📍 Virginia · 2026

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Virginia?

Real numbers for Virginia — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.

✓ Filing fees verified against Virginia court records · Updated July 2026

Filing Fee
$86
Court filing cost
Attorney Rate
$280/hr
Avg in Virginia
Uncontested
$5,000
Avg total cost
Contested
$22,000
Avg total cost
Waiting Period
12 months
Mandatory minimum
Property Law
Equitable Split
equitable state

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Divorce Costs in Virginia: The Full Breakdown

The cost of divorce in Virginia ranges from roughly $3,000 for a simple uncontested case to $35,200 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.

Virginia requires a 12-month separation period (6 months if no children and you have a separation agreement). One of the stricter requirements on the East Coast.

Divorce TypeLow EstimateTypicalHigh Estimate
Uncontested, no children$86$836$5,000
Uncontested with children$3,000$5,000$7,500
Contested, no trial$12,100$22,000$35,200
Contested, goes to trial$35,200$41,800$50,000+
Savings going uncontestedUp to $17,000 per spouse
The most important number The difference between uncontested and contested in Virginia is approximately $17,000 per spouse. That is money that stays in your family rather than going to attorneys.

⚖️ Virginia Filing Fees by County

The court filing fee in Virginia is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.

Filing fee note: $86 statewide — one of the lowest for an East Coast state

Fairfax County$86
Prince William$86
Virginia Beach$86
Chesterfield$86
Henrico$86
Arlington$86

💼 Attorney Fees in Virginia

Divorce attorney hourly rates in Virginia average $280 per hour.

How to Reduce Your Divorce Costs in Virginia

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Filing fees based on Virginia court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.