Fault Based Divorce Lawyer King George County — What Are Your Grounds?
A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer King George County handles divorces under Va. Code § 20-91 for adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in King George County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Fault Divorce Grounds Under Va. Code § 20-91
Virginia law provides specific fault grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer King George County can help you file on grounds including adultery (no waiting period), cruelty (reasonable apprehension of bodily harm), desertion (one year), or felony conviction (one year imprisonment). Unlike no-fault divorce requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation, fault-based divorce allows immediate filing in certain cases. King George County Circuit Court at 10446 Government Center Blvd handles all divorce proceedings. An at-fault divorce lawyer King George County understands that proving fault requires corroborating evidence and witness testimony.
Last verified: April 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For official Virginia divorce statutes, see Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the King George County Circuit Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Proving Fault in King George County
In King George County Circuit Court, proving fault grounds requires specific evidence. For adultery, you need circumstantial evidence of opportunity and inclination. For cruelty, medical records or police reports strengthen your case. Desertion requires proof of one year of continuous separation without consent. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer King George County knows local judges expect corroborating witness testimony for all fault grounds.
- Gather evidence: text messages, emails, photos, financial records showing the fault ground.
- Identify a corroborating witness with direct knowledge of the fault ground.
- File a complaint for divorce at King George County Circuit Court with the specific fault ground cited.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Present your evidence at the final divorce hearing with your corroborating witness.
In King George County, fault-based divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 carries no criminal penalty but affects property division and spousal support.
| Fault Ground | Waiting Period | Evidence Required | Impact on Property Division | Impact on Spousal Support | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | None | Circumstantial evidence of opportunity and inclination | Court may award more marital property to innocent spouse | Adulterous spouse may be barred from spousal support | No-fault option still available if adultery cannot be proven |
| Cruelty | None | Medical records, police reports, witness testimony | Court considers fault in equitable distribution | May affect spousal support award | Protective order may be issued |
| Desertion | One year | Proof of abandonment without consent | Fault considered in property division | May affect spousal support | Must show intent to abandon |
| Felony Conviction | One year imprisonment | Certified conviction records | Fault considered in property division | May affect spousal support | Must show conviction and incarceration |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fault-Based Divorce
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a distinction no other family law firm in King George County can claim. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
King George County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in King George County, with an 88% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our King George County Location
Our Fairfax location serves clients at King George County courts (10446 Government Center Blvd), accessible via Route 3, Route 301, and Route 206. We serve the communities of King George and Dahlgren.
Looking for a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer King George County near you? Our office is near the King George Courthouse area and Dahlgren Naval Surface Warfare Center.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fault-Based Divorce in King George County
How long does a fault-based divorce take in King George County?
It depends. Adultery and cruelty grounds have no waiting period, so the divorce can proceed immediately after filing. Contested fault divorces typically take 9-18 months from filing to final decree. Uncontested fault divorces with a signed separation agreement can finalize in 2-4 months.
What evidence do I need for a fault-based divorce in King George County?
Yes. For adultery, you need circumstantial evidence of opportunity and inclination. For cruelty, medical records or police reports. For desertion, proof of one year of continuous separation. A corroborating witness with direct knowledge is required for all fault grounds.
Can I get spousal support in a fault-based divorce in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia courts consider fault when awarding spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1. An adulterous spouse may be barred from receiving spousal support. The court evaluates 13 statutory factors including the circumstances that contributed to the dissolution.
What is the filing fee for a fault-based divorce in King George County?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12, or $50-$100 for a private process server. Additional costs include pendente lite motions, Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
Is mediation required for fault-based divorce in King George County?
No. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia for fault-based divorces. However, King George County Circuit Court may encourage mediation for contested issues like property division and custody. Many couples resolve fault grounds through a property settlement agreement without trial.
Can I file for divorce based on adultery in King George County?
Yes. Adultery is a fault ground under Va. Code § 20-91 with no waiting period. You must prove your spouse had the opportunity and inclination to commit adultery. A corroborating witness is required. If adultery is proven, the court may bar the adulterous spouse from receiving spousal support.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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See also our Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer and Prince William County Family Law Lawyer pages.
Related services: Criminal Defense Lawyer King George County and Personal Injury Lawyer King George County.