Source: https://formdownload.org/legal/divorce/virginia-divorce-form/
Timestamp: 2017-07-24 12:41:19
Document Index: 433252848

Matched Legal Cases: ['§20', '§20', '§8', '§8', '§20', '§20', '§8', '§8', '§8', '§8', '§20', '§8', '§8', '§8', '§8', '§20', '§8', '§20', '§20', '§ 20', '§\n20', '§ 20', '§ 20']

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The “Pro Se” Divorce Brochure, Form FBA-H-53 is a legal instrument to represent on your own during seeking divorce from the spouse. The document is executed under the jurisdiction of the Fairfax Circuit Court, Virginia.
Follow the same procedure as a legally appointed attorney when you execute the Pro Se. Prepare all 9 forms, including the sub-forms carefully and do not submit illegible or partly filled forms. Understand the significance of Divorce Case Tracking System and comply with the provisions precisely. Either of the spouses must attain domicile residence for over six months to acquire the divorce in the State of Virginia.
Read form FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure carefully to avoid any default. Submit the duly completed form to the
Clerk of the Circuit Court, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. by mail or in person.
However, you must understand and accept that you represent yourself and none the court and/or the clerk can assist you in the case. Section II of the document has crucial information about preparing and filing the complaint. In addition, pay attention to the remittance of the filing fees, allocation of case number, and modes of service of the complaint to the defendant.
Section III highlights the procedures and provisions for serving the complaint to the defendant. Read service of process and types of services carefully to understand the protocols and make an informed selection as necessitated for the petition for divorce. Options like Acceptance or Waiver of Service, Service by the Sheriff, Private Process Service, and Service by Publication are available as per the provisions mentioned in Section III of the FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure.
Read information about after service process in section IV. However, submitting Form CC-1406 grants the waiver to the defendant from future notices of the proceedings. The following section V, Proceeding with the Divorce Action provides vital information about contested or uncontested divorces, provisions for restoration of the former name, Privacy Addendum, and the provision for Ore Tenus hearing (live testimony). VA Code §20-121.03 governs the Privacy Addendum. In addition, VA Code §20-121.4 governs the provision for restoration of the former name.
Proceed to section VI for understanding the provisions for Entry of Final Decree. The next page of the document has important resources listed to provide a simple interface, especially when you are representing your own self before the court. Complete list of the required forms for the Pro Se Divorce petition is offered on page number 15 of the document for easy accessibility.
Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4048
JOHN T. FREY BARBARA A. KENNEY
703-246-2770 TDD 703-352-4139
Clerk Of Circuit Court Chief Deputy
Dear Circuit Court Patron:
My staff and I are dedicated to trying to provide the best possible service to those using the
Court. With this in mind we have worked with the Fairfax Bar Association to develop the
attached brochure to help you understand the legal procedures required to obtain a divorce.
This brochure consolidates all of the information that my office can legally provide to the public.
If you choose to represent yourself, you will be expected to follow the same procedures as an
attorney. Please do not ask court personnel for legal advice or assistance. Court personnel are
prohibited by state law from giving you legal advice or assistance. You are strongly encouraged
to hire a competent attorney.
You are responsible for preparing all the necessary documents for your case. It should be noted
that there are no fill-in-the-blank forms for divorce PREPARED BY OR APPROVED BY THE
VIRGINIA COURT SYSTEM. The forms contained in this brochure are those commonly used in
the Fairfax Circuit Court. These forms may or may not be appropriate for your particular case.
Any desired outcome from your use of the forms cannot be predicted or guaranteed.
The information and materials contained in this brochure are intended to provide users with
general information only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice or to replace competent
legal representation. In fact, I strongly recommend that you hire a competent attorney to
represent you in this matter.
Due to the changing nature of the law, the information and forms contained in this brochure may
become outdated. Therefore, you should review and research statutes and procedural rules
referenced in the instructions to ensure that they are accurate and current. In no event will the
Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk’s office or anyone contributing to the production of these forms and
instructions be liable for any indirect or consequential damages resulting from their use.
It is my sincere hope that this information will help make the divorce process easier and less
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 1 9/17/2009
(Created by Fairfax Bar Association)
PRO SE DIVORCE SUITS
“Pro se” means that a party to a lawsuit is representing him or herself. All persons
involved in divorce cases are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney so that the
legal proceedings and the effect of legal documents and orders can be fully explained to
you. If you have children, property, or support issues which need to be decided by the
court and which have not been resolved by an agreement, you are not required to retain
an attorney, but neither the Clerk’s Office personnel nor the judges’ law clerks can give
you advice on how to proceed. If you proceed without legal counsel, you may
unknowingly lose rights to custody or visitation, child or spousal support,
distribution of property, or other legal claims arising out of your marriage.
Furthermore, at trial the same rules will apply as if you had an attorney, and the Judge is
not permitted to help you in presenting your case.
If you do not know your spouse’s whereabouts, or if he/she is in jail for
committing a felony, these are special circumstances which you should also address with
“Uncontested divorce actions” are those in which the parties have agreed upon all
issues before the court, or those in which it is anticipated that only one side will actively
participate. “No-fault divorce” suits are those in which the parties only ask for a divorce
on the grounds that they have lived separate and apart for the period of time required by
The Clerk’s Office cannot make recommendations for specific attorneys, but you can
The Virginia Lawyer State Bar Referral Service
The Fairfax Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
If you decide to proceed on your own, you will be expected to follow the same
procedures as an attorney. If your case is uncontested it may take two to six months to
complete your divorce even if there are no complications. If your case is contested, a
final hearing will be set at a “Scheduling Conference” and your case will usually take
much longer than six months to complete. One hearing will be set for custody and
visitation, and a separate hearing will be set for property division and support.
You are responsible for preparing all documents to be submitted in the divorce.
Please DO NOT ask Court personnel for legal advice or assistance. State law prohibits
Court personnel from giving you legal advice or assistance.
Before you file for divorce, you may wish to review the appropriate divorce laws
in the Virginia Code. The Virginia Code books are located in the Law Library at the
Judicial Center and at Regional and Community Library locations. The Virginia Code
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 2 9/17/2009
and Rules of The Supreme Court of Virginia are available on line at
A review of these laws may help you better understand the divorce process.
All contested divorce cases will proceed and be set for trial at a Scheduling
Conference set through the “Divorce Case Tracking System.” If all issues, such as
grounds for divorce and distribution of property, are totally uncontested a party may
request a Judge of the Court to hear the evidence Ore Tenus (live testimony) without
waiting for the Scheduling Conference date or the scheduled trial date. This can be done
only after filing, in proper form, the necessary documents and a Request for Ore Tenus
Hearing, which are discussed below.
In order for you to obtain a divorce in Virginia, either you or your spouse must be
a resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth of Virginia for at least six months prior
to filing suit. (Virginia Code section 20-97.)
In your Complaint you must allege specific grounds upon which a divorce may be
granted. The two most common grounds are no-fault divorces based upon either a six-
month separation or a one-year separation. You are eligible for a six-month divorce
ONLY IF you have entered into a written separation agreement and there are no minor
children born of the parties, born of either party and adopted by the other, or adopted by
both parties. These facts must be stated in the Complaint. In any no-fault divorce you and
your spouse must have been separated for the required amount of time PRIOR TO
FILING YOUR SUIT. This separation period must also be clearly alleged in your
Complaint. You may NOT file your Complaint for Divorce before the appropriate
separation period has expired or your case will be dismissed or could be determined to be
invalid. If the case is dismissed you will have to file for divorce again and pay another
filing fee. You can, of course, also file a Complaint alleging a “fault” ground for divorce,
if supported by the facts. All grounds for divorce are set out in Virginia Code sections 20-
91 and 20-95.
In addition to stating the grounds and residency requirements, the Complaint must
include the following allegations:
• current residences of both parties;
• the date and place of marriage;
• the names and dates of birth of all minor children born or adopted into the
• a statement that both parties are over eighteen (18) years of age; and,
• a statement of each party’s military status.
• If you proceed pro se you will be representing yourself.
• The Clerk and the Court cannot advise or represent you.
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 3 9/17/2009
• Your documents must be typed double-spaced on 8 1/2″ by 11″ white paper, allowing
for 1 ½ inch margins in all four directions.
• Printed on only one sided paper.
