There are three primary requirements to meet:
- You must currently be a Virginia resident and have lived in Virginia for the last six months.
- You must have been separated from your spouse for at least one year (Or, for six months if you have a written and signed separation agreement)
- Your spouse must currently reside in a state or country outside of Virginia (Or, the last known address of your spouse was in Virginia, and you are unable to locate your spouse through legitimate, diligent effort)
If your situation falls within these criteria, you are ready to pursue a divorce by publication.