Homepage Blank Vs 4 Form
Outline

The VS 4 form is a critical document required in the Commonwealth of Virginia for reporting divorces and annulments. 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, ensuring that vital statistics are accurately maintained. Specific items on the form, numbered 1 through 30, gather essential information about both parties involved in the divorce, including their names, birth dates, social security numbers, and places of birth. The form also captures details regarding the marriage itself, such as the date of marriage, date of separation, and the number of children under 18. Additionally, it requires information about the legal grounds for divorce and the custody arrangement for any children. Once completed, the Clerk of Court certifies the document and forwards it to the State Registrar by the 10th day of the month following the final decree. Completing the VS 4 form accurately and promptly is vital for compliance with Virginia law and for the proper documentation of marital dissolution.

Sample - Vs 4 Form

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)

 

Form Information

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 It must be completed by the petitioner or their attorney and filed with the clerk of court along with the petition or decree.
Certification The clerk of court will certify the form and forward it to the state registrar within ten days following the final decree.
Information Required Key details such as names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and places of birth for both parties are required.
Marriage Details The form asks for information about the marriage, including the number of this marriage and the date of marriage.
Children's Information It requires information about children under 18, including custody arrangements.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out Vs 4

Filling out the Vs 4 form requires attention to detail and accuracy, as it serves as a permanent record for the court and the state registrar. Once completed, the form must be filed with the clerk of court alongside the petition or decree. The clerk will then certify and forward the document as required by law.

  1. Begin by identifying the Circuit Court for the city or county where the divorce or annulment is being filed. Write this information in the designated field.
  2. Enter the full name of Party A, selecting the appropriate checkbox to indicate whether they are the husband, wife, or spouse.
  3. Provide the social security number of Party A.
  4. Fill in the place of birth for Party A, specifying the state or foreign country.
  5. Record the date of birth for Party A, including the maiden name if applicable.
  6. Indicate the race and sex of Party A.
  7. Specify the number of this marriage for Party A (first, second, etc.).
  8. List the highest level of education completed by Party A.
  9. Provide the usual residence of Party A, including street number, city or town, county, and state.
  10. Next, enter the full name of Party B, selecting the appropriate checkbox as you did for Party A.
  11. Fill in the social security number for Party B.
  12. Provide the place of birth for Party B.
  13. Record the date of birth for Party B, including the maiden name if applicable.
  14. Indicate the race and sex of Party B.
  15. Specify the number of this marriage for Party B (first, second, etc.).
  16. List the highest level of education completed by Party B.
  17. Provide the usual residence of Party B, including street number, city or town, county, and state.
  18. Fill in the place of marriage, including city or town, county, and state or foreign country.
  19. Record the date of marriage.
  20. Enter the date of separation.
  21. Indicate the number of children under 18 involved.
  22. Specify the number of children under 18 in this family whose physical custody was awarded to Party A, Party B, jointly, or if there are no children.
  23. Indicate whether the plaintiff is Party A, Party B, or both.
  24. Specify who the divorce was granted to.
  25. Provide the legal ground or cause of divorce, or state if it is an annulment.
  26. Sign the form as the informant, and print your name in the designated area.
  27. Enter the address of the attorney for the petitioner, if applicable.
  28. Finally, the clerk of court or deputy will certify the final decree, including the date and court file number.

Obtain Answers on Vs 4

  1. What is the Vs 4 form?

    The Vs 4 form is a legal document used in Virginia to report a divorce or annulment. It must be completed by the petitioner or their attorney and filed with the Clerk of Court along with the divorce petition or decree. This form serves as a permanent record and is forwarded to the State Registrar by the 10th day of the month following the final decree.

  2. Who is responsible for completing the Vs 4 form?

    The petitioner or their attorney is responsible for completing the Vs 4 form. It is essential that the form is filled out accurately and legibly, preferably using a typewriter or black ink, to ensure that it remains a permanent record.