• If you send any documents to the Court, mail them to:
Attention: Civil Case Processing
If you wish to file documents personally or by any type of hand delivery, please
bring them to the Clerk’s Office Civil Division counter on the third floor of the Fairfax
II. PREPARING & FILING YOUR COMPLAINT
The Plaintiff (person starting the divorce) must file the following documents:
• An original Complaint and one copy of the Complaint for service.
• A completed VS-4 Form. This form is a statistical form that is required for all
divorce filings before the divorce can be finalized. It must be completed
properly in black ink. (If not attached herein, the VS-4 Form may be
obtained from the Clerk’s Office) The VS-4 must be legible. It cannot be
accepted if there are any white-outs or hand made corrections.
• Two copies of the completed “Domestic Case Coversheet” completed with
names & addresses (you must provide your complete address unless the Court
for good cause shown orders otherwise), of both parties, date of separation,
and whether you believe this is a contested or uncontested divorce.
• Filing fees and Sheriff Fees, if applicable. All Filing fees and Sheriff Service
Fees are paid by cash, certified check or money order payable to the Clerk of
Please visit the court’s website at:
to determine the filing fees.
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 4 9/17/2009
C. CASE NUMBER
Your case will be given a case number as soon as it is filed. This is the number by
which the Court references your case and it must appear on all documents
regarding your divorce. The case number will consist of CL, a 4 digit year
indicator & the number (e.g., CL-2009-0000001).
After you file the Complaint, you must determine how the Defendant will be
served with the Complaint.
III. SERVING THE DEFENDANT (person you are seeking divorce
from) WITH THE COMPLAINT
Process in a divorce case may be served on the Defendant by any of the methods
specified in Va. Code §8.01-296:
• personal service,
• posting on the residence, or
• service on a family member of the household over sixteen years old.
Service may be by a Deputy Sheriff or a person authorized to serve process under
Va. Code §8.01-293. If service is by the Sheriff or a Private Process Server you
must request the Clerk to prepare a Summons to attach to and be served on the
Defendant along with a copy of the Complaint. The Complaint and the Summons
are known as the “process” of the divorce action.
A Defendant may also accept or waive service pursuant to Va. Code §20-99.1:1
by signing a proof of service or an “Acceptance of Service” indicating that the
defendant has received the papers in the suit. A Defendant may also waive service
of process by filing an Answer to the Complaint. (ATTACHMENT 4)
1. ACCEPTANCE OR WAIVER OF SERVICE:
• Pursuant to Va. Code §20-99.1:1, a Defendant may accept service by signing
an “Acceptance/Waiver of Service of Process and Waiver of Future
Service of Process and Notice” – Form CC-1406. This must be signed under
oath before a notary public or deputy clerk and it cannot be done prior to the
• This form can be accessed through the website of the Virginia Judicial System
at http://www.courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit/cc1406.pdf or
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 5 9/17/2009
2. SERVICE BY SHERIFF:
• If the Defendant lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a Virginia Sheriff
can serve process on the Defendant if the Sheriff’s fee is included with the
Fee for Sheriff Service: $12.00 for each service
Payment is made by certified check or money order payable to:
• The Sheriff will give the person that is being served a copy of the Complaint
and the Summons. The Sheriff will execute the proof of Service of the process
and shall file the Proof of Service with the Clerk of the Court within seventy-
two (72) hours of service.
• If the Defendant is a non-resident of Virginia, you will need to contact the
authorities in the state and locality in which the Defendant resides in order to
learn of the local regulations for service. You may wish to have the Defendant
accept out-of-state service. This can be done using the “Acceptance/Waiver of
Service of Process and Waiver of Future Service of Process and Notice”
(Form CC-1406) mentioned above. This must be signed under oath before a
notary public and it cannot be done prior to the filing of the suit.
3. PRIVATE PROCESS SERVICE:
• The Private Process Server will give the Defendant a copy of the Complaint
and the Summons. The Process Server will execute an Affidavit of Service
and must file the Affidavit with the Clerk of the Court where the matter is
pending within seventy-two (72) hours of service.
• Return by person serving process pursuant to Va. Code §8.01-325 – “If
service by any other person qualified under Va. Code §8.01-293, whether
service made in or out of the Commonwealth, his affidavit of such
qualifications; the date and manner of service and the name of the party
served; and stamped, typed or printed on the return of process, an annotation
(statement) that the service was by a private server, and the name, address and
telephone number of the server.”
• The Affidavit by Private Process Server must include the following:
o A statement that the serving person is duly authorized to make service
in accordance with §8.01-293 of the Virginia Code;
o State that the process server or the person serving the process is over
o State that the person serving the process is not a party or otherwise
interested in the subject matter or controversy (Va. Code §8.01-293);
o The date and manner in which service was made;
o The name of the party served;
o An annotation that service was by private process server; and,
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 6 9/17/2009
o Name, address and telephone number of private process server.
4. SERVICE BY PUBLICATION:
• Service of process may be accomplished by an “Order of Publication.” This
may be done in cases in which the Defendant is a non-resident or a Defendant
whose whereabouts are unknown after you have diligently (made all efforts)
tried to locate him or her. Va. Code §20-104 and §8.01-316, et seq.
• The Clerk’s Office maintains a list of newspapers approved for publication in
accordance with Va. Code 8.01-324. An Order of Publication must be
published in a newspaper prescribed by the court pursuant to Va. Code §8.01-
317. The number of times that the publication must be in the newspaper is
o Please note that if service is by publication, the only resolution you
can achieve is a termination of your marriage and incorporation
(inclusion) by the Court of any written agreements reached by you and
your spouse. If you have no agreements, the Court can only terminate
your marriage but cannot resolve other issues.
• Forms for the Affidavit and Order of Publication can be obtained from the
Clerk’s Office or can be accessed on the Courts’ website at:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/circuit/pdf/CCR-H-46-47.PDF
• Documents & Fees Required to complete service by publication:
o Original Order of Publication
o Affidavit notarized by Plaintiff or attorney stating the following:
the individual is a non-resident individual; or
the individual cannot be found, that due diligence has been
used to locate the party to be served but the efforts have been
the individual cannot be served with court process, and that a
return has been filed by the Sheriff which shows that the
process has been in his or her hands for twenty-one (21) days
and the Sheriff has been unable to make service.
o An envelope addressed to the individual being served by publication at
their last known address, if known.
o A completed certified mail receipt or registered mail receipt and
appropriate fees for such mailing. Certified or registered mail can be
sent by the post office and after the person receives what you sent, the
post office sends you a receipt.
o A copy of the pleading to be served by publication.
o Check payable to the specific Newspaper in the amount of $25.00.
o Certified/Registered Mail Fees payable to the Clerk of The Circuit
Court by cash, certified check (bank check) or money order.
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 7 9/17/2009
Certified Mail (Green return receipt card – within the U.S.) $ 5.00
Registered Mail (Pink return receipt card -outside the U.S.) $10.00
• For publication in the newspaper you choose, you must submit a check
payable to the specific newspaper. If additional fees are required, the
newspaper will bill the Plaintiff or counsel.
• The Plaintiff must make specific arrangements with the newspaper. The Court
will process the Order of Publication documentation, but the Plaintiff will be
required to make arrangements to have the documentation delivered to the
• Upon completion of publication, the publisher will file an affidavit with the
dates of publication and a copy of the published order with the Clerk of the
Court in accordance with Va. Code §8.01-325. Upon receipt of the “proof of
publication” the Clerk will complete a certificate of compliance and place it in
the case file in accordance with Va. Code §8.01-317.
• If service of the Complaint is made by publication, a court reporter is required
at the divorce hearing in accordance with Rule 3:1, unless the Defendant files
an answer, waiver or other formal appearance. The Plaintiff is responsible for
making arrangements for a court reporter to be present.
IV. AFTER SERVICE OF PROCESS
• After serving process, the Defendant may choose to waive further notice of
the proceedings by executing a waiver form. Again, this can be done using
Form CC-1406 – Acceptance/Waiver of Service of Process & Waiver of
Future Service of Process and Notice. A copy of this form is available in the
Clerk’s Office, can be accessed through the website of the Virginia Judicial
System at http://www.courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit/cc1406.pdf or
ATTACHMENT 4. The form must be signed under oath in front of a Notary
Public or Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court. (Note: The Waiver of Notice
cannot be signed by the Defendant prior to the filing of the Complaint.)
