VA House · HB 1382

Members of U.S. Armed Forces, etc.; domicile & residential requirements for annulment, etc.

In plain English (AI summary)

This legislation updates Virginia law to provide more flexibility for active-duty military personnel and their spouses seeking a divorce or annulment within the state. Previously, these individuals had to meet strict residency requirements to file in local courts, which often proved difficult due to frequent reassignments. The new policy allows military members and their spouses to file for divorce or annulment in Virginia if either party has been stationed in the Commonwealth for at least six months, regardless of whether they have formally established a permanent domicile here. This change simplifies the legal process for service families, ensuring they have consistent access to the court system during domestic transitions and reducing the bureaucratic burden associated with their frequent relocations.

View original bill

Roll-call votes

Roll call
Mar 11, 2026 · VA House · pass
97 – 2
Full roll call
Passage
Mar 10, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Full roll call
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading)
Mar 9, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice with amendment
Mar 5, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
14 – 0 · 1 other
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Roll call
Feb 17, 2026 · VA House · pass
96 – 0 · 3 other
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice
Feb 11, 2026 · VA House · pass
22 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call