No Fault Divorce
Virginia's no-fault divorce option allows couples to end their marriage without proving wrongdoing by either party.
No-fault divorce in Virginia provides a path to end your marriage based on living separate and apart, without the need to prove fault or wrongdoing by either spouse.
No-Fault Divorce Requirements in Virginia:
- Live separate and apart for at least 1 year, OR
- Live separate and apart for 6 months if you have a signed separation agreement AND no minor children
- "Separate and apart" means living in different residences with the intent to end the marriage
Benefits of No-Fault Divorce:
- Less adversarial process
- Often faster and less expensive
- Keeps private matters private
- Easier on children and families
- More likely to result in amicable co-parenting relationships
Our Approach: We help clients navigate the separation period, draft comprehensive separation agreements, and file for divorce when the time requirements are met. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Need Help With No Fault Divorce?
Contact us today for a confidential consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
Call (804) 717-1969
Frequently Asked Questions About No Fault Divorce in Virginia
General information only — every case is different. For advice about your situation, call (804) 717-1969.
A no-fault divorce is based on the spouses living separate and apart, with at least one of them intending the separation to be permanent, rather than on proving that one spouse did something wrong. It is the most common type of divorce in Virginia.
One year of continuous separation, or six months if there are no minor children and the spouses have signed a written separation agreement.
It is possible, but it must be proven. Courts look at whether the spouses truly live separate lives under one roof — separate bedrooms, no shared meals or household services, and holding themselves out as separated. Because this can be difficult to establish, it is important to document the separation and get legal advice early.
A written agreement is required to use the six-month separation period, and it is strongly recommended in every case. It resolves property, debt, support, and custody issues so the divorce can proceed uncontested and be incorporated into the final decree.
No. 'No-fault' refers only to the grounds for divorce. Custody, child support, spousal support, and property division can still be contested and decided by the court if the spouses cannot reach an agreement.
About Friedman Law Firm, P.C.
Friedman Law Firm, P.C. is a Virginia family law firm located at 9401 Courthouse Road, Suite A in Chesterfield, Virginia, serving clients throughout Richmond, Chesterfield, and the surrounding Central Virginia communities. Our attorneys concentrate on divorce and family law matters, including contested and no-fault divorce, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, equitable distribution of marital property, protective orders, adoption, mediation, and appeals, as well as wills and trusts and criminal defense.
Each case is handled by an attorney who focuses on Virginia family law, with the support of a firm that has guided families in the Richmond area through some of the most difficult transitions of their lives. We believe good outcomes come from preparation, clear communication, and an honest assessment of your options — whether that means negotiating a settlement, pursuing mediation, or presenting your case in court.
To speak with a Virginia family law attorney, call (804) 717-1969 or send us a message to schedule a confidential consultation. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.