V. PROCEEDING WITH THE DIVORCE ACTION
A. CONTESTED DIVORCES: These cases will be placed in the Domestic Case
Tracking Program and will be set for trial on all contested issues.
B. UNCONTESTED DIVORCES: The only cases that may proceed by ore tenus
hearing are purely uncontested matters. These are matters where all property,
custody, child support and spousal support rights are resolved, and neither party is
going to claim any fault grounds for divorce, and where neither party is going to
put on any evidence of the facts and circumstances leading to the dissolution of
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 8 9/17/2009
C. RESTORATION OF FORMER NAME – Va. Code §20-121.4: If one of the
parties asks either in the Complaint or in any motion filed with or after the
Complaint to resume their maiden or former name, an additional fee for recording
of a name change is required. When the Final Decree of Divorce from the bond of
matrimony is signed, the court may restore the party’s maiden or former name in a
separate order meeting the requirements of Va. Code §8.01-217, provided the
proposed order changing the name is submitted along with the final decree of
D. PRIVACY ADDENDUM – VA. CODE §20-121.03: Any petition, pleading,
motion, order, or decree filed under this chapter, including any agreements of the
parties or transcripts (written record of testimony), shall not contain the social
security number of any party or of any minor child of any party, or any financial
information of any party that provides identifying account numbers for specific
assets, liabilities, accounts, or credit cards. Such information if required by law to
be provided to a governmental agency or required to be recorded for the benefit or
convenience of the parties, shall be contained in a separate addendum filed by the
attorney or party. Such separate addendum (attachment) shall be used to distribute
the information only as required by law. Such addendum shall otherwise be made
available only to the parties, their attorneys, and to such other persons as the court
in its discretion may allow. The attorney or party who prepares or submits a
information protected pursuant to this section is removed prior to filing with the
clerk and that any separate addendum is incorporated (included) by referring back
to the petition, pleading, motion, agreement order or decree.
• Identification of Private Addendum – Colored Paper: The complete order
or decree, public and private parts, must be submitted simultaneously (at the
same time) to the court for entry. The private addendum needs to be printed
on light pink paper (ATTACHMENT 6) so that the clerk knows immediately
that this document must be sealed in the case file or must have a pink
coversheet paper-clipped on top of the private addendum document.
• The addendum may be in a format of a pleading that has in bold print
“PRIVATE ADDENDUM PURSUANT TO VA. CODE §20-121.03”. A
sample of a Final Decree of Divorce is attached for six month separation and
one year separation. (ATTACHMENT 5)
• The Private Addendum recommended by the Supreme Court of VA- state
form CC-1426 can be accessed through the Web-Site of the Virginia Judicial
http://www.courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit/cc1426.pdf
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 9 9/17/2009
E. ORE TENUS HEARING: If all issues are uncontested, a party may request to
have the Court hear evidence ore tenus. You may pick up an outline of the Ore
Tenus Hearing Instructions and Request for Ore Tenus Hearing form at the
Clerk’s Office Civil Division counter on the third floor of the Fairfax County
Courthouse. Or you can access the information on the Court’s website at:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/circuit/pdf/CCR-H-50.PDF
or (ATTACHMENT 7)
1. BEFORE THE ORE TENUS HEARING
At the time the Request for Ore Tenus Hearing is filed, the party filing the
Request must submit with the request,
• Original proposed Final Decree of Divorce;
• Name Change Order to resume maiden or former name, if applicable;
• Copy of any Separation Agreement, if applicable; (the original Separation
Agreement should be presented to the Court at the hearing.)
• Private Addendum containing the parties social security numbers;
• VS-4 form; (completed legibly in black ink and no white out on form)
• Waiver of Notice or Proof of Service, if applicable.
The Decree must contain the endorsement of each party who is legally entitled to
notice of the ore tenus hearing and who will not be appearing at the hearing, unless the
moving party (person requesting the hearing) will be serving the proposed decree on the
other party along with the notice of the date and time of the ore tenus hearing. A party is
not entitled to legal notice of the hearing if that party: (1) has signed a waiver of notice
of entry of the Final Decree of Divorce; or, (2) has accepted or waived service of process
and has not filed an Answer in the suit; or, (3) was served by publication and has not filed
any papers in the suit other than any waivers; or, (4) has signed a waiver of all further
notice. The original of any Separation Agreement should be presented to the Court
at the ore tenus hearing.
Upon filing of a Request for Ore Tenus Hearing, the file will be forwarded to one
of the judges’ law clerks to review all of the pleadings, including the proposed Final
Decree of Divorce and any proposed Name Change Order, to assure compliance with all
statutory requirements. The law clerk will send you a postcard with information as to
whether all proper papers have been submitted and whether they are correct and
• If the law clerk has advised the moving party that the pleadings comply with
all statutory requirements, then the moving party must contact the ore tenus
clerk within 14 calendar days of the date of the written notice, at (703) 246-
4200 to schedule the hearing. If required by law, notice of the date and time of
the hearing must be served on the other party. Note: If service of the
complaint was made by publication, a court reporter is required at the
divorce hearing, unless Defendant has filed a pleading, waiver or entered an
appearance in accordance with law. If the Defendant has filed a pleading,
waiver or entered an appearance, a court reporter will not be required. The
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 10 9/17/2009
plaintiff is responsible for making arrangements for a court reporter to be
• If the pleadings do not comply with all legal requirements, the law clerk will
mail a blue Rejection of Ore Tenus Filing form (Rejection Notice – CCR H-
49) to the moving party. The moving party will then have up to 14 calendar
days from the date of this form to correct all deficiencies. Upon making the
required corrections the moving party must return the corrected pleadings,
along with the bottom half of the Rejection Form fully completed, to the
Clerk’s Office. It is not sufficient to simply file or mail the correct
pleadings to the office of the Clerk of Court without including the bottom
half of the Rejection Form and noting that they are to be forwarded to
the specific law clerk that sent the form.
• All communications with the Judges’ law clerks must be in writing and
limited to the items in the rejection form. Telephone calls relating to ore
tenus cases will not be received by the law clerks. Furthermore, since the
law clerks are not permitted to give legal advice to attorneys or to pro se
parties, requests for such advice will not be entertained.
• If the revised pleadings comply with all statutory requirements, the law clerk
will inform the moving party in writing and then the moving party must
contact the ore tenus clerk within 14 calendar days of the date on the
acceptance postcard to schedule the hearing. Your ore tenus hearing must be
scheduled for a date certain on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
• If the revised pleadings do not meet all statutory requirements, or if the
moving party has not scheduled the ore tenus hearing within 14 calendar days
of the date on the acceptance postcard, the parties may not be able to proceed
on the uncontested ore tenus docket.
2. AT THE ORE TENUS HEARING
The hearing before the Judge should take approximately ten minutes. The moving
party must be prepared to present evidence to support every allegation in the Complaint
through the testimony of the moving party and A CORROBORATTING WITNESS
(other than your spouse). A corroborating witness is a witness who has direct personal
knowledge of the information (not simply what you or others have told the witness) and
can testify to the information outlined in ATTACHMENT 8B. The witness’ knowledge
must be based on something more than the information given to the witness in
preparation for the hearing. The corroborating witness must appear at the time of the
hearing. It is the responsibility of the moving party to make certain that the witness can
be present on the hearing date. The presiding Judge cannot serve as an attorney, and the
moving party must be prepared to ask the relevant questions. A copy of general sample
questions are in ATTACHMENT 8B. The questions asked of the witness must support
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 11 9/17/2009
3. FINAL DECREE:
If all legal requirements have been satisfied the Judge will generally enter the
Final Decree of Divorce at the ore tenus hearing. If the case requires the presence of the
court reporter at the hearing pursuant to law (court reporter only required when service is
by publication and the Defendant has not filed a pleading, waiver or entered an
appearance), one party or both parties must arrange on their own (not through the court)
for a court reporter to be present at the hearing and to pay for the reporter and a
transcript. If a transcript is required, the Final Decree will not be entered until the
transcript of the hearing is filed with the Circuit Court. Upon receipt of the transcript, the
Final Decree along with the transcript is submitted to the Judge that heard the matter at
the ore tenus hearing for entry.
VI. ENTRY OF FINAL DECREE
Once a Judge has signed the Final Decree of Divorce, the Plaintiff will receive a
certified (official) copy from the Court. To receive this copy, a self-addressed, stamped
envelope must be included when filing the final decree of divorce.
