What Are Grounds For Divorce in Virginia? | Friendship Heights Lawyer

Transcript

In Virginia, there are two main types of divorce: fault-based divorce and no-fault divorce.

For a no-fault divorce, there are two ways to obtain it. If you do not have children and can settle your case—meaning you have a signed property settlement agreement or marital settlement agreement—the waiting period can be six months. If you do have children, the minimum waiting period for a no-fault divorce is 12 months, regardless of whether you have a signed agreement.

On the fault side, grounds for divorce include adultery, desertion, cruelty, and conviction of a felony with imprisonment of one year or more. If you have any of these grounds, you can file for divorce right away without waiting for six months or one year.