Legal separation is an important legal procedure in the state of Virginia that permits spouses to live apart while resolving important issues including child custody, spousal support, and property division without formally dissolving their marriage. Virginia does not have a formal legal separation act, in contrast to those jurisdictions that acknowledge it as a separate status. But in the state, a legally binding separation agreement might have a similar effect for spouses.To sum up, in Virginia, a separation agreement must be signed in order to resolve important matters while preserving the marital status. To properly manage this process, getting legal counsel and creating a comprehensive separation agreement are essential first steps.