To call and check on the status of a case, contact Civil Case Information at:
Press 3, 1, 0
If there are any questions concerning this handout, please call (703) 691-7320 press
3,1,4,0. The Clerk’s office hopes this information is helpful. Please remember that the
Clerk’s staff CANNOT give you any legal advice.
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 12 9/17/2009
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax VA 22030
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Mon.-Fri./Phone: (703) 246-2170
All About Uncontested Divorces. Fairfax Bar Association. 2005.
Instruction materials not to be used in lieu of legal research and analysis by a qualified
attorney. Includes sample pleadings.
Brinig, Margaret F. Virginia Domestic Relations Handbook, 3d ed. Lexis. 1996.
One volume treatise updated with 2005 pocket part. Written for Virginia practitioners
who handle cases dealing with family relationships. Includes sample forms appendix.
Fairfax Bar Association Circuit Court Practice Manual: Procedures, Policies, &
Forms. Fairfax Bar Association. 2007. Available in print and on CD-ROM.
Section H of manual contains family law procedures, policies, and sample forms. Manual
and CD available for purchase from the Fairfax Bar Association.
Frequently Requested Family Law Forms. Fairfax Public Law Library. 2006.
Lists frequently requested forms (bills of complaint, divorce decrees, etc.) and where
samples may be located in print and on public access computers in the law library.
Implementing New Statutory Changes for July 1, 2005. Fairfax Bar Association.
References new privacy legislation in divorce cases and use of Commissioners in
Chancery. Includes sample agreement and addendum and model orders. Model orders
available online at www.lsnv.org.
Legal Services of Northern Virginia Public Forms. Online resource at www.lsnv.org.
Includes legal information and numerous family law forms.
Support Guidelines. Fairfax Bar Association. 2004.
Guidelines for child support and spousal support. Includes worksheets. Updated model
orders available in Implementing New Statutory Changes for July 1, 2005 and on
www.lsnv.org.
Swisher, Diehl, & Cottrell. Virginia Family Law, 2008 ed. The Harrison Company.
Annual one volume family law treatise. Includes sample pleading and practice forms.
Westlaw Patron Access to treatise and forms available online in library.
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 13 9/17/2009
FAMILY LAW RESOURCES continued:
Virginia Family Law—A Systematic Approach, 2d ed. Virginia Law Foundation.
2008. #871
Comprehensive manual that contains forms and relevant information pertaining to family
law in Virginia. Includes sample forms for uncontested and contested domestic relations
matters. Staff available to print forms from disc.
Virginia Forms. Lexis. 2000.
Updated with 2008 supplement. Vol. 1 of multi-volume set includes sample domestic
relations pleadings. Use of forms requires independent legal judgment by the user. Patron
access to forms also available online in library at www.lexis.com.
Negotiating and Drafting Marital Agreements. Virginia Law Foundation. 2008. #859
Includes sample provisions and marital agreements. Staff available to print forms from
Understanding Your Domestic Relations Rights in Virginia. Metropolitan Richmond
Women’s Bar Association. 2005.
Brochure discusses general legal circumstances related to resolving domestic relations
problems under Virginia law.
NOTE: STAFF ARE PROHIBITED FROM RECOMMENDING ANY FORM
(Sample forms may not be current)
For referral to an attorney, you may call Lawyer Referral Service (703) 246-3780
FBA-H-53 Pro Se Divorce Brochure 14 9/17/2009
PRO SE DIVORCE FORMS INDEX
Attachment Name of Form
A. Complaint for Divorce on Ground of Six Months Separation
B. Complaint for Divorce on Ground of One Year Separation
2 VS – 4 Form
3 Fairfax Circuit Court Domestic Case Coversheet
4 Acceptance/Waiver of Service of Process and Waiver of Future Service of
A. Final Decree of Divorce—Six Month Separation, No Spousal Support
B. Final Decree of Divorce—One Year Separation, No Spousal Support, and
5 C. Final Decree of Divorce—Six Month Separation with Separation
Agreement Containing Spousal Support
D. Final Decree of Divorce—One Year Separation, Separation Agreement,
E. Final Decree of Divorce—One Year Separation, Separation Agreement,
and Child Custody/Support but No Spousal Support
F. Final Decree of Divorce—One Year Separation, Separation Agreement,
Child Custody/Support, and Spousal Support
6 Light Pink Private Addendum
7 Request for Ore Tenus Hearing
A. Ore Tenus Hearing Instructions
9 A. Order for Change of Name
* * * THIS IS A SAMPLE ONLY AND NOT TO BE USED AS A FILL IN THE
BLANK FORM. DO NOT retype the language in the parenthesis ( ) when you
retype this form. The information in each paragraph needs to be changed as
necessary for your particular case. This form is NOT intended to be legal advice and
should NOT be relied upon as such. You are encouraged to consult an attorney.
This Complaint for Divorce form can only be utilized if 1) there are no minor
children; 2) the parties have entered into a Separation Agreement (“SA,” which is a
written agreement that the parties have separated, and if there is property to be
divided, the parties’ agreement regarding the division) before filing the Complaint;
and 3) have been separated for at least six months before filing the Complaint. * * *
___________________ (full name ) )
) CL No. ____________
SERVE: ____________________ (Full Name of Defendant)
____________________ (Complete Address of Defendant)
ON GROUND OF SIX MONTHS SEPARATION
1. The parties were married on the _____ day of ____________ (month),
________ (year ) in the City/County of ____________________, State of
2. There are no children born or adopted of this marriage that are under the age of
3. Plaintiff (or Defendant if only true for the Defendant) is and has been an actual
bona fide resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth of Virginia for at least six
months immediately before filing this suit;
4. Both parties are of sound mind, over the age of 18 years, and neither is an
active duty member of the military service of the United States;
(If the Defendant is in the military, he/she must sign a waiver of rights under the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act)
5. The parties have lived separate and apart without cohabitation and without
interruption for more than six months; to wit: since ___________ (month), _____ (day, if
you do not remember the exact day, use the last day of the month you just listed),
_________ (year);
6. The Plaintiff/Defendant (choose one or both) formed the intent to remain
permanently separate and apart on _________ (day) ________________ (month),
_______________ (year);
7. There is no hope or possibility of reconciliation between the parties; and
8. The parties have entered into a Separation Agreement dated _________ (day)
________________ (month), _______________ (year).
That he/she (pick only one ) be granted a divorce from the bond of matrimony on
the ground that the parties have lived separate and apart without cohabitation and without
interruption for more than six month; to wit: since ____________ (month) _____(day, if
________(year); and
That the Separation Agreement executed (signed by) the parties dated
_____________ (month) ____(day),______(year) hereby be affirmed, ratified and
incorporated but not merged into the Final Order of Divorce; and
That the Plaintiff’s maiden, or former, name be restored to
________________________ (Plaintiff’s full maiden or former name; you may ONLY
ask for this if you are the wife. The husband can not ask to restore his wife’s name.
Please see ATTACHMENT 9 for a change of name order).
2 9/17/2009
(Delete this paragraph if no name change is request.)
_________________________ (your signed name)
(Type your complete address)
(Type your daytime phone number)
(FORM 1 B)
This Complaint can be utilized whether or not the parties have entered a Separation
Agreement (“SA,” which is a written agreement that the parties have separated, and
if there is property to be divided, the parties’ agreement regarding the division), but
the parties must have been separated for at least one year before filing the
Complaint. * * *
v. ) CL No. ____________
1. The parties were married on the ___ day of ____________ (month), ________
(year ) in the City/County of ____________________, State of
2(a). There is/are ____ (number) child[ren] was/were born of the marriage, namely:
___________________________; (list all children’s names and each one’s date of
birth);
2(b). There are no children born or adopted of this marriage under the age of 18
(Choose either # 2(a) OR #2(b) – NOT BOTH. Renumber as #2).
months immediately before bringing/filing this suit;
4. Both parties are of sound mind, over the age of 18 years, and neither is an active
duty member of the military service of the United States;
(If the Defendant is in the military, he/she must sign a waiver of rights under the Service
members Civil Relief Act)
5. The parties have lived separate and apart without any cohabitation and without
interruption for more than one year; to wit: since ___________ (month), _____ (day, if
you do not remember the exact day, use th e last day of the month you just listed),
permanently separated and apart since (day)________________ (month),
8. The parties have entered into a Separation Agreement dated _________
(day)________________ (month), _______________ (year).
