Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Bedford County, VA

An uncontested divorce in Bedford County, Virginia, is a path available to spouses who have resolved all issues—property division, spousal support, and, if applicable, child custody and visitation—outside of court. Virginia law permits a no-fault divorce based on separation. When both parties sign a written separation agreement and have no minor children, the required separation period is six months; otherwise, a one-year separation is required (Va. Code § 20-91). Once the separation period has elapsed, a Complaint for Divorce is filed in the Bedford County Circuit Court, located at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, assists clients throughout Virginia, including Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta. Our Shenandoah Location—505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664—serves the Bedford County area. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and the firm’s experienced Of Counsel attorneys work to ensure that separation agreements are thorough, the filing process is handled correctly, and the final hearing proceeds efficiently. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Uncontested Divorce Means in Bedford County

Uncontested divorce in Virginia means that the parties agree on all grounds and terms of the divorce—the reason for the divorce is no-fault (typically separation), and all associated issues are resolved in a written separation agreement. The agreement must cover property classification and division, spousal support (if any), and, if minor children are involved, custody, visitation, and child support. In Bedford County, the Bedford County Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce matters under Virginia Code § 20-96. The court reviews the separation agreement to ensure it is fair and equitable under the equitable distribution factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Standalone custody and support matters—if handled separately—are heard in the Bedford County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

The process begins when the plaintiff files a Complaint for Divorce with the Circuit Court after the statutory separation period has run. Because the parties have resolved all disputes, the matter can be placed on the court’s uncontested docket. Virginia law requires that at least one corroborating witness testify at the final hearing to establish the grounds for divorce, and the settlement agreement must be presented to the court. The judge then reviews the terms and, if satisfied, enters a final decree of divorce. An uncontested divorce typically resolves with less cost, time, and emotional strain than a contested case; however, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar, the completeness of the paperwork, and the complexity of the financial and child-related provisions. Working with an attorney helps ensure that the agreement is comprehensive and that the hearing moves without unnecessary delay.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Uncontested Divorce Cases

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its family law practice on giving clients clear guidance and practical solutions. When a couple seeks our assistance with an uncontested divorce in Bedford County, the process begins with a detailed review of the marriage’s financial picture and the proposed separation agreement. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine every provision—property division, spousal support, debt allocation, retirement account division, and child-related terms—to confirm that the agreement is legally sound and that no hidden issues will surface later.

We prepare all required pleadings, including the Complaint, the separation agreement, and any supporting affidavits. Our team works with the parties to coordinate the appearance of the corroborating witness at the final hearing. If the agreement fails to address all necessary issues or if one party has concerns, we help negotiate revisions so the matter remains uncontested. Because the firm’s attorneys are experienced in Virginia domestic relations law, we can spot potential problems—such as improperly described real property or omitted retirement plans—before the court reviews the papers. The goal is to obtain a clean final decree that allows both parties to move forward with certainty. Throughout the representation, we keep clients informed of the expected timeline and any additional steps the court may require.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His professional background includes testimony before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris brings a practical, detail-focused approach to family law, helping clients navigate the procedural requirements of Virginia’s divorce statutes while protecting their long-term interests.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys add further family law experience and work jointly with Mr. Sris on uncontested divorce matters. Together, they review separation agreements, draft pleadings, and appear in Bedford County Circuit Court to ensure that each case is presented thoroughly. The firm’s multi-state presence means clients in Bedford County have access to attorneys who are familiar with Virginia’s equitable distribution system, the factors courts consider for spousal support, and the trusted-interests standard that governs custody and visitation matters. Each client receives individual attention throughout the process. Contact (888) 437-7747 to speak with a member of the firm about your uncontested divorce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Bedford County?

An uncontested divorce in Bedford County can be completed after the statutory separation period has run and all paperwork is filed, but the exact timeline depends on the court’s calendar and the completeness of the settlement agreement. Once the separation requirement—six months with a signed agreement and no minor children, or one year otherwise—is satisfied, a Complaint may be filed. The court then schedules a final hearing. If the documents are in order and a corroborating witness is available, the hearing is typically brief, and the final decree may follow shortly. Working with an attorney helps avoid delays caused by incomplete or incorrect filings.

What are the residency requirements for an uncontested divorce in Virginia?

At least one spouse must be an actual bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for at least six months before filing the Complaint for Divorce. This requirement is set by Va. Code § 20-97 and applies equally to uncontested and contested divorces. The six-month period must be completed when the suit is commenced. It is not sufficient for a party to be merely present in the state; they must intend to remain in Virginia as their permanent home.

Do we need a separation agreement for an uncontested divorce in Bedford County?

Yes, a written separation agreement is required if you seek a no-fault divorce after six months of separation with no minor children; for other cases, a separation agreement is strongly recommended even when not legally mandated because it resolves all issues and avoids future disputes. The agreement should address division of marital assets and debts, spousal support, and, if children are involved, custody, visitation, and child support. The court will review the agreement for fairness before entering the final decree. Having an attorney review or draft the agreement can help ensure it is comprehensive and enforceable.

Can we get an uncontested divorce if we have minor children?

Yes, an uncontested divorce is available to couples with minor children, but the mandatory separation period is one year rather than six months. The separation agreement must include a detailed parenting plan that addresses legal and physical custody, a visitation schedule, and child support calculated under Virginia’s guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1). The Bedford County Circuit Court will review the child-related provisions to confirm they serve the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. If the agreement satisfies those standards, the court will incorporate it into the final divorce decree.

Will we have to appear in court for an uncontested divorce?

Yes, Virginia law requires at least one party and a corroborating witness to appear before a judge in the Bedford County Circuit Court for a brief final hearing. The witness must confirm the required separation period and any other relevant facts. If both parties have signed the separation agreement, the plaintiff alone may attend with the witness. The hearing typically lasts only a few minutes; the judge asks a few questions to confirm the grounds and that the agreement is voluntary and equitable. An attorney can prepare you and the witness for the hearing so that it proceeds smoothly.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Bedford County?

The cost depends on the complexity of the marital estate and the services required, such as agreement drafting, review, and hearing representation. Court filing fees apply; contact the clerk’s office or our firm for current fee information. Many uncontested divorces can be handled for a flat fee when the agreement is already prepared, but if substantial revisions or negotiations are needed, the cost may increase. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we discuss fees during the initial consultation so that you have a clear understanding before any work begins. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

Primary legal authority:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) ·
Virginia Judicial System

Last reviewed: July 2026

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.