06/05/2026
In Virginia, legal separation does not require filing paperwork with the court. Instead, separation begins when at least one spouse decides the marriage is over, and the parties stop living as husband and wife.
The date of separation can impact issues such as divorce timelines, finances, and custody matters, making documentation and clarity important from the beginning.
Shelly F. Wood helps clients navigate separation, divorce, custody, and other family law matters throughout Virginia.