(If you do not have a SA delete #8 above)
the ground that the parties have lived separate and apart without any cohabitation and
without interruption for more than one year; to wit: since ____________ (month)
_____(day, if you do not remember the exact day, use the last day of the month you just
listed), ________(year); and
That the Separation Agreement dated _____________ (month) _____
(day),______(year) hereby be affirmed, ratified and incorporated but not merged into the
Final Order of Divorce; and
(If you do not have a SA, delete the paragraph above)
* * * THIS IS A SAMPLE ONLY. YOU MUST FILE AN ORIGINAL. Originals
are available in the Clerk’s Office. * * *
WAIVER OF FUTURE SERVICE OF PROCESS Case No. ………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Circuit Court
………………………………………………………………………………………… v. ………………………………………………………………………………………..
I, the undersigned party named below, swear under oath/affirm the following:
1. I am a party [ ] plaintiff [ ] defendant in the above-styled suit.
2. I have received a copy of the following documents on this date (Please check (b) if you received both the
complaint and summons):
[ ] a. Complaint filed on …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
[ ] b. Summons with copy of Complaint filed on ……………………………………………………………………………. attached
[ ] c. Other – Describe: ………………………………………………………………………………………… filed on………………………
I understand that my receipt of these copies and my signature below constitute (Please check one or both as may
[ ] the acceptance of service of process of these copies, or
[ ] a waiver of service of process and notice which may be prescribed by law.
3. I agree to voluntarily and freely waive any future service of process and notice as checked below in this case
(Please check (a) or (a) through (f) as may be applicable):
[ ] a. any further service of process or notice in this case.
[ ] b. notice of the appointment of a commissioner in chancery and hearings held by such commissioner in
chancery, if a commissioner in chancery is appointed.
[ ] c. notice of the taking of depositions.
[ ] d. notice of the filing of any reports by a commissioner in chancery of the filing of depositions.
[ ] e. notice of testimony to be given orally in open court.
[ ] f. notice of entry of any order, judgment or decree, including the final decree of divorce.
I understand that, by waiving service of process, I am giving up my right to be notified of the events described
………………………………………………. __________________________________________________________
DATE [ ] DEFENDANT [ ] PLAINTIFF
TO DEFENDANT: Notify the Court in writing of any changes of your address while this case is pending.
State/Commonwealth of ………………………………………………………, [ ] City [ ] County of …………………………………………….
Subscribed and sworn to/affirmed before me this ………………. day of ……………………………………………………. , 20 …………
by …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
DATE [ ] CLERK [ ] DEPUTY CLERK
[ ] NOTARY PUBLIC (My commission expires ……………………………………….. )
Registration No. ………………………………………………………………………………………..
(FORM 5 A—Six Month Separation, No Spousal Support)
This sample form is for cases where there is no fault, no contest, at least a six month
separation, with a Separation Agreement (“SA,” which is a written agreement that
the parties have separated, and if there is property to be divided, the parties’
agreement regarding the division) and NO minor children. * * *
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 19 JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
This cause, which has been regularly docketed, matured and set for hearing as to
the Plaintiff, came on this day, upon proof of proper and legal service of process upon the
Defendant; upon the ore tenus testimony of witnesses on behalf of the Plaintiff, regularly
taken after proper and legal notice and filed in accordance with law;
Upon consideration whereof the Court finds from the evidence, independent of
any admissions of the parties in pleadings or otherwise, the following facts:
1. The parties were married on the _______ day of ____________ (month),
__________ (year) in the City/County of _______________________, State of
months immediately before bringing this suit;
4. Both parties are of sound mind, over the age of 18 years, and neither is, or has
been, an active duty member of the military service of the United States since the filing
of the Complaint in this case;
5. The Plaintiff’s social security number is (See Private Addendum), and the
Defendant’s social security number is (See Private Addendum); (please place social
security numbers in the Separate Addendum – see FORM 6. DO NOT PLACE ANY
PARTY’S FULL SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ON THIS ORDER!!!!! USE THE
PRIVATE ADDENDUM.)
6. The parties have lived separate and apart without cohabitation and without
interruption for more than six months; to wit: since ____________ (month) _______
(day, if you do not remember the exact day, use the last day of the month you just listed),
__________ (year);
7. The Plaintiff/Defendant (choose one based upon the allegations in the complaint
and evidence produced) formed the intent to remain permanently separate and apart on
(day) ________________ (month), _______________ (year);
8. There is no hope or possibility of reconciliation between the parties;
9. The parties have entered into a Separation Agreement dated ________ (day)
________________ (month), _______________ (year) which settled all rights and
obligations arising out of the marital relationship; and
10. This Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine the issues in this suit; it is
ADJUDGED, ORDERED, and DECREED that the Plaintiff be and is hereby granted a
divorce a vinculo matrimoni from the Defendant on the ground that the parties have lived
separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for more than six
months, to wit: since ___________ (month) _____ (day, if you do not remember the exact
day, use the last day of the month you just listed), ____________ (year); and it is further
ADJUDGED, ORDERED and DECREED that the Separation Agreement dated
___________(month)__________(day), __________(year), be and the same is hereby
affirmed, ratified and incorporated, but not merged herein;
And nothing further remaining to be done herein, it is ORDERED that this cause
is stricken from the docket and the papers placed among the ended cases.
ENTERED this ______ day of __________________________, 20_______
__________________________ (your signature)
(Type your address)
(Type your phone number)
__________________________ (Defendant’s signature)
(Defendant’s signature is required unless notice of the presentation of this Final Decree
of Divorce “FDD” to the court for entry has been given or waived as provided by law.
The Defendant’s signature is not required if (a) he/she signed a Waiver or Acceptance of
Service and has not filed an Answer, (b) he/she was served by publication and has not
entered an appearance, or (c) the Defendant has executed and filed a Waiver of Notice. If
none of these apply and the Defendant does not sign the FDD, use “Form 6” in this
packet to put the case on a Motion’s Day docket for entry of the FDD. You must then
serve a notice on the Defendant of the date and time of the presentation of the proposed
FDD along with a copy of the proposed decree.)
(FORM 5 B—One Year Separation, No Spousal Support, and No Child Support)
This sample form is for cases where there is no fault, no contest, at least a 12 month
separation, with or without a Separation Agreement (“SA,” which is a written
agreement that the parties have separated, and if there is property to be divided, the
parties’ agreement regarding the division), NO child custody or child support and
NO spousal support . * * *
Upon consideration whereof the Court finds from the evidence, independently of any
admissions of the parties in pleadings or otherwise, the following facts:
1. The parties were lawfully married on the ____ day of _________ (month),
_______ (year) in the City/County of _______________________, State of
2(a). There is/are ____ (number) child[ren] was/were born of the marriage,
namely: ___________________________; (list all children’s names and their ages).
(Choose either (a) OR (b) – NOT BOTH. Renumber as #2.)
6. The parties have lived separate and apart without any cohabitation and without
interruption for more than one year; to wit: since ____________ (month) _______ (day, if
you do not remember the exact day, use th e last day of the month you just listed), ______
7. The Plaintiff/Defendant (choose one based upon the allegations in the
complaint and evidence produced) formed the intent to remain permanently separate and
apart on (day) ________________ (month), _______________ (year);
8. There is no hope or possibility of reconciliation between the parties; and
9. The parties have entered into a Separation Agreement dated ________
(day)________________ (month), _______________ (year); it is therefore,
(If you do not have a SA, delete this paragraph)
ADJUDGED, ORDERED, and DECREED that the Plaintiff is hereby granted a
divorce, a vinculo matrimoni from the Defendant on the ground that the parties have
lived separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for more than
one year, to wit: since ___________ (month) _____(day, if you do not remember the
exact day, use the last day of the month you just listed), ____________ (year); and it is
(FORM 5 C—Six Month Separation with Separation Agreement Containing
Spousal Support)
agreement regarding the division) that includes spousal support and NO minor
children. * * *
bona fide resident and domiciliary of the
Commonwealth of Virginia for at least six months immediately before bringing this suit;
security numbers in the Separate Addendum – see FORM 6.. DO NOT PLACE ANY
affirmed, ratified and incorporated, but not merged herein; and it is further,
ADJUDGED, ORDERED and DECREED that in accordance with the provisions of
Section 20-107.1(H) of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, the following
1. The following information is provided for the parties:
Last Four Digits of Soc. Sec. No.: ________________________________
Full Soc. Sec. No.: See Privacy Addendum
(Do NOT list any party’s full SSN in this form – place such in the Separate Addendum)
Work Phone No.: _________________________________________
Driver License No.: _________________________________________
2. The _____________ (Plaintiff/Defendant – choose only one),
_____________________________, (full name of person paying support) is ordered to
pay spousal support in the monthly amount of $________________ (dollar amount of
how much support will be paid each month) per month to the _______________
(Plaintiff/Defendant – choose only one), due on or before the day of every month,
commencing on __________(month) ______ (day)_____________(year)(date payment
starts) and continuing until the earliest to occur of: (i) the death of either party; (ii) the
remarriage of the recipient; (iii) the cohabitation of the recipient with another person, as
defined in § 20-109.A, Virginia Code; or (iv) until further order of this Court.