  3. What information is required on the Vs 4 form?

    The Vs 4 form requires various pieces of information, including:

    • Full names and details of both parties (Party A and Party B)
    • Social Security numbers
    • Places and dates of birth
    • Details about the marriage, including the date and place of marriage
    • Information regarding children, custody arrangements, and the grounds for divorce
  4. What happens after the Vs 4 form is submitted?

    Once the Vs 4 form is submitted to the Clerk of Court, it will be certified and forwarded to the State Registrar. This process ensures that the divorce or annulment is officially recorded and recognized by the state.

  5. Is there a deadline for submitting the Vs 4 form?

    Yes, the Vs 4 form must be submitted along with the divorce petition or decree. The Clerk of Court is required to certify and forward the form to the State Registrar by the 10th day of the month following the date the final decree is granted.

  6. What should I do if I need help with the Vs 4 form?

    If you need assistance with the Vs 4 form, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in family law. They can provide guidance on how to accurately complete the form and ensure that all necessary information is included.

Common mistakes

Filling out the VS 4 form is a crucial step in the divorce or annulment process in Virginia. However, many people make common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications. Understanding these pitfalls can help ensure that your form is filled out correctly and efficiently.

One frequent mistake is failing to use black ink or a typewriter. The instructions clearly state that the form must be completed using black, unfading ink or typed. Using any other color can render the document invalid. This is a simple requirement, yet it is often overlooked. Taking the time to ensure you have the right tools can save you from unnecessary setbacks.

Another common error is incomplete or inaccurate personal information. Sections requiring full names, dates of birth, and social security numbers must be filled out with precision. If any of this information is missing or incorrect, it can delay processing. Double-checking this information against official documents can help avoid these issues.

People also tend to neglect the signatures and dates required on the form. The informant's signature is essential, and it must be dated correctly. Forgetting to sign or date the document can lead to it being rejected. Always remember to review the form in its entirety before submission to ensure that all necessary signatures are present.

Lastly, many individuals underestimate the importance of indicating the correct number of marriages. This section requires you to specify whether it is your first, second, or subsequent marriage. Misrepresenting this information can lead to confusion and complications later on. Be honest and clear about your marital history to ensure that everything is processed smoothly.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can approach the VS 4 form with confidence. Taking the time to prepare and review your information can make a significant difference in the outcome of your divorce or annulment process.

Documents used along the form

The VS 4 form is a crucial document used in Virginia for reporting divorce or annulment. When completing this process, several other forms and documents may be needed to ensure everything is handled correctly. Below are some commonly used forms that often accompany the VS 4 form.

  • Petition for Divorce: This document initiates the divorce process. It outlines the reasons for the divorce and requests the court to grant a divorce. The petitioner must file this form with the court.
  • Final Decree of Divorce: Once the court has reviewed the case, this document officially ends the marriage. It details the terms of the divorce, including any custody arrangements and division of assets.
  • Separation Agreement: This is a contract between spouses that outlines how they will handle matters such as property division, child custody, and support while living apart. It can help simplify the divorce process.
  • Child Custody Agreement: If children are involved, this document specifies the custody arrangement. It covers where the children will live, visitation rights, and any child support obligations.
  • Notice of Hearing: This form informs all parties of the scheduled court hearing regarding the divorce. It ensures that everyone is aware of the date and time to appear before the judge.

Understanding these forms and documents is essential for anyone going through a divorce in Virginia. Proper completion and submission can help avoid delays and complications in the legal process.

