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HB 1382

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Virgil Thornton

Virginia bill adjusts annulment and family law residency requirements to exempt active-duty military members from standard domicile prerequisites.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0469)
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Bill Summary · HB 1382

Legislative bill overview

HB 1382 modifies Virginia's annulment and related family law requirements to accommodate active-duty U.S. Armed Forces members by adjusting domicile and residential requirements. The bill recognizes the unique circumstances of military personnel whose duty assignments may prevent them from meeting standard state residency prerequisites for legal proceedings.

Why is this important

Military families frequently relocate due to deployment orders, making it difficult to establish or maintain domicile in a single state while meeting Virginia's traditional residency requirements. This creates practical barriers for service members seeking annulments or related civil remedies, potentially leaving them in legal limbo regarding marital status across multiple jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Jurisdictional clarity: Exempting military members from residency requirements could create questions about which state has proper jurisdiction and whether other states will recognize Virginia proceedings
  • Definition scope: The bill's language regarding what constitutes "domicile" for military personnel and how to verify military status during proceedings may need clarification
  • Equal protection concerns: Some may argue that creating military-specific exemptions treats non-military residents differently, while others will counter this addresses a legitimate special circumstance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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