3. Health care coverage (a) is not required by this Order for a spouse or former
spouse; OR (b) shall be provided by (name of party providing health
insurance) for the spouse or former spouse, , (name).
(Choose either (a) OR (b).)
4(a). No spousal support arrearages exist as of the date of this Order. (If
arrearages presently exist, they will be deemed to be forever waived.) At any time that
support arrearages should exist, all payments made are to be credited to current support
obligations first, with any payment in excess of the current obligation applied to the
4(b). The _____________ (Plaintiff/Defendant – choose only one),
_____________________________, (full name of person paying support) owes spousal
support arrearages to the _______________ (Plaintiff/Defendant – choose only one), in
the total amount of $ (total dollar amount of arrearages) for the period
between (start of time period for which arrearage is calculated) and
(end of time period for which arrearage is calculated). At any time that
(Choose either (a) OR (b)—NOT BOTH. Renumber as #4.)
5. Notice is hereby given that the parties shall give each other and the court at
least 30 days’ written notice, in advance, of any change of address and any change of
telephone number within 30 days after the change; and
6. Notice is hereby given that in determination of a support obligation, the support
obligation as it becomes due and unpaid creates a judgment by operation of law.
(FORM 5 D—One Year Separation, Separation Agreement, and Spousal Support)
separation, a Separation Agreement (“SA,” which is a written agreement that the
parties have separated, and if there is property to be divided, the parties’ agreement
regarding the division), spousal support and NO child custody or child support. * *
___________(month)__________(day), __________(year), be and hereby is affirmed,
ratified and incorporated, but not merged herein; and it is further
ADJUDGED, ORDERED and DECREED that in accordance with the
provisions of Section 20-107.1(H) of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, the
how much support will be paid each month) to the _______________
(end of time period for which arrearage is calculated). At any time that support
arrearages should exist, all payments made are to be credited to current support
(FORM 5 E—One Year Separation, Separation Agreement and Child
Custody/Support but No Spousal Support)
regarding the division), child custody or child support and NO spousal support . * *
affirmed, ratified and incorporated, but not merged herein; and it is further
provisions of Section 20.124.5 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended:
(insert terms of the custody agreement);
2. Either party who intends to relocate his or her residence shall give thirty (30)
days advance written notice of any such intended relocation and of any intended change
of address, said notice being given to both the other party and to this Court; and it is
provisions of Section 20.60.3 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, the following
1. Notice is hereby given that support payments may be withheld as they become
due pursuant to Section 20-79.1 or Section 20-79.2 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as
amended, from income as defined in Section 63.2-1900 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as
amended, without further amendments of this Order and Decree or having to file an
application for services with the Department of Social Services;
2. Notice is hereby given that support payments may be withheld pursuant to
Chapter 19 (Section 63.2-1900, et seq.) of Title 63.2 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as
amended, without further amendments to this Order and Decree upon application for
services with the Department of Social Services;
3. A duty of support is owed to: __________________ (list the name, date of
birth and last four digits of the social security number of each child for whom a duty of
support exists). The party responsible for paying support is: ______________________
(give name of party who will be paying the support, the Plaintiff and/or the Defendant);
4. The following information is provided for the parties:
Last Four Digits of Soc. Sec. No.: ____________________________________________
Employer’s Address: ______________________________________________________
Work Phone No.: _________________________________________________________
Driver License No.: _______________________________________________________
5. Pursuant to 20-124.2, support shall continue to be paid for any child over the
age of 18 who is (i) a full-time high school student, (ii) not self-supporting, and (iii)
living in the home of the party seeking or receiving child support until such child reaches
the age of 19 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs first, and that the court
may also order the continuation of support for any child over the age of 18 who is (a)
severely and permanently mentally or physically disabled, (b) unable to live
independently and support himself, and (c) residing in the home of the parent seeking or
6. Notice is hereby given that a petition may be filed for the suspension of any
license, certificate, registration or other authorization to engage in a profession, trade,
business, occupation or recreational activity issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia to
a parent upon a delinquency for a period of ninety (90) days or more or in the amount of
$5,000.00 or more. The following party(ies) hold(s) the following license(s):
_________________________ (list any license(s) either party may hold or if neither
party holds a license, clearly state so in the paragraph above).
7. The __________________ (Plaintiff or Defendant – choose person paying
support), _____________________________, (full name of person paying support) is
ordered to pay child support in the monthly amount of $________________ (dollar
amount how much support will be paid each month) on behalf of
______________________________ (give name(s) of child(ren) support is paid for) to
the _____________________ (Plaintiff or Defendant – choose only one), due on or
before the day of every month, commencing on __________(month) ______
(day)_____________(year)(date payment starts) and continuing until the earliest to occur
of: (i) the death of either party, (ii) the child reaches the age of 18 (unless a provision of
paragraph 5 above governs), or (iii) further order of this Court;
8. The Order of this Court as to health care coverage for each child is as follows:
(List any agreement you may have as to health care for the children from your SA or, if
true, a written statement that health care coverage cannot be obtained at a reasonable
cost). The _________________ (Plaintiff/Defendant – choose only one) is to provide at
________ (his/her – choose only one) expense adequate health insurance for the benefit
of ____________________ (list name of the child(ren) to be covered by insurance). Such
coverage is to be provided through (name of insurance company) (a)
under privately obtained policy, number (insert the policy number)
OR (b) the _____________ (Plaintiff’s/Defendan’st – choose only one), employment
with (name of Employer). (Choose either (a) or (b).) In addition,
unreimbursed medical expenses in excess of $250 per minor child for any calendar year
are to be paid (i) directly to the health care provider(s) in the following ratio
(list any agreement set forth in your SA) OR (ii) reimbursed to a party as follows:
____________________________________ (list any agreement set forth in your SA).
(Choose either (i) or (ii).)
9(a). No child support arrearages exist as of the date of this Order. (If arrearages
presently exist, they will be deemed to be forever waived.) At any time that support
9(b). The _____________ (Plaintiff/Defendant – choose only one),
_____________________________, (full name of person paying support) owes child
support arrearages to _______________ (name of the party to whom child support is
paid), in the total amount of $ (total dollar amount of arrearages) for the
period between (start of time period for which arrearage is calculated) and
(Choose either (a) OR (b)—NOT BOTH. Renumber as #9.)
10. If at any time child support payments are ordered to be paid through the
Department of Social Services or directly to __________________________ (name of
the party to whom child support is paid) , and unless the Court for good cause shown
orders otherwise, the parties shall give each other and the Court, and, when payments are
to be made through the Department, the Department of Social Services at least thirty (30)
days’ written notice, in advance, of any change of address and any change of telephone
number within thirty (30) days after the change.
11. If at any time child support payments are ordered to be paid through the
Department of Social Services, ______________________(name of party paying
support) shall keep the Department of Social Services informed of the name, address and
telephone number of ____ (his or her – choose only one) current employer, or if at any
time payments are ordered to be paid directly to ___________________ (name of party
to whom support is paid), _____________________ (name of party paying support) shall
keep the Court informed of the name, address and telephone number of ____ (his or her –
choose only one) current employer;
12. If child support payments are ordered to be paid through the Department of
Social Services, the party obligated to provide health care coverage shall keep the
Department of Social Services informed of any changes in the availability of the health
care coverage for the minor child or children, or if payments are ordered to be paid
directly to the obligee, the party obligated to provide health care coverage shall keep the
other party informed of any changes in the availability of the health care coverage for the
13. The separate amounts due to each person under this Order for child and/or
spousal support, are set forth in Paragraph 7 of this Order;
14. Notice is hereby given that in determination of a support obligation, the
support obligation as it becomes due and unpaid creates a judgment by operation of law.
