Virginia Divorce by Publication: Navigating the Legal Maze When Your Spouse is Missing

From my decades of hands-on experience practicing family law across Virginia, one of the most challenging situations clients face is seeking a divorce when their spouse has disappeared or cannot be found. This isn’t merely an inconvenience; it presents a profound legal hurdle: how do you serve divorce papers on someone you can’t locate? The answer, in many cases, lies in the intricate process of “divorce by publication,” a statutory mechanism designed to allow the legal system to proceed when traditional service is impossible. It’s a pathway that demands meticulous adherence to the law, and overlooking even the smallest detail can invalidate your entire case.

This comprehensive guide delves deep into the nuances of obtaining a divorce by publication in Virginia. We will explore the stringent requirements, the procedural steps, the limitations of such a divorce, and the critical role played by the Virginia legal framework. My goal is to equip you with the authoritative knowledge necessary to understand this complex process, ensuring that you can pursue your legal separation with confidence and clarity, even under the most difficult circumstances.

Introduction to Divorce by Publication

Divorce by publication in Virginia is a court-authorized method of serving divorce papers when a spouse’s whereabouts are unknown, and all reasonable attempts to locate them have failed. This process provides “constructive notice” of the legal proceedings, effectively allowing the divorce case to move forward even without direct personal service on the missing party, subject to strict legal conditions.

In the vast majority of divorce cases, the initiation of legal proceedings begins with serving the divorce complaint, or “Bill of Complaint,” along with a summons, directly to the respondent spouse. This act, known as “personal service,” ensures that the respondent receives actual notice of the lawsuit against them, affording them the opportunity to respond and defend their interests in court. However, what happens when your spouse has vanished without a trace? When diligent efforts to find them through various channels yield no results?

Virginia law, recognizing these exceptional circumstances, provides for an alternative: service by publication. This method, codified primarily in Virginia Code § 8.01-316, allows a court to authorize the plaintiff to publish notice of the divorce action in a local newspaper. While it fulfills the legal requirement of notice, it’s critical to understand that this is not a shortcut. It is a rigorous process, a last resort, and comes with specific limitations, particularly concerning the types of relief a court can grant without the defendant’s actual appearance.

When Is Divorce by Publication Necessary?

Divorce by publication becomes necessary in Virginia when a diligent, good-faith effort to locate and personally serve a respondent spouse has been unsuccessful, and the petitioner can demonstrate to the Virginia Circuit Court that the spouse’s whereabouts genuinely cannot be ascertained. This typically occurs in cases of abandonment or deliberate evasion of service.

The threshold for resorting to service by publication is intentionally high. A Virginia Circuit Court will not simply grant an order of publication because locating a spouse is inconvenient. Instead, the petitioner must present compelling evidence, usually in the form of a sworn affidavit, detailing every reasonable attempt made to find the missing spouse. From my experience, “reasonable attempts” can encompass a wide range of actions, including:

• Checking last known addresses and workplaces.
• Contacting mutual friends, family members, and former colleagues.
• Searching public records, including voter registration, property records, and professional licensing databases.
• Conducting online searches, including social media platforms.
• Hiring a private investigator to conduct a thorough search.
• Checking prison records or death certificates.

The court needs to be convinced that the spouse truly cannot be found, rather than merely being difficult to serve. This diligence is a cornerstone of due process, ensuring that every effort has been made to provide actual notice before resorting to a method of constructive notice. Virginia Code § 8.01-316 specifically outlines the requirements for such an order, emphasizing the necessity of showing that the defendant “is a nonresident of this Commonwealth, or that his residence and whereabouts are unknown.”

Consequences and Stakes of Divorce by Publication

While divorce by publication allows for the dissolution of the marital bond, its primary limitation in Virginia is that it typically only permits an “in rem” judgment, dissolving the marriage itself. It generally precludes “in personam” judgments for issues like property division, spousal support, or child support, as the court lacks personal jurisdiction over the missing spouse.

Understanding the limitations of a divorce by publication is paramount. The fundamental principle at play here is jurisdiction. For a court to issue orders that compel a person to do something or to divide their personal assets, it must have “personal jurisdiction” over that individual. Personal service is the primary way to establish this. When service is made by publication, the court typically only acquires “in rem” jurisdiction – jurisdiction over the marriage itself – and not “in personam” jurisdiction over the absent spouse.

