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The VS 4 form is an essential document used in the Commonwealth of Virginia to report a divorce or annulment. This form must be completed by either the petitioner or their attorney and filed with the Clerk of Court alongside the petition or decree. It serves as a permanent record and must be prepared using a typewriter or printed in black, unfading ink to ensure clarity and durability. The Clerk of Court is responsible for certifying the document and forwarding it to the State Registrar by the 10th day of the month following the final decree. The form collects detailed information about both parties involved in the marriage, including their full names, social security numbers, places of birth, and educational backgrounds. It also requires information about the marriage itself, such as the date and place of marriage, the date of separation, and the number of children under 18. Additionally, the form addresses custody arrangements for any children and specifies the grounds for divorce. Completing the VS 4 form accurately is crucial, as it impacts the official record of the divorce or annulment in Virginia.

Key takeaways

The VS 4 form is essential for reporting a divorce or annulment in Virginia. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when filling out and using this form:

  • Complete Items 1-30: Only the petitioner or their attorney should fill out these sections. Ensure all required information is provided accurately.
  • Use Permanent Ink: Fill out the form using a typewriter or print in black, unfading ink. This ensures that the document remains legible as it becomes a permanent record.
  • Timely Submission: Submit the completed form to the Clerk of Court along with the petition or decree. This must be done promptly to comply with state regulations.
  • Certification Requirement: The Clerk of Court will certify the document and forward it to the State Registrar by the 10th day of the month following the final decree.
  • Accurate Information: Double-check all personal details, including names, dates of birth, and social security numbers. Errors can lead to delays or complications.
  • Indicate Marriage Details: Clearly specify the number of the marriage (first, second, etc.) and the place of marriage. This information is crucial for record-keeping.
  • Child Custody Information: If applicable, indicate the number of children under 18 and who has physical custody. This is important for future reference regarding custody arrangements.
  • Legal Grounds for Divorce: Clearly state the legal grounds or cause for the divorce. If it is an annulment, this should be specified as well.
  • Informant's Signature: The informant must sign the form. This can be the petitioner or their attorney, and their name and address should be clearly printed.

By following these guidelines, individuals can ensure that the VS 4 form is completed correctly and submitted without issues.

Documents used along the form

The VS 4 form is essential for reporting a divorce or annulment in Virginia. Along with this form, several other documents may be required to complete the divorce process. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that often accompany the VS 4 form.

  • Petition for Divorce: This document initiates the divorce process. It outlines the grounds for divorce and requests the court to grant a divorce. The petitioner must file this form with the court to start the legal proceedings.
  • Separation Agreement: This is a contract between spouses that outlines the terms of their separation. It typically includes arrangements for child custody, support, and division of property. Having a separation agreement can streamline the divorce process and reduce conflicts.
  • Boat Bill of Sale: This form is essential for transferring ownership when buying or selling a boat in New York. For more information, visit Formaid Org.
  • Child Custody Agreement: If children are involved, this document specifies the custody arrangements and visitation rights. It aims to ensure that both parents understand their responsibilities and rights regarding their children post-divorce.
  • Final Decree of Divorce: This is the court's official order that legally ends the marriage. It includes the terms of the divorce, such as property division, alimony, and custody arrangements. The final decree is crucial for both parties to understand their legal obligations moving forward.

Understanding these accompanying documents can help navigate the divorce process more effectively. Each form plays a vital role in ensuring that all aspects of the divorce are addressed and legally binding.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Vs 4 form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the process goes smoothly. Below are some things to do and not do:

  • Do use a typewriter or print in black, unfading ink.
  • Do complete all items 1-30 accurately.
  • Do check the appropriate box for Party A and Party B.
  • Do provide full names, including middle names and suffixes.
  • Do ensure the date of marriage and date of separation are correct.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank.
  • Don't use pencil or any ink that fades over time.
  • Don't forget to sign and print the name of the informant.
  • Don't provide inaccurate information about residency or education.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors.

Common mistakes

When filling out the VS 4 form, many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications in the divorce process. Understanding these pitfalls can help ensure that the form is completed accurately and efficiently.

One frequent error is failing to use black ink or typewriter. The instructions clearly state that the form must be prepared in black, unfading ink or via a typewriter. Using any other color can result in the form being rejected or not properly recorded, which can cause significant delays in processing.

Another mistake involves incomplete personal information. Sections such as full names, dates of birth, and social security numbers must be filled out completely. Omitting any of this information can lead to confusion or the need for additional follow-up, which prolongs the process.

People often overlook the importance of accurately reporting the number of marriages. The form requires you to specify whether this is the first, second, or another marriage. Misreporting this information can affect the legal standing of the divorce and may require further clarification.

Additionally, many individuals fail to indicate the correct place of marriage. This includes the city, county, and state or foreign country where the marriage took place. Providing incorrect or vague information can lead to complications in the legal proceedings.

