Virginia Divorce

[MJA99]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California/Virginia

My wife and I were married in September 2010 in Arlington, Virginia. I am in the military and moved to California on orders in September 2012. We have no children, no joint property, debt, or assets. We both agree on keeping our own retirement, savings, vehicles. In February of this year, my wife moved to Alexandria, VA. Here is my question(s)- who files where for the divorce? Is there a residency requirement for her in Alexandria now that she has moved from Arlington County? Can I file in Virginia even though I live in California?

Thank you

 

[single317dad]

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+20-97

§ 20-97. Domicile and residential requirements for such suits.

No suit for annulling a marriage or for divorce shall be maintainable, unless one of the parties is and has been an actual bona fide resident and domiciliary of this Commonwealth for at least six months preceding the commencement of the suit; nor shall any suit for affirming a marriage be maintainable, unless one of the parties be domiciled in, and is and has been an actual bona fide resident of this Commonwealth at the time of bringing such suit.

For the purposes of this section only:

1. If a member of the armed forces of the United States has been stationed or resided in this Commonwealth and has lived for a period of six months or more in this Commonwealth next preceding the commencement of the suit, then such person shall be presumed to be domiciled in and to have been a bona fide resident of this Commonwealth during such period of time.

2. Being stationed or residing in the Commonwealth includes, but is not limited to, a member of the armed forces being stationed or residing upon a ship having its home port in this Commonwealth or at an air, naval or military base located within this Commonwealth over which the United States enjoys exclusive federal jurisdiction.

3. Any member of the armed forces of the United States or any foreign service officer of the United States who (i) at the time the suit is commenced is, or immediately preceding such suit was, stationed in any territory or foreign country and (ii) was domiciled in the Commonwealth for the six month period immediately preceding his being stationed in such territory or country, shall be deemed to have been domiciled in and to have been a bona fide resident of the Commonwealth during the six months preceding commencement of a suit for annulment or divorce.

4. Upon separation of the husband and wife, the wife may establish her own and separate domicile, though the separation may have been caused under such circumstances as would entitle the wife to a divorce or annulment.

(Code 1919, § 5105; 1922, p. 589; 1958, c. 169; 1968, c. 455; 1974, c. 278; 1978, c. 412; 1985, c. 304; 1987, c. 35; 1988, c. 448; 1991, c. 259; 2009, c. 582.)

Some local jurisdictions have other requirements, you'll have to check at the local courthouse to find out if there are additional requirements.