Real numbers for Virginia — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Every Virginia divorce — contested or not — passes through the same basic checkpoints:
Think of this as a general outline rather than a substitute for legal advice — a Virginia family law attorney or your county's self-help resources can confirm the current forms and procedure for your situation.
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Calculate My Virginia Divorce Cost →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 Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High 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 uncontested | Up to $17,000 per spouse | ||
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 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Virginia average $280 per hour.
A Fairfax County couple with no children who have been separated 6+ months and agree on terms would spend $86 in filing fees and $3,000–$7,000 in attorney costs — total around $3,200–$7,500. A contested custody case in NoVA can easily reach $40,000–$80,000+ per party.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia?
An uncontested divorce in Virginia typically costs $5,000–$7,500 including the $86 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $22,000–$35,200 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What is Virginia's separation requirement for divorce?
Virginia requires 6 months of separation for no-fault divorce without children, and 1 year of separation when minor children are involved or the divorce is contested.
Does adultery affect spousal support in Virginia?
Yes. A spouse who committed adultery is generally barred from receiving spousal support in Virginia — one of the states where fault has the most significant financial consequences.
How much does a divorce attorney cost in Northern Virginia?
NoVA attorneys (Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun) charge $350–$550+/hr. Richmond and Hampton Roads attorneys charge $275–$400/hr. Southwest Virginia attorneys charge $200–$300/hr.
How is property divided in Virginia?
Virginia uses equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly using 11 statutory factors including contributions, length of marriage, and economic circumstances.
Can I file for divorce in Virginia before the separation period ends?
No. The separation period must be complete before you can file. However, you can (and should) negotiate and sign a separation agreement during the waiting period to speed up the final hearing.
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Open Virginia Calculator →Filing fees based on Virginia court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.