Unlike other states, Virginia does not provide for a status of legal separation. Because legal separation is established by court order, this means that under IRS rules you are not legally separated. Unless you have dependent children or parents that allow you to file as head of household, you must file married filing separately.
For more information about separated couples, see https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/Tax-Tips-for-Separated-Couples/INF22372.html.