Another common oversight is not specifying the number of children under 18. This section is crucial, especially when determining custody arrangements. If this information is left blank or inaccurately reported, it can lead to disputes or delays in custody decisions.

Finally, individuals sometimes forget to sign the form or provide the name and address of the informant. A missing signature can render the entire document invalid. Ensuring that all required signatures are present is vital for the form to be processed smoothly.

By being aware of these mistakes and taking the time to fill out the VS 4 form correctly, individuals can help streamline their divorce proceedings and avoid unnecessary complications.

File Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Governing Law This form is governed by Section 32.1-268 of the Code of Virginia.
Purpose The VS4 form is used to report a divorce or annulment in Virginia.
Filing Requirements The form must be completed by the petitioner or attorney and filed with the Clerk of Court.
Certification The Clerk of Court will certify the form and forward it to the State Registrar.
Deadline The form must be submitted by the 10th day of the month following the final decree.
Record Keeping This form is considered a permanent record in Virginia.

Form Sample

NOTE:

ITEMS 1-30 ON THIS FORM TO BE COMPLETED BY PETITIONER OR ATTORNEY AND FILED WITH CLERK OF COURT WITH PETITION OR DECREE

PLEASE PREPARE BY TYPEWRITER OR PRINT IN BLACK UNFADING INK. THIS IS A PERMANENT RECORD

CLERK OF COURT WILL CERTIFY AND FORWARD TO STATE REGISTRAR BY 10TH DAY OF MONTH FOLLOWING DATE FINAL DECREE IS GRANTED

Section 32.1-268

CODE OF VIRGINIA

VS4 7/15

 

 

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA- REPORT OF DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT

 

 

 

 

Department of Health- Division of Vital Records- Richmond

 

1. CIRCUIT COURT FOR CITYOR COUNTYOF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I STATE FILE NUMBER

 

2. FULL NAME

 

 

PARTYA

(check one)

 

0 HUSBAND

 

 

 

 

0 WIFE

D SPOUSE

 

 

(first. middle, last, suffix)

 

 

I 5. DATE OF BIRTH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(maiden name, if any)

 

I

 

3. SOCIAL SECURITYNUMBER

4. PLACE OF BIRTH

(state or foreign country)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. RACE

 

 

 

 

 

17. SEX

 

8. NUMBER OF THIS MARRIAGE (first, second, etc.)

 

 

 

 

I 9. EDUCATION (specify only highest grade

completed)

 

10. USUAL RESIDENCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elementary or Secondary (0-12)

 

College (1-4 or 5+)

 

(street number or rural route number)

 

 

 

(city or

town)

 

 

 

(county if not independent city)

(state)

11. FULL NAME

 

 

PARTYB

(check one)

 

0 HUSBAND

 

 

 

 

D

WIFE

D SPOUSE

 

 

(first, middle, last, suffix)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(maiden name, if any)

 

112. SOCIAL SECURITYNUMBER

13. PLACE OF BIRTH (state or foreign country)

 

114. DATE OF BIRTH

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

15. RACE

 

 

116. SEX

 

17. NUMBER OF THIS MARRIAGE (first, second, etc.)

 

 

 

 

1

18. EDUCATION (specify only highest grade completed)

 

19. USUAL RESIDENCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elementary or Secondary (0-12)

 

 

College (1-4 or 5+)

 

(street number or rural route number)

 

 

 

(city or town)

 

 

 

(county if not independent city)

(state)

20. PLACE OF MARRIAGE

(city or town)

 

 

(county)

 

 

(state or foreign country)

121. DATE OF MARRIAGE

 

122. DATE OF SEPARATION

23. NUMBER OF CHILDREN UNDER 18

24. NUMBER OF CHILDREN UNDER 18 IN THIS FAMILYWHOSE PHYSICAL CUSTODY\/VAS

AWARDED TO:

 

IN THIS FAMILY

 

 

 

Party A

Party B

 

Joint (Party A/Party B)

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

DNo Children

 

25. PLAINTIFF

OPARTYB

OBOTH

26. DIVORCE GRANTED TO

0BOTH

 

I

 

27. LEGAL GROUND OR

CAUSE OF DIVORCE (if annulment- so state)

 

OPARTYA

 

DPARTYA

D PARTYB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28. INFORMANT'S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D PETITIONER

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29. NAME OF INFORMANT (Type or Print)

 

 

 

I

30. ADDRESS OF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D ATTORNEYFOR PETITIONER

 

 

 

 

 

(street number or rural route number)

 

(city or town)

(state)

I CERTIFYTHAT A FINAL DECREE OF

 

 

 

 

INFORMANT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCERNING THE ABOVE

 

 

 

WAS ENTERED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(divorce or annulment)

 

 

 

 

(date of divorce or annulment)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARRIAGE ANO WAS NUMBERED

 

(court file number)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE OF CLERK OF COURT OR DEPUTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAME OF CLERK OR DEPUTY

(Type or Print)