How to File for Divorce in Henrico County, Virginia (Complete Guide)

If you are filing for divorce in Henrico County, Virginia, you will file at the Henrico County Circuit Court located at 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228. Henrico County follows Virginia state divorce law which requires a mandatory separation period before filing. The filing fee is approximately $86 — one of the lowest in the United States. This guide covers the complete process for filing a DIY divorce in Henrico County.

Where to file for divorce in Henrico County

Divorce cases in Henrico County are handled by the Henrico County Circuit Court. The courthouse is located at:

Henrico County Circuit Court
4301 East Parham Road
Henrico, VA 23228
Phone: (804) 501-4202
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Henrico County divorce filing fee

The filing fee for a Bill of Complaint for Divorce in Henrico County is approximately $86. Additional costs may include sheriff service fees of approximately $12–$25. Henrico County accepts payment by cash, check, or money order at the Circuit Court clerk’s office.

Virginia separation requirement for Henrico County filers

Virginia requires spouses to live separately before filing for divorce. The required separation period depends on whether minor children are involved:

Without minor children: 6 months of separation with a signed Property Settlement Agreement
With minor children: 12 months of separation

During the separation period both spouses must live in completely separate residences. You do not need a formal legal separation order — just physical separation with the intent that it is permanent.

Step-by-step process for filing divorce in Henrico County

Step 1 — Complete the required separation period
Before filing, ensure you have completed the required separation period — 6 months without minor children and a signed Property Settlement Agreement, or 12 months with minor children. Document your separation date with records such as separate lease agreements or utility bills.

Step 2 — Sign a Property Settlement Agreement
Both spouses should negotiate and sign a Property Settlement Agreement covering all property division, debts, spousal support, and — if applicable — child custody and support. This agreement must be notarized and is required for an uncontested divorce in Virginia.

Step 3 — Download Virginia divorce forms
Virginia divorce forms are available from the Virginia Courts Self-Help Center at selfhelp.vacourts.gov. Virginia provides free form packets with instructions for uncontested divorces with and without children.

Step 4 — File at Henrico County Circuit Court
File your completed Bill of Complaint for Divorce at the Henrico County Circuit Court clerk’s office at 4301 East Parham Road. Pay the $86 filing fee when you submit your paperwork.

Step 5 — Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the Bill of Complaint and Summons. For an uncontested divorce, your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service. Otherwise, the Henrico County Sheriff’s office can serve your spouse for approximately $12–$25.

Step 6 — Submit final documents
After the separation period is complete and all documents are signed, submit the Final Decree of Divorce to the Henrico County Circuit Court. For uncontested divorces in Virginia, many circuit courts — including Henrico — allow the divorce to be finalized on the papers alone without requiring a court appearance.

Required forms for divorce in Henrico County

Bill of Complaint for Divorce
Acceptance of Service or Sheriff’s Return
Property Settlement Agreement (notarized)
Final Decree of Divorce
Vital Statistics form (VS-22)
If children are involved: Custody and Support Agreement

All forms are available free at selfhelp.vacourts.gov.

How long does a Henrico County divorce take?

The total time for a divorce in Henrico County depends on the separation period. For couples without minor children and a signed agreement, the minimum total time is approximately 6–8 months including the 6-month separation. With minor children, the total time is typically 14–18 months including the 12-month separation. Henrico County courts process uncontested divorces efficiently once all paperwork is submitted correctly.

Henrico County self-help resources

Virginia Courts Self-Help Center — free forms at selfhelp.vacourts.gov
Virginia Legal Aid — free legal help for qualifying low-income residents
Henrico County Circuit Court clerk — (804) 501-4202
Central Virginia Legal Aid Society — serves Henrico County residents

Frequently asked questions — Henrico County divorce

Do I need to appear in court for my Henrico County divorce?

For an uncontested divorce in Henrico County with a signed Property Settlement Agreement, you typically do not need to appear in court. The Henrico County Circuit Court can finalize the divorce on the papers alone through a depositions or affidavit procedure. Confirm with the clerk’s office for their current requirements.

What if my spouse lives outside Henrico County?

You can file in the circuit court of the city or county where either spouse lives. If you live in Henrico County and your spouse lives elsewhere in Virginia, you can still file at the Henrico County Circuit Court.

Can I get a fee waiver for my Henrico County divorce?

Yes. If you cannot afford the $86 filing fee, you can file a Petition for Proceeding in Civil Case Without Payment of Fees or Costs with the Henrico County Circuit Court. If your income qualifies, the court may waive the filing fee entirely.

Is Henrico County part of the City of Richmond?

No. Henrico County and the City of Richmond are separate jurisdictions in Virginia. If you live in the City of Richmond, you file at the Richmond City Circuit Court, not the Henrico County Circuit Court. If you live in Henrico County, you file at 4301 East Parham Road.

More Virginia divorce resources

Divorce guides in other states

Divorce laws vary significantly by state. Select your state below to find the complete guide.

Legal disclaimer

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws in Virginia and Henrico County vary by individual circumstances. If your divorce involves significant assets, children, or disputes, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Virginia.