In Hanover County, adultery is a fault ground for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 with no waiting period. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented case results in Hanover County. An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Hanover County can help you prove fault and protect your rights. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, adultery is defined as the voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse. Va. Code § 20-91(A)(1) lists adultery as a fault ground for divorce. Unlike no-fault divorce, which requires a 6-month or 1-year separation, adultery has no waiting period. The innocent spouse must prove the adultery by a preponderance of the evidence. Corroborating evidence — such as text messages, hotel receipts, or witness testimony — is required. An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Hanover County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you gather the necessary proof. Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), giving the firm unique insight into Virginia family law.
Adultery divorce in Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 20-91(A)(1). This fault ground allows the innocent spouse to file for divorce immediately upon discovery of the adultery, without waiting for any separation period. The legal standard requires proof that the defendant had both the opportunity and the inclination to commit adultery. Circumstantial evidence is sufficient if it creates a clear inference of adultery. An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Hanover County understands the evidentiary burden and can build a strong case.
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce laws, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Circuit Court handles all divorce cases, including adultery-based divorces. The court requires corroborating evidence — you cannot rely solely on your own testimony. A private investigator’s report, hotel records, or financial transactions showing gifts to a paramour can serve as evidence.
- Gather all evidence of adultery — texts, emails, receipts, photos.
- File a complaint for divorce based on adultery at Hanover County Circuit Court.
- Request a pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody.
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement on property and custody.
- Proceed to trial if no settlement is reached; present your evidence.
- Obtain a final decree of divorce from the Circuit Court judge.
In Hanover County, adultery divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects property division, spousal support, and custody determinations under Virginia law.
| Issue | Impact | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Fault considered in equitable distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Spousal Support | Adultery may bar support for the guilty spouse | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Custody | Best interests of the child standard | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Filing Fee | Approximately $86 | Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Hanover County from SRIS, P.C. brings this depth of experience to your case.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all Hanover County family law matters. His personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 gives the firm unique authority in equitable distribution cases involving adultery.
In Hanover County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals and reductions in traffic and sex crimes cases. An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Hanover County can draw on this track record.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from Hanover County Circuit Court, accessible via I-95 and I-295. If you need an Adultery Divorce Lawyer Hanover County near Mechanicsville or Ashland, we are close by. We serve Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Q: How long does a divorce take in Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Hanover County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
Q: How much does a divorce cost in Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Hanover County General District Court.
Q: Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Hanover County Circuit Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
Q: How is child custody decided in Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody in Hanover County is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Hanover County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Hanover County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 19 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
Q: What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Hanover County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Q: Can I get a divorce for adultery in Hanover County without waiting?
Yes. Adultery is a fault ground under Va. Code § 20-91(A)(1) with no waiting period. You can file immediately upon discovery. You must prove the adultery by a preponderance of the evidence with corroborating evidence. An Adultery Divorce Lawyer Hanover County can help you gather the necessary proof and file your complaint at Hanover County Circuit Court.
For more information, visit our Virginia Divorce & Family Lawyer hub page. See also our Henrico County divorce lawyer and Chesterfield County divorce lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Hanover County, see our Hanover County criminal defense lawyer and Hanover County DUI lawyer pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.