Free Virginia Divorce Form - PDF | 686KB | 70 Page(s) | Page 4 - Free Printable

Problem Summary:

The task involves understanding the requirements for preparing and filing a divorce complaint in Fairfax County, Virginia. The document outlines specific instructions for formatting documents, required forms, and fees. The goal is to ensure that all necessary steps are followed correctly.

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Solution Explanation:

#### Step 1: Document Formatting Requirements
- Paper Size and Margins: All documents must be typed on 8 1/2" by 11" white paper with double-spacing and 1 ½ inch margins on all four sides.
- Printing: Documents must be printed on only one side of the paper.

#### Step 2: Mailing or Delivery Instructions
- If mailing documents to the Court:
- Address:
```
Clerk of the Circuit Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Attention: Civil Case Processing
```
- For personal filing or hand delivery:
- Bring documents to the Clerk's Office Civil Division counter on the third floor of the Fairfax County Courthouse during regular business hours.

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#### Step 3: Required Documents for Filing a Complaint
The Plaintiff (the person starting the divorce) must file the following documents:

1. An Original Complaint and One Copy:
- An original Complaint must be filed along with one copy for service. This is labeled as Attachment 1.

2. Completed VS-4 Form:
- A completed VS-4 Form is required for all divorce filings before the divorce can be finalized.
- Key Points:
- It must be completed properly in black ink.
- No white-outs or hand-made corrections are allowed.
- If not attached, the VS-4 Form can be obtained from the Clerk's Office.
- The form must be legible.
- This is labeled as Attachment 2.

3. Two Copies of the Domestic Case Coversheet:
- Two copies of the completed "Domestic Case Coversheet" must be submitted.
- The coversheet must include:
- Names and addresses of both parties (complete address unless the Court orders otherwise).
- Date of separation.
- Indication of whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
- This is labeled as Attachment 3.

4. Filing Fees and Sheriff Fees:
- Filing fees and Sheriff Service Fees, if applicable, must be paid.
- Payment methods accepted:
- Cash
- Certified check
- Money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
- To determine the filing fees, visit the court’s website at:
```
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/circuit/pdf/CCR-A-20.pdf
```

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#### Step 4: Initial Fees
- The initial fees can be determined by visiting the court’s website at the provided link:
```
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/circuit/pdf/CCR-A-20.pdf
```

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Final Answer:

To prepare and file a divorce complaint in Fairfax County, Virginia:
1. Ensure all documents are typed double-spaced on 8 1/2" by 11" white paper with 1 ½ inch margins, printed on one side.
2. Mail documents to the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the specified address or deliver them personally to the Clerk's Office Civil Division counter.
3. Include the following required documents:
- An original Complaint and one copy for service (Attachment 1).
- A completed VS-4 Form in black ink with no corrections (Attachment 2).
- Two copies of the Domestic Case Coversheet with names, addresses, date of separation, and contest status (Attachment 3).
- Pay all applicable filing fees and Sheriff Service Fees using cash, certified check, or money order.
4. Determine filing fees by visiting the court’s website at:
```
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/circuit/pdf/CCR-A-20.pdf
```

Final Answer Boxed:
\boxed{
\text{Follow the formatting, submission, and fee guidelines outlined above to prepare and file a divorce complaint.}
}