In Arlington County, Virginia, a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can help you file under Va. Code § 20-91 for adultery, cruelty, or desertion. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law provides specific fault grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. These grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty and reasonable apprehension of bodily hurt, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Unlike no-fault divorce, which requires a separation period, fault-based divorce allows you to file immediately upon proving the grounds. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled these cases in Arlington County Circuit Court since 1997.
For the official statute text, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, proving fault grounds requires corroborating evidence. The court expects more than your testimony alone. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Arlington County knows how to gather admissible proof.
- Step 1: Consult with a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Arlington County to identify which fault ground applies to your situation.
- Step 2: Gather corroborating evidence — text messages, emails, photographs, or witness statements that support your claim.
- Step 3: File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Step 4: Serve the divorce complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Step 5: Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically within 21-60 days) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Step 6: Present your case at the final hearing with your corroborating witness to obtain the divorce decree.
In Arlington County, Virginia, fault-based divorce grounds carry no criminal penalties but affect property division and spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Fault Ground | Classification | Waiting Period | Impact on Property | Impact on Support | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault ground | None | Court may consider marital waste | Bar to spousal support | Circumstantial or direct proof |
| Cruelty | Fault ground | None | Court may consider fault | Court considers fault | Medical records, police reports |
| Desertion | Fault ground | 1 year | Court may consider fault | Court considers fault | Proof of abandonment |
| Felony Conviction | Fault ground | 1 year imprisonment | Court may consider fault | Court considers fault | Certified conviction order |
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 120+ years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a unique achievement that demonstrates deep legislative knowledge. The firm’s 93%+ favorable outcome rate reflects a commitment to client-centered representation.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, nolle prosequi dispositions, and deferred dispositions in Arlington County courts. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is located at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serving clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd).
Searching for a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Arlington County near the Courthouse or Pentagon City? We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only.
Q: What are the fault grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia recognizes four fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with one year imprisonment. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can explain which ground applies to your situation.
Q: How long does a fault-based divorce take in Arlington County?
It depends. Contested fault-based divorce can take 9-18 months from filing to final decree. Uncontested fault divorce with signed agreement: 2-4 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are set within 21-60 days of motion.
Q: Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. The court divides marital property fairly but not necessarily 50/50 under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all property division.
Q: How much does a fault-based divorce cost in Arlington County?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Q: Can I get spousal support in a fault-based divorce?
It depends. Adultery is a bar to spousal support in Virginia. For other fault grounds, the court considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can evaluate your case.
Q: What evidence do I need for a fault-based divorce?
You need corroborating evidence beyond your own testimony. For adultery: text messages, hotel receipts, photographs. For cruelty: medical records, police reports. For desertion: proof of abandonment. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can help gather admissible proof.
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Alexandria Family Law Lawyer — Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-04-01. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.