Pursuant to 20-78.2 interest shall accrue on the arrearage at the judgment rate as
established by 6.1-330.54 unless the obligee, in a writing submitted to the court, waives
the collection of interest.
15. Notice is hereby given that on and after July 1, 1994, the Department of Social
Services may, pursuant to Chapter 19 of Title 63.2 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as
amended, and in accordance with Section 20-108.2 and Section 63.2-1921 of the 1950
Code of Virginia, as amended, initiate a review of the amount of support ordered by any
16. If any arrearages for child support, including interest or fees, exist at the time
the youngest child included in the order emancipates, payments shall continue in the total
amount due (current support plus amount applied toward arrearages) at the time of
emancipation until all arrearages are paid.
17. Notice is hereby given that, in cases enforced by the Department of Social
Services, the Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend or refuse to renew the driver’s
license of any person upon receipt of notice from the Department of Social Services that
the person (i) is delinquent in the payment of child support by 90 days or in an amount of
7 9/17/2009
$5,000 or more or (ii) has failed to comply with a subpoena, summons, or warrant
(FORM 5 F—One Year Separation, Separation Agreement, Child Custody/Support,
and Spousal Support)
regarding the division), child custody and child support and spousal support. * * *
provisions of Section 20.60.3 and 20-107.1(H) of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended,
birth and last four digits of the social security number of each child and/or spouse for
whom a duty of support exists). The party responsible for paying support is:
______________________ (give name of party who will be paying the support, the
Plaintiff and/or the Defendant);
A. CHILD SUPPORT: the __________________ (Plaintiff or Defendant –
choose person paying support), _____________________________, (full name of person
paying support) is ordered to pay child support in the monthly amount of
$________________ (dollar amount how much support will be paid each month) on
behalf of ______________________________ (give name(s) of child(ren) support is
paid for) to the _____________________ (Plaintiff or Defendant – choose only one), due
on or before the day of every month, commencing on __________(month) ______
B. SPOUSAL SUPPORT: the _____________ (Plaintiff/Defendant – choose only
one),_______________________, (full name of person paying support) is ordered to pay
spousal support in the monthly amount of $________________ (dollar amount of how
much support will be paid each month) to the _______________ (Plaintiff/Defendant –
choose only one), due on or before the day of every month, commencing on
__________(month) ______ (day)_____________(year)(date payment starts) and
continuing until the earliest to occur of: (i) the death of either party; (ii) the remarriage of
the recipient; (iii) the cohabitation of the recipient with another person, as defined in §
20-109.A, Virginia Code; or (iv) until further order of this Court.
8. HEALTH CARE COVERAGE:
A. FOR CHILDREN: the Order of this Court as to health care coverage for each child is
as follows: (List in any agreement you may have as to health care for the children from
your SA or, if true, a written statement that health care coverage cannot be obtained at a
reasonable cost). The _________________ (Plaintiff/Defendant – choose only one) is to
provide at ________ (his/her – choose only one) expense adequate health insurance for
the benefit of ____________________ (list name of the child(ren) to be covered by
insurance). Such coverage is to be provided through (name of
insurance company) (a) under privately obtained policy, number (insert
the policy number) OR (b) the _____________ (Plaintiff’s/Defendant’s – choose only
one), employment with (name of Employer). (Choose either (a) or
(b).) In addition, unreimbursed medical expenses in excess of $250 per minor child for
any calendar year are to be paid (i) directly to the health care provider(s) in the following
ratio (list any agreement set forth in your SA) OR (ii) reimbursed to a
party as follows: __________________________________________________________
(list any agreement set forth in your SA). (Choose either (i) or (ii).)
B. FOR SPOUSE OR FORMER SPOUSE: health care coverage (i) is not
required by this Order for a spouse or former spouse; OR (ii) shall be provided by
(name of party providing health insurance) for the spouse or former spouse,
, (name) through (name of insurance company).
9. ARREARAGES:
A. CHILD SUPPORT ARREARAGES: (i) No child support arrearages exist as of
the date of this Order. (If arrearages presently exist, they will be deemed to be forever
waived.) At any time that support arrearages should exist, all payments made are to be
credited to current support obligations first, with any payment in excess of the current
obligation applied to the arrearage. OR (ii) The _____________ (Plaintiff/Defendant –
choose only one),_____________________________, (full name of person paying
support) owes child support arrearages to _______________ (name of the party to whom
child support is paid), in the total amount of $ (total dollar amount
of arrearages) for the period between (start of time period for which
arrearage is calculated) and (end of time period for which arrearage is
calculated). At any time that support arrearages should exist, all payments made are to be
obligation applied to the arrearage.
(Choose either (i) OR (ii)—NOT BOTH.)
B. SPOUSAL SUPPORT ARREARAGES: (i) No spousal support arrearages
exist as of the date of this Order. (If arrearages presently exist, they will be deemed to be
forever waived.) At any time that support arrearages should exist, all payments made are
to be credited to current support obligations first, with any payment in excess of the
current obligation applied to the arrearage. OR (ii) The _____________
(Plaintiff/Defendant – choose only one), _____________________________, (full name
of person paying support) owes spousal support arrearages to the _______________
(Plaintiff/Defendant – choose only one), in the total amount of $ (total
dollar amount of arrearages) for the period between (start of time period
for which arrearage is calculated) and (end of time period for which
arrearage is calculated). At any time that support arrearages should exist, all payments
made are to be credited to current support obligations first, with any payment in excess of
the current obligation applied to the arrearage.
party to whom support is paid) , and unless the Court for good cause shown orders
otherwise, the parties shall give each other and the Court, and, when payments are to be
made through the Department, the Department of Social Services at least thirty (30) days’
written notice, in advance, of any change of address and any change of telephone number
within thirty (30) days after the change.
9 9/17/2009
This Form should be on pink paper.
PRIVATE ADDENDUM
Pursuant to § 20-121.03
ADDENDUM FOR PROTECTED Case No. ……………………………………………………………………..
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION—
In the Circuit Court of the [ ] City [ ] County of ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. v. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
This addendum is filed with the document(s) indicated below, from which the protected identifying information
contained herein has been removed by the attorney or party whose signature appears below. This addendum
shall be used to distribute such information only as required by law, and may be made available only to the
parties, to their attorneys, and to other person(s) as the court may allow.
[ ] Petition [ ] Motion [ ] Order [ ] Decree [ ] Other Pleading: ………………………………………………………………………
[ ] Agreement(s) of the Parties [ ] Transcripts [ ] Other: …………………………………………………………………………………
PARTY NAME (LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE) PARTY NAME (LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE)
NAME OF ASSET, IDENTIFYING ACCOUNT NO. NAME OF ASSET, IDENTIFYING ACCOUNT NO.
LIABILITY, LIABILITY,
CHILD NAME (LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE) SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
Attach additional sheet(s) for other information, as needed.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
DATE [ ] PARTY [ ] ATTORNEY
PRINT NAME ADDRESS /TELEPHONE NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBER
Plaintiff, Defendant hereby request that this matter be set for an Ore Tenus
hearing as all issues in this case are totally uncontested. I have received and read the
Fairfax County Circuit Court’s Ore Tenus Hearing Instructions and agree to fully comply
1. Property Settlement or Separation Agreement
3. Name Change Order Address
I hereby certify that if notice is required by either Rule 1:12 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of
Virginia or Virginia Code Section 20-99 or 20-99.1:1, a true copy of this pleading and all attachments have
been served on opposing counsel of record.
(FORM 8 A)
1. All persons involved in divorce cases are strongly encouraged to consult with an
attorney so that the legal effects of these proceedings can be fully explained to
each litigant. If you proceed without legal counsel, you may forever
unknowingly waive your rights to custody or visitation, child or spousal support,
equitable distribution of property, and other legal claims arising out of your
2. All divorce cases will proceed and be set for trial through the Divorce Case
Tracking Program. However, if all issues, such as grounds for divorce and
distribution of property, are totally uncontested, a party may, by filing a Request
for Ore Tenus Hearing at any time, request a judge of the Court to hear the
evidence ore tenus (in court).
