Bills allow Va. judges to approve no-show divorces

Posted to: News State Government Virginia
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By Kathy Adams
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 15, 2012

RICHMOND

Two bills advanced today in the General Assembly allowing judges to enter a final divorce decree if a defendant doesn’t show up for court.

The Senate this morning unanimously passed a House bill on the issue, with an amendment saying the law would only apply in cases where a divorce defendant receives notice in person. The amendment brings the measure in line with the Senate's version of the bill, which passed unanimously last month. The bill will now go to the governor for final approval.

The House Courts of Justice Committee this afternoon also approved the Senate’s version of the bill.

The legislation allows judges to decide a divorce if the defendant doesn’t show up or file paperwork answering the divorce papers. It would not apply in cases where the paperwork is mailed or otherwise delivered.

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HUH?

Submitted by gabriellel45516 on Wed, 02/15/2012 at 7:50 pm.

If one party doesn't show up why should the party that did suffer? I'm not familiar with VA divorce laws and I don't plan on getting a divorce, but I remember when I did get one 25 years ago in Delaware because he didn't show up it was decided in my favor, but he did still have 15 days to contest.