What is the difference between an uncontested divorce and a contested divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree to end the marriage and have reached agreement on all related issues, such as property, support, and custody. In a contested divorce, the spouses disagree on one or more issues or one person does not want the divorce, so the case must be resolved in court.

How do I get a fast and affordable uncontested divorce in Virginia?

Uncontested divorces are often faster and more affordable because the spouses resolve everything by agreement instead of fighting in court. With this firm’s flat-fee uncontested divorce process, you provide your information, review and sign the documents with your spouse and a witness, send the paperwork back to the office, and they handle the court filings, often allowing the divorce to be completed in a matter of weeks without a court appearance.

Should I use an online divorce site for a fast divorce in Virginia?

The firm strongly cautions against using online divorce websites. Many are foreign-owned, request sensitive personal information, use generic forms that do not comply with specific Virginia and local court requirements, and can expose you to identity theft or invalid paperwork. Working with an experienced Virginia divorce lawyer helps ensure that your documents are accurate, complete, and properly protect your rights.

How can I file for separation in Virginia?

Virginia courts do not issue a formal legal separation. For divorce purposes, spouses are considered separated when they stop living together as a married couple. It is usually best practice to have a written Separation and Property Settlement Agreement that states the date of separation and sets out the terms of the parties’ agreement.

How long do I need to be separated before filing for divorce in Virginia?

To obtain a final uncontested divorce in Virginia, spouses generally must be separated for at least one year if there are children born of the marriage. If the couple has no children and has signed a Separation and Property Settlement Agreement, they may proceed after a minimum separation of six months.

How long will an uncontested divorce take to complete?

The firm advises that a typical uncontested divorce usually takes around five weeks from start to finish, and the process normally does not require you to appear in court.

Divorce lawyers by the hour or flat fee?

Paying a lawyer by the hour is more common in contested cases and can become expensive and unpredictable because court hearings and disputes take time. For uncontested divorces, this firm offers a flat fee because the work is more predictable when the parties agree on all issues, making the process generally quicker and more affordable.

What will be the total cost for the divorce process?

According to the firm, the total cost for a simple uncontested divorce is typically 899 dollars for attorney fees, which includes a standard Separation and Property Settlement Agreement, plus approximately 96 dollars in court costs. Additional fees may apply if issues such as property division, child support, custody, or spousal support need to be addressed in more detail.

What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Virginia?

The least expensive option in terms of attorney fees is to file for divorce on your own. However, the firm warns that doing it yourself can involve hidden costs, including multiple trips to court, lost time from work, repeated filing fees if the paperwork is rejected, frustration over complex procedures, and the risk of making legal or financial mistakes in your settlement documents.

Do I need to live in Virginia to file a divorce in Virginia?

At least one spouse must have been, and must still be, a resident and domiciliary of Virginia for a minimum of six months before filing for divorce in a Virginia court.

What are the steps for a standard uncontested divorce and uncontested divorces by publication?

For a standard uncontested divorce, the firm typically prepares a Legal Services Agreement, drafts and reviews the Separation and Property Settlement Agreement, files a Complaint for Divorce, obtains a case number, prepares the necessary affidavits and final divorce documents, and then submits everything to the court for the judge’s review and final order. For an uncontested divorce by publication, if a spouse cannot be located, the firm prepares an affidavit and Order of Publication, arranges for notice to be published in a newspaper and mailed to the spouse’s last known address, and then follows through with the complaint, affidavits, and final order so the court can grant the divorce if there is no response within the required time.

What is a Separation and Property Settlement Agreement?

A Separation and Property Settlement Agreement is a written contract between spouses that sets out their rights, responsibilities, and obligations arising from their separation and divorce. It can cover issues such as division of property and debts, spousal support, child custody, and child support. While not strictly required to obtain a divorce, the firm strongly recommends having such an agreement in place.

Virginia Family Law Center Attorneys Recognized on Northern Virginia Magazine’s 2025 Top Lawyers List

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Virginia Family Law Center is proud to announce that Managing Partner Faye Carroll and Partner Sharie Reyes Albers have been named to Northern Virginia Magazine’s 2025 Top Lawyers list.

Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Lawyers honors are based entirely on peer nominations from licensed attorneys in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Lawyers nominate the colleagues they trust for legal representation, making selection a clear sign of professional skill, strong reputation, and meaningful service to the community.

“Serving Virginia families is a privilege, and this recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team,” Carroll said. “Thank you to the colleagues who selected us and to the clients who place their trust in our firm.”

“I am honored and grateful for the confidence of my peers,” Albers said. “It is a pleasure to serve our community and guide our clients through some of the most important transitions in their lives.”

This peer-selected honor reflects the trust other attorneys place in our team’s judgment and professionalism, and it highlights the work we do every day to support families across Virginia.

About Managing Partner Faye Carroll

Faye Carroll has practiced family law in Virginia since 1998 and has guided thousands of families through divorce, custody, support, and property matters. Ms. Carroll also leads the firm’s uncontested divorce division and provides all family law clients with a practical, client-focused approach.

About Partner Sharie Reyes Albers

Sharie Reyes Albers has practiced family law since 2012 and is also known for her legal education presence on TikTok, where she shares insights about family law and the divorce process. She has handled cases in every major area of family law, including divorce, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution. Sharie has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America in 2026 and has been featured in the “Ones to Watch” category from 2021 through 2025.

About Virginia Family Law Center

Virginia Family Law Center is a full-service family law firm in Northern Virginia handling divorce, custody, support, and all related family law matters. Founded in 2008 by Managing Partner Faye Carroll, the firm is led by Ms. Carroll and Partner Sharie Reyes Albers, who provide trusted guidance, steady advocacy, and solutions that protect what matters most for families throughout Virginia. Virginia Family Law Center also provides flat-fee uncontested divorce services across Virginia through its dedicated platform, QuickVirginiaDivorce.com.

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