorce

Immediate absolute divorce is granted in special circumstances. Most often it’s used when someone’s partner has committed a felony or adultery. As long as you have a strong defense and reason for filing, the court will likely grant you an immediate absolute divorce and it will be fully finalized when the judge signs the required documents.

Divorce by Publication

Divorce by publication is the easiest way to get a divorce if you are unable to locate your spouse and you’ve been living without them for a significant period. During this process, you’ll have to show that you’ve made a diligent effort to find your spouse.

You’ll have to complete and submit an Affidavit of Diligent Search to the court. If they accept the documents and your spouse is still unlocated, you will then file an Affidavit for Service by Publication, confirming once again the diligent attempt at locating the spouse, as well as listing their last known address.

Divorce by publication can be complex and a bit confusing. It’s best to work through it with a Virginia divorce lawyer. If you want to read a more in-depth description from a Virginia legal professional, check out this resource from Ephraim Law: https://ephraimlaw.com/divorce-by-publication/.

Pursuing an Uncontested Divorce

Immediate absolute divorces are special cases. If your divorce is due to less urgent issues, your best bet for a fast divorce is to pursue an uncontested divorce.

An uncontested divorce is filed on the grounds that you and your spouse agree on all the issues in their divorce and don’t intend to argue against one another in court. Uncontested divorces can be completed in as little as six months, but there are some roadblocks you’ll have to cross to get there.

To file for an uncontested divorce, one spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before filing. Furthermore, you’ll have to pursue a no-fault divorce, which requires the couple must have lived apart and separated for 12 months before filing for divorce. If the couple doesn’t have any minor-aged children, only 6 months of separation will be required.

You don’t need an attorney to present on your behalf in an uncontested divorce. However, while uncontested divorces are relatively smooth, the state requirements can sometimes present complications, in which case you may seek legal assistance.

Virginia’s Easiest Way to Get a Divorce

The divorce process is often messy and drawn-out, which is why some people search for the easiest way to get a divorce. If you’re ready to move on and skip most of the legal hurdles, then a quick divorce just might be for you. If you’re living in Virginia, the divorce guide above will give you a better idea of how to go about getting a fast divorce.

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