What this means for you, the petitioner, is significant. Under Virginia laws, specifically Virginia Code § 20-99, while the marriage can be legally dissolved, the court generally cannot:

• Order the missing spouse to pay spousal support (alimony).
• Order the missing spouse to pay child support (though child support can often be pursued separately through other state and federal mechanisms, especially if the missing parent’s location is eventually determined).
• Equitably distribute marital assets or debts (e.g., bank accounts, retirement funds, real estate) unless those assets are physically located within Virginia and the court can establish jurisdiction over them (e.g., a Virginia property jointly owned by both spouses).
• Award custody or visitation rights definitively against the absent parent.

Therefore, a divorce by publication in Virginia often results in a “bare bones” divorce decree. It achieves the critical goal of dissolving the marriage, allowing you to remarry, but leaves many financial and parental issues unresolved. This distinction is crucial for managing expectations and planning your post-divorce life. If there are significant assets or ongoing support needs, alternative strategies or continued efforts to locate the spouse may be necessary after the divorce is finalized.

The Legal Process of Divorce by Publication in Virginia

The legal process for divorce by publication in Virginia is a multi-step procedure initiated in the Virginia Circuit Courts, involving diligent search efforts, the filing of specific affidavits with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, obtaining a court order for publication, and adherence to strict advertising requirements before the case can proceed to a final hearing.

Navigating the procedural requirements for a divorce by publication in Virginia demands precision and a thorough understanding of court rules. As a seasoned attorney, I’ve guided countless clients through this labyrinthine process. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved:

Step 1: Exhausting All Other Service Methods

Before even considering publication, you must demonstrate to the Virginia Circuit Court that you have made every reasonable attempt to serve your spouse personally or through certified mail. This involves attempting service through local Sheriff’s Offices at all known addresses, checking with family and friends, and utilizing public records. This diligent search forms the foundation of your affidavit to the court, as mandated by Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 3:3 and Rule 3:4.

Step 2: Filing the Bill of Complaint for Divorce

Your journey begins by filing a “Bill of Complaint for Divorce” with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the appropriate Virginia jurisdiction. This document outlines the grounds for divorce (often no-fault in these cases, based on separation), details about the marriage, and any relief you are seeking. Given the limitations of publication, the requested relief is typically limited to the dissolution of the marriage itself.

Step 3: Preparing and Filing the Affidavit of Diligent Search

This is arguably the most critical document for a divorce by publication. You will file a sworn affidavit with the Clerk of the Circuit Court detailing all the unsuccessful efforts you made to locate your spouse. This affidavit must be comprehensive, convincing the judge that the spouse truly cannot be found. Examples of information to include were mentioned earlier: attempts to contact family/friends, searches of public databases, inquiries with past employers, and private investigator reports. Virginia Code § 8.01-316 is the governing statute here, requiring a clear demonstration that the defendant’s “residence and whereabouts are unknown.”

Step 4: Obtaining the Order of Publication

If the Virginia Circuit Court judge is satisfied with your affidavit of diligent search, they will issue an “Order of Publication.” This order authorizes you to publish notice of the divorce action. The order will specify the newspaper in which the notice must be published (usually one with general circulation in the area where the suit is filed or where the defendant last resided) and the duration of publication.

Step 5: Publishing the Notice

Following the court’s order, the notice of divorce must be published in the designated newspaper for the specified period, typically once a week for four consecutive weeks. The notice itself is a brief summary that informs the absent spouse of the divorce action, the court where it was filed, and the deadline by which they must respond. It serves as constructive notice to the missing spouse. Proof of publication (an affidavit from the newspaper publisher) must then be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Step 6: Waiting Period and Default

After the last publication, a statutory waiting period (typically 10 days) must elapse to allow the missing spouse time to respond. If no response is received, the case can proceed as an uncontested divorce. The court will then typically enter an “Order of Publication” (this is the final court order related to the publication, not the authorization for it) and set the matter for a final hearing.