3. At the time the Request for Ore Tenus Hearing is filed, the party filing the
Request must submit the following with the request:
• Original proposed Final Decree of Divorce
• Name Change Order to resume maiden or former name, if
• Copy of any Separation Agreement, if applicable. The original
Separation Agreement should be presented to the Court at the
• Private Addendum containing the parties social security
• VS-4 form (completed legibly in black ink)
• Waiver of Notice/Proof of Service
notice of the ore tenus hearing and who will not be appearing at the hearing,
unless the moving party intends to serve the other party with Notice of the date
and time of the ore tenus hearing and a copy of the proposed Decree. (Note that
proof of service of the Notice and the Final Decree will have to be presented at
the ore tenus hearing unless Acceptance of Service or Waiver of Notice has been
4. Upon the filing of a Request for Ore Tenus Hearing, the file will be forwarded to
one of the judges’ law clerks to review all of the pleadings, including the
proposed Final Decree of Divorce, to assure compliance with all statutory
requirements. The law clerk will advise counsel for the moving party, or the
moving party if the litigant is proceeding without counsel, in writing as to the
sufficiency of the pleadings.
5. If the law clerk has advised the moving party that the pleadings comply with all
statutory requirements, then the moving party must contact the ore tenus clerk
within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date of the written notice to schedule the
hearing. The ore tenus clerk may be contacted by calling (703) 246-4200. Ore
tenus hearings are held Monday through Thursday at 10:00 a.m. If required by
law, notice of the date and time of the hearing must be served on the other party.
6. If the pleadings do not comply with all legal requirements, the law clerk will mail
a blue Rejection of ore tenus Filing form (Rejection Notice – CCR H-49) to the
moving party. The moving party will then have up to fourteen (14) days from the
date of the rejection form to correct all deficiencies and return the corrected
pleadings, along with the bottom half of the rejection form fully completed, to the
Clerk’s Office. It is not sufficient to simply file or mail the corrected pleadings to
the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court without including the bottom half of
the rejection form and noting that they are to be forwarded to the specific law
clerk who sent the rejection form.
7. All communications with the judges’ law clerks must be in writing and limited to
the matters set forth in the rejection forms. Telephone calls relating to ore tenus
cases will not be received by the law clerks. Furthermore, because the law clerks
are not permitted to give legal advice to attorneys or to pro se parties, requests for
such advice will not be entertained.
8. If the revised pleadings comply with all statutory requirements, the law clerk will
so advise the moving party in writing and then the moving party must contact the
ore tenus clerk within fourteen (14) days of the date of the acceptance postcard to
9. If the revised pleadings do not meet all statutory requirements the law clerk will
mail another blue Rejection of ore tenus Filing form to the moving party setting
forth the remaining deficiencies in the pleadings.
10. At the ore tenus hearing, the moving party and a corroborating witness (other
than the spouse) must present the evidence necessary to meet the requirements of
Virginia law. The presiding judge cannot serve as an attorney, so the moving
party must be prepared to ask the relevant questions. A copy of general sample
questions can be found in ATTACHMENT 8B.
11. If all legal requirements have been satisfied, the judge will generally enter the
Final Decree of Divorce and the Name Change Order to resume maiden or former
name, if applicable, at the hearing.
(FORM 8 B)
SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR UNCONTESTED DIVORCE
QUESTIONS FOR PARTY:
1. State your full name and address.
2. State for at least the six months prior to the filing of the Complaint for Divorce, all
addresses where you have resided. (Note: if it is the other party upon whom
jurisdiction is grounded, then ask this question regarding the residency and domicile
of the other party.)
3. So for at least six months prior to the filing of the Complaint for Divorce on (DATE),
have you been a bona fide resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth of
Virginia? (Note: if it is the other party upon whom jurisdiction is grounded, then ask
this question regarding the residency and domicile of the other party.)
4. Are you currently married to (Spouse’s Name)?
5. Where does your spouse currently reside?
6. Have either of you been active duty members of the Armed Forces of the United
States or its allies at any time during the pendency of this suit?
7. Are you and your spouse both over the age of eighteen?
8. Were you married on (Date) in (Place)?
9. Were there any children born or adopted of your marriage? (If Yes, ask names and
dates of birth of each child)
10. Did you and your spouse separate on or about (Date).
11. At the time of the separation was it the intent of at least one of you that it would be a
permanent separation which would ultimately lead to a divorce?
12. Has that intent continued on the part of at least one of you up until the present date?
13. Have you, in fact, remained separate and apart, without any cohabitation and without
any interruption since (Date of Separation)?
14. I am handing you a document which will be identified as Plaintiff’s Exhibit No.1. Is
this your Separation Agreement (or Property Settlement Agreement)?
15. Can you identify the signatures on that document? Is that your signature?
16. Is that your spouse’s signature?
17. Does this Agreement resolve all issues of property and support (and possibly custody)
arising out of your marriage to one another?
18. Are there any issues left for this court to decide?
19. Is it your desire that the Court affirm, ratify and incorporate, but not merge, this
Agreement into the Final Decree of Divorce? (ASK THE COURT TO RECEIVE
THE AGREEMENT IN EVIDENCE.)
20. Are you asking the Court to grant you a Final Decree of Divorce a vinculo matrimonii
based on the fact that the two of you have lived separate and apart for a period in
excess of one year (OR SIX MONTHS, if you have a signed separation agreement
and have no minor children)?
21. Is there any hope or probability of a reconciliation?
6. For at least six months prior to filing the Complaint for Divorce, please state all
addresses where the Plaintiff has resided. (Note: if it is the other party upon whom
7. So for at least six months prior to the filing of the Complaint for Divorce on (DATE),
was he/she a bona fide resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth of Virginia?
(Note: if it is the other party upon whom jurisdiction is grounded, then ask this
question regarding the residency and domicile of the other party.)
11. Have either of them been active duty members of the Armed Forces of the United
13. Were there any children born or adopted of their marriage? (IF YES, ASK NAMES
AND AGES)
15. At the time of the separation, was it the intent of at least one of them that it would be
a permanent separation that would ultimately lead to a divorce?
18. Have you had an opportunity to visit in the Plaintiff’s or Defendant’s home since
(Date of Separation)?
20. In any of your visits to his/her home, have you ever seen anything which would
indicate to you that his/her spouse was continuing to live there after (Date of
Separation)?
21. How frequently do you speak with the Plaintiff/Defendant either by telephone or in
22. In any of your conversations with him/her, have you ever heard anything which
would indicate to you that after the (Date of Separation), he/she had reconciled with
his wife/her husband and resumed living together with her/him?
23. Do you believe you have a close enough relationship with the Plaintiff/Defendant that
if he/she had reconciled with his wife/her husband and resumed living with her/him,
that you would have been aware of that fact?
24. So, to your knowledge, have they lived separate and apart without any cohabitation
and without interruption from (Date of Separation) up to the present date?
(FORM 9 A)
This sample form is an order to restore a former or maiden name. * * *
THIS DAY came (insert current name of party seeking name
change), who moves this Court pursuant to § 20-121.4 that she be restored to the use of
her former name, and
IT APPEARING TO THE COURT that your Plaintiff’s name is
(insert current name); that she is now divorced and desires to be restored to the use of her
former or maiden name: (insert former or maiden name); that
her current address is: (current address); that she
has had the following prior name changes:
(list all prior name changes).
IT FURTHER APPEARING TO THE COURT that this request is proper and
should be granted; it is, therefore
ADJUDGED, ORDERED and DECREED that the name of
(insert current name) is hereby changed to (insert former or
ADJUDGED, ORDERED and DECREED that the Clerk of this Court,
pursuant to the provisions of Virginia Code 8.01-217 shall spread this order upon the
current deed book, index it in both the old and new names, and transmit a certified copy
to both the State Registrar of Vital Statistics and the Criminal Records Exchange.
__________________________ (your signature using your current name)
(Type your current name)
(Defendant’s signature is required unless notice of the presentation of the FDD to the
court for entry has been given or waived as provided by law. The Defendant’s signature
is not required if (a) he/she signed a Waiver or Acceptance of Service and has not filed
an Answer, (b) he/she was served by publication and has not entered an appearance, or
(c) the Defendant has executed and filed a Waiver of Notice. If none of these apply and
the Defendant does not sign the FDD, use “Form 6” in this packet to put the case on a
Motion’s Day docket for entry of the Order for Change of Name. You must then serve a
notice on the Defendant of the date and time of the presentation of the proposed Order
for Change of Name along with a copy of the proposed decree.)
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