Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Re: Steps in Separating

Virginia does not recognize a legal status of separation. However many separating spouses in the Commonwealth work out a formal written agreement known as a Separation and Property Settlement Agreement which can then be filed with the Circuit Court as part of the process for initiating a divorce. This agreement spells out the rights as well as the responsibilites of the

separated spouses. Later, if one of the spouses wishes to proceed with divorce, this agreement can be incorporated in the Final Decree.