Step 7: Final Hearing and Divorce Decree

At the final hearing, you or your attorney will present evidence to the Virginia Circuit Court judge supporting your grounds for divorce. Since the absent spouse has not appeared, the divorce is often granted on no-fault grounds (e.g., one year of separation). If all requirements have been met, the court will issue a final “Decree of Divorce,” legally dissolving your marriage.

Throughout this process, the role of the Clerk of the Circuit Court is pivotal for filing documents, and the Virginia Circuit Courts are where all hearings and orders take place. While the Virginia Supreme Court serves as an appellate body, their direct involvement in the initial divorce by publication process is rare.

Legal Strategies and Considerations for Divorce by Publication

Successful legal strategies for divorce by publication in Virginia hinge on meticulous documentation of diligent search efforts, precise adherence to statutory publication requirements, and a clear understanding of jurisdictional limitations concerning property and support, often necessitating a two-pronged approach for full resolution.

When a client approaches Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. seeking a divorce by publication, my first priority is to strategize how to satisfy the court’s strict requirements while achieving the best possible outcome given the inherent limitations. From my deep well of experience, here are several key strategies and considerations:

1. The Unassailable Affidavit of Diligent Search: This is your bedrock. A vague or insufficient affidavit will lead to delays or outright denial of the order of publication. I advise clients to gather every scrap of evidence—emails, phone logs, social media screenshots, records from public databases, notes from conversations with mutual contacts—that demonstrates a genuine, exhaustive effort to locate the spouse. This proactive approach ensures compliance with Virginia Code § 8.01-316.

2. Understanding In Rem vs. In Personam Jurisdiction: As discussed, this is critical. While the Virginia Circuit Courts can dissolve the marriage (in rem), they generally cannot make binding orders regarding support or property division against an absent spouse (in personam). Your strategy must reflect this. If significant marital assets exist within Virginia (e.g., a jointly owned house in Fairfax County or a bank account at a Virginia bank), it might be possible to establish quasi-in-rem jurisdiction over that specific asset, but this is a complex area requiring specialized legal counsel.

3. The “Bare Bones” Divorce: Often, the most pragmatic strategy is to accept the limitations and proceed with a “bare bones” divorce by publication. This achieves the core objective: legally ending the marriage. This frees you to remarry, move forward with your life, and often provides a sense of closure. Subsequent actions for financial matters might be possible if the spouse is later located.

4. Dual Filings or Bifurcation: In some rare instances, if there’s a possibility the spouse might be located after the divorce is initiated (perhaps through an unexpected appearance), a strategy might involve bifurcating the divorce. This means the court first grants the divorce (dissolves the marriage), and then, if the spouse is located, you pursue separate actions for property division, support, or custody. This is an advanced strategy and depends heavily on specific circumstances.

5. Utilizing No-Fault Grounds: Proving fault grounds (like adultery or cruelty) when your spouse is absent is exceptionally difficult, as it requires compelling evidence without the benefit of the other party’s testimony or discovery. Therefore, pursuing a no-fault divorce based on separation (Virginia Code § 20-91(A)(9)) is almost always the most viable and straightforward strategy in publication cases. This simplifies the evidentiary burden significantly.

6. The Role of a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL): In rare and complex cases, particularly if there are children involved and the court has concerns about the absent parent’s knowledge or potential involvement, the Virginia Circuit Court may appoint a Guardian Ad Litem for the absent party. While not common in every divorce by publication, it’s a possibility to be aware of, adding another layer of complexity and cost.

Every case is unique, and a one-size-fits-all strategy simply doesn’t exist in family law. The seasoned approach involves a thorough case assessment, careful planning, and precise execution of legal procedures, always with the specific goals and limitations of a Virginia divorce by publication in mind.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Divorce by Publication Cases

Successfully navigating a divorce by publication in Virginia requires more than just following steps; it demands avoiding common pitfalls that can derail your case, leading to significant delays, increased costs, or even the dismissal of your petition. Based on my extensive experience, these are critical errors to sidestep:

1. Insufficient Diligent Search Efforts: The most frequent mistake is not conducting a truly exhaustive and well-documented search for the missing spouse. Simply trying a last known address once is not enough. The Virginia Circuit Court needs to be convinced you’ve tried everything reasonable. This is directly tied to Virginia Code § 8.01-316.
2. Failing to Adequately Document Search Efforts: Even if you perform a diligent search, if you don’t meticulously document every attempt—dates, times, methods used, persons contacted, and outcomes—your affidavit will lack the necessary credibility. Keep a detailed log.
3. Incorrect Publication Procedures: Failing to publish in the correct newspaper, for the specified duration, or with the precise wording ordered by the court will invalidate the service. The Clerk of the Circuit Court often has specific guidelines that must be followed to the letter.
4. Misunderstanding Jurisdictional Limitations: Assuming a divorce by publication can resolve all issues (like property division or spousal support) is a critical error. Without personal jurisdiction over the missing spouse, the Virginia Circuit Courts generally cannot issue binding “in personam” orders. This leads to false expectations and potential frustration.
5. Neglecting Court Deadlines: The legal process is governed by strict timelines, from filing responses to appearing at hearings. Missing a deadline can result in your case being dismissed or requiring you to restart the process.
6. Attempting to Handle Complexities Alone: While it may seem straightforward on the surface, divorce by publication is highly technical. Attempting to manage it without legal counsel often leads to procedural errors, delays, and a less favorable outcome. The nuances of Virginia law, particularly concerning service and jurisdiction, are best handled by a seasoned attorney.
7. Improperly Drafting the Bill of Complaint: If your initial complaint seeks relief that cannot be granted through service by publication (e.g., spousal support from a truly missing spouse), the court may reject it or require amendments, causing delays.
8. Not Preparing for Court Appearances: Even if the spouse is absent, you will still need to attend hearings and present your case. Being unprepared or unable to articulate your efforts and grounds for divorce can undermine your petition.

Avoiding these common pitfalls is paramount to a swift and legally sound divorce by publication. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. emphasizes a proactive and precise approach to mitigate these risks for our clients.

Glossary of Key Terms

Navigating legal terminology is often half the battle. Here are some critical terms you’ll encounter when dealing with divorce by publication in Virginia:

Service of Process:

The formal delivery of legal documents (like a divorce complaint and summons) to an individual or entity to inform them of a lawsuit.

Personal Service:

Direct delivery of legal documents to the defendant, typically by a sheriff or private process server. This is the preferred method of service.

Constructive Notice:

Legal notification given to an individual by making it public, such as through newspaper publication, when personal notice is impossible. It is legally presumed that the person has received notice, even if they haven’t seen it.

Affidavit of Diligent Search:

A sworn, notarized statement filed with the court detailing all attempts made to locate a party for the purpose of personal service, and confirming that they could not be found.

Order of Publication:

A court order authorizing the publication of notice in a newspaper, permitting service to be completed when a party’s whereabouts are unknown.

In Rem Jurisdiction:

A court’s power to rule over a specific piece of property (or, in divorce, the marriage itself) without necessarily having personal jurisdiction over the individuals involved.

In Personam Jurisdiction:

A court’s power over an individual person, allowing it to issue judgments that are binding on that person directly (e.g., orders for support or property division).

No-Fault Divorce:

A divorce granted without either party having to prove the other’s marital misconduct. In Virginia, this typically requires a period of separation (one year or six months with a property settlement agreement if there are minor children).

Common Scenarios and Questions

Clients often come to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. with very specific, pressing questions rooted in challenging real-life situations. Here are a few common scenarios and how a divorce by publication might apply:

Scenario 1: The Disappeared Spouse After Years of Separation
“My husband walked out on me and our children over five years ago. I’ve heard rumors he moved out of state, but I have no current contact information for him, nor do his family or old friends. I want to remarry, but I can’t find him to get a divorce. What are my options in Virginia?”

Answer: This is a classic case for divorce by publication in Virginia. Given the extended separation and inability to locate him, you would likely qualify for a no-fault divorce. The key would be demonstrating a thorough diligent search, encompassing all his last known contacts and public records. While you can dissolve the marriage, you typically wouldn’t be able to pursue spousal support or property division against him through this method alone, unless specific assets within Virginia could be subject to quasi-in-rem jurisdiction. The primary goal here would be to legally end the marriage to allow you to remarry.