Similar forms

The VS 4 form is a specific document used in Virginia for reporting divorce or annulment. Several other documents serve similar purposes in different contexts or jurisdictions. Here’s a list of six such documents:

  • Divorce Decree: This is a court order that officially ends a marriage. It includes details about the divorce proceedings, similar to the VS 4 form, which also captures essential information about the parties involved.
  • Annulment Certificate: This document declares that a marriage was never valid. Like the VS 4 form, it requires information about both parties and the circumstances surrounding the marriage.
  • Marriage License: Issued before a marriage, this document records the intent to marry. It shares similarities with the VS 4 form in that both involve the identification of the parties and relevant personal details.
  • Child Custody Agreement: This outlines the custody arrangements for children after a divorce. It parallels the VS 4 form by addressing the family dynamics and the number of children involved.
  • Separation Agreement: This is a contract between spouses who are separating. It often includes financial and custody arrangements, similar to how the VS 4 form outlines relevant information about the parties and their children.
  • Vital Records Request Form: Used to request copies of vital records, including divorce records. This form, like the VS 4, requires personal information and serves to document significant life events.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the VS 4 form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things to do and things to avoid.

  • Do use a typewriter or print in black, unfading ink.
  • Do complete all items from 1 to 30 as required.
  • Do provide accurate information for all fields, including names and dates.
  • Do check the appropriate boxes for Party A and Party B.
  • Do ensure the form is submitted with the petition or decree.
  • Do sign the form where indicated as the informant.
  • Do verify the information before submission to avoid errors.
  • Do include the correct court file number in the designated area.
  • Do submit the form by the 10th day of the month following the final decree.
  • Don't leave any fields blank unless specifically instructed.
  • Don't use pencil or any ink color other than black.
  • Don't provide inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Don't forget to include the maiden name if applicable.
  • Don't submit the form without the necessary signatures.
  • Don't use abbreviations or informal language in the form.
  • Don't assume that all information is known; verify if unsure.
  • Don't forget to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Don't ignore the instructions regarding the number of children.

Misconceptions

When it comes to the VS 4 form, which is essential for reporting divorces or annulments in Virginia, several misconceptions often arise. Here’s a closer look at six of these misunderstandings:

  • Only Attorneys Can Complete the Form: Many people believe that only attorneys are allowed to fill out the VS 4 form. In reality, both the petitioner and their attorney can complete it. This flexibility can ease the process for individuals who may not have legal representation.
  • The Form Is Only for Divorces: Some assume that the VS 4 form is exclusively for divorce cases. However, it also applies to annulments. This means that if a marriage is declared void, the same form is necessary to report that outcome.
  • It Must Be Typed Only: A common myth is that the VS 4 form can only be completed using a typewriter. While it is recommended to use a typewriter for clarity, printing in black, unfading ink is also acceptable. This provides options for those who may not have access to a typewriter.
  • The Form Is Optional: Some individuals think that submitting the VS 4 form is optional. This is incorrect. It is a mandatory document that must be filed with the clerk of court alongside the petition or decree to ensure proper record-keeping.
  • Filing Delays Are Common: Many believe that filing the VS 4 form will result in significant delays in their divorce process. In fact, once completed correctly, the clerk of court certifies and forwards it promptly to the state registrar, typically within ten days.
  • Only One Copy Is Needed: A misconception exists that only one copy of the VS 4 form is necessary. In truth, multiple copies may be required depending on the court’s procedures and the parties involved. It’s wise to check local requirements to ensure compliance.

Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the process more effectively and ensure that all necessary documentation is completed accurately and submitted on time.

Key takeaways

Here are key takeaways regarding the Vs 4 form:

  • Completeness is crucial. Items 1-30 must be filled out by the petitioner or attorney before filing with the Clerk of Court.
  • Use appropriate tools. The form should be prepared using a typewriter or printed in black, unfading ink to ensure it remains a permanent record.
  • Timely submission matters. The Clerk of Court will certify and forward the completed form to the State Registrar by the 10th day of the month following the final decree.
  • Information accuracy is essential. Ensure that all personal details, such as names, dates of birth, and social security numbers, are accurate and clearly written.
  • Understand the sections. Each section of the form serves a specific purpose, from identifying parties to detailing the marriage and divorce specifics.
  • Legal representation can help. Consulting with an attorney can provide clarity and assistance in accurately completing the form.