Scenario 2: The Spouse Who Actively Evades Service
“I know my wife is still in Virginia, but she keeps moving, using different addresses, and refusing to answer calls or letters from me or my process server. It’s clear she’s trying to avoid divorce papers. Can I use divorce by publication even if I know she’s ‘out there’ somewhere?”

Answer: Yes, divorce by publication can be appropriate even if you suspect your spouse is actively evading service within Virginia. The critical factor is whether, despite diligent efforts, her “residence and whereabouts are unknown” for the purpose of effectuating personal service. Your affidavit would detail all attempts made, including the multiple addresses tried, the evasive behavior, and the failure of process servers. The court wants to see that you’ve exhausted all reasonable means, not just that she’s being difficult. This still typically results in an “in rem” divorce, focusing on the marriage’s dissolution.

Scenario 3: The Spouse Who Left the Country
“My spouse left Virginia and moved back to his home country several years ago. I haven’t heard from him since, and I don’t have an address. Can I get a divorce by publication?”

Answer: If your spouse is a bona fide nonresident of Virginia and their whereabouts are genuinely unknown, then service by publication is the appropriate method under Virginia Code § 8.01-316. The diligent search would extend to any international contacts or last known addresses you might have. However, the jurisdictional limitations are even more pronounced here; the Virginia Circuit Court will almost certainly only grant an “in rem” divorce dissolving the marriage, without making rulings on international assets or support, as it lacks personal jurisdiction over an individual living abroad who has not appeared in court.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does a divorce by publication take in Virginia?
A: The timeline for a divorce by publication in Virginia can vary, but generally, it takes longer than a standard uncontested divorce. After filing, the diligent search and court approval for publication can take weeks or months. The publication itself runs for four consecutive weeks, followed by a waiting period (typically 10 days) for the spouse to respond. Then, you must schedule a final hearing. From initial filing to final decree, it often takes 3-6 months, sometimes longer, depending on court dockets and the complexity of proving diligent search.

Q2: Can I get spousal support or child support through a divorce by publication?
A: Generally, no. A Virginia Circuit Court usually lacks “in personam” jurisdiction over an absent spouse served only by publication. This means it cannot issue binding orders for spousal support (alimony) or child support against them. Child support might be pursued separately if the absent parent’s location is later determined, potentially through federal Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) mechanisms, but not directly through a divorce by publication.

Q3: What if my spouse appears after the publication?
A: If your spouse appears and responds to the divorce action after the publication, they will be considered properly served, and the case will then proceed as a contested or uncontested divorce depending on their response. At that point, the court would gain “in personam” jurisdiction, allowing for a broader range of issues like property division and support to be addressed.

Q4: Do I need an attorney for divorce by publication?
A: While it’s technically possible to represent yourself, it’s strongly advised to retain a seasoned Virginia family law attorney. The requirements for diligent search, the affidavit, obtaining the order of publication, and strict adherence to Virginia Code § 8.01-316 and procedural rules are complex. Errors can lead to significant delays or dismissal of your case. An attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. ensures all legal requirements are met correctly.

Q5: What proof of diligent search is required?
A: The Virginia Circuit Court requires a sworn affidavit detailing all efforts made to locate your spouse. This can include: checking all known addresses, contacting family/friends, searching public records (DMV, voter registration, property deeds), conducting online searches, and even hiring a private investigator. The key is to show comprehensive and good-faith efforts.

Q6: Can I divide marital property in a divorce by publication?
A: Similar to support, property division (equitable distribution) typically requires “in personam” jurisdiction over both parties. If a spouse is served only by publication, the court generally cannot divide marital assets or debts that are not physically located in Virginia, nor can it order the absent spouse to take specific actions regarding property. Limited exceptions may apply for real estate located in Virginia where quasi-in-rem jurisdiction can be established over the property itself.

Q7: What is “constructive notice” and how does it apply here?
A: Constructive notice is a legal fiction where a person is presumed to have received notice of a legal action because the notice was made public, even if they didn’t actually see it. In divorce by publication, publishing notice in a newspaper provides constructive notice to the missing spouse, allowing the legal process to move forward despite their absence.

Q8: Can I pursue a divorce by publication if my spouse is in jail or prison?
A: If your spouse is incarcerated, their location is generally known. In such cases, personal service or service by certified mail to the correctional facility would be the appropriate method, not service by publication. Publication is reserved for truly missing or unlocatable individuals.

Q9: Are there any alternatives to divorce by publication if I can’t find my spouse?
A: No direct alternatives in Virginia that achieve a divorce. The law mandates some form of service. If publication isn’t possible (e.g., you can’t demonstrate diligent search), you may be stuck. However, sometimes continued, more intensive investigative efforts might lead to an address, enabling personal service. In extremely rare and specific situations, if a spouse has been declared legally dead after a long absence, that could also dissolve a marriage, but this is a distinct legal process.

Q10: What if the published notice has an error?
A: Errors in the published notice—even minor ones—can invalidate the service. This means the court may rule that the absent spouse was not properly notified, requiring you to restart the publication process, incurring more time and expense. This highlights the importance of meticulous review by an attorney.

Q11: Can I get a default divorce if my spouse doesn’t respond after publication?
A: Yes, if the publication process is followed correctly and the statutory waiting period elapses without a response from the missing spouse, the Virginia Circuit Court can grant a default divorce. However, as noted, this default judgment will typically be limited to dissolving the marriage itself due to jurisdictional constraints.

Q12: How long do I have to be separated for a no-fault divorce by publication?
A: The same separation periods for a standard no-fault divorce apply: one year if you have no minor children, or six months if you have no minor children and a Property Settlement Agreement (though getting a property settlement agreement with an absent spouse is usually not feasible). The separation must be continuous and without cohabitation.

Q13: Will the court appoint an attorney for my missing spouse?
A: The court does not typically appoint an attorney for an absent spouse in a divorce by publication. In some specific cases, particularly if children are involved and the court has concerns about the absent parent’s interests, a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) might be appointed for the children, or in rare circumstances for the absent party if specific issues arise, but this is not standard practice for simply being absent.

Q14: Are there residency requirements for divorce by publication in Virginia?
A: Yes, the standard Virginia residency requirements for divorce apply. Either you or your spouse must have been a bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for at least six months immediately prior to filing the divorce complaint. This establishes the Virginia Circuit Court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

Q15: What happens if my spouse comes back after the divorce is finalized?
A: If the divorce by publication was properly obtained and finalized, your marriage is legally dissolved. Your spouse’s return after the fact does not automatically invalidate the divorce. However, if there were unresolved financial matters or issues concerning children, your returning ex-spouse might attempt to pursue those issues in court, potentially necessitating further legal action.

Conclusion

Divorce by publication in Virginia is a complex yet vital legal avenue for individuals trapped in a marriage where their spouse has vanished. It embodies the legal system’s commitment to providing a path forward, even under the most challenging circumstances. From my perspective, having guided clients through these intricate proceedings for over 20 years, the process demands unwavering attention to detail, a thorough understanding of Virginia Code, particularly § 8.01-316 and § 20-99, and a pragmatic acceptance of its jurisdictional limitations.

While it offers a crucial solution for dissolving the marital bond, it’s imperative to approach it with realistic expectations, especially concerning property and support. The rigorous requirements for diligent search and precise publication underscore the seriousness with which Virginia Circuit Courts treat due process. Attempting to navigate this on your own is fraught with peril and often leads to costly errors and delays.

At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we stand ready to bring our seasoned knowledge and dedicated approach to your unique situation. If you are facing the daunting prospect of divorcing a missing spouse in Virginia, know that you do not have to walk this path alone. Our firm is dedicated to providing the authoritative legal guidance you need to ensure your case is handled with the utmost care and precision, securing your future with confidence.

Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Today

If you are considering a divorce by publication in Virginia, do not delay. Protect your rights and ensure your case is handled correctly from the outset. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at 888-437-7747 for a confidential case review. Our seasoned attorneys are here to provide the knowledgeable counsel you need.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is generalized and may not apply to your specific situation. Legal statutes and interpretations are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction for advice regarding your individual circumstances. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides legal services in Virginia and other specified jurisdictions. Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship.