Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Caroline County — What Are Your Legal Grounds?
A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Caroline County handles divorces under Va. Code § 20-91 for adultery, cruelty, or desertion. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in Caroline County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Caroline County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-91 provides specific fault grounds for divorce. These 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. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Caroline County can help you prove these grounds in court. Unlike no-fault divorce, fault-based divorce does not require a separation period for adultery. The Caroline County Circuit Court at 111 Ennis Street, Bowling Green, VA 22427 handles all fault-based divorce filings. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. His former prosecutor background provides strategic insight into presenting fault evidence effectively.
Review the official statute at Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are available at the Caroline County General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce listing specific fault grounds under Va. Code § 20-91 at Caroline County Circuit Court.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Gather corroborating evidence: witness statements, photographs, financial records, or text messages.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (21-60 days) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Participate in discovery, including depositions and document requests for financial assets.
- Present your case at trial or negotiate a property settlement agreement before final decree.
In Caroline County, fault-based divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 carries no criminal penalty but affects property division, spousal support, and custody determinations.
| Ground | Classification | Separation Required | Impact on Property | Impact on Support | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault ground | None | Court may consider marital waste | Bar to spousal support | Costs may be awarded against adulterous spouse |
| Cruelty | Fault ground | None | Equitable distribution factor | May increase support award | Protective orders available |
| Desertion | Fault ground | 1 year | Equitable distribution factor | May affect support duration | Abandonment claim possible |
| Felony Conviction | Fault ground | 1+ year imprisonment | Equitable distribution factor | May terminate support obligation | Incarceration affects custody |
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 VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts fault-based divorce cases in Caroline County. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Samantha Rae Powers, Of Counsel, brings 18+ years of family law experience and a Ph.D. in Communication from UC Santa Barbara, providing advanced negotiation skills for complex fault-based divorce cases.
In Caroline County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Specific Caroline County results include dismissed charges for obtaining money by false pretense (Va. Code § 18.2-178) and burning a building (Va. Code § 18.2-80).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Caroline County courts (111 Ennis Street, Bowling Green, VA 22427), accessible via I-95, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 207. We serve Bowling Green and Carmel Church.
Looking for a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Caroline County near you? We represent clients throughout Caroline County and surrounding areas.
Neighborhoods served: Bowling Green, Carmel Church.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
How long does a fault-based divorce take in Caroline County?
It depends. Adultery cases with no separation period can proceed immediately. Contested fault divorces take 9-18 months. Uncontested fault divorces with a signed agreement take 2-4 months from filing.
What are the fault grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia recognizes adultery, cruelty and reasonable apprehension of bodily hurt, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more under Va. Code § 20-91.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. The court divides marital property fairly under Va. Code § 20-107.3, considering 11 factors. Fault grounds can affect the division.
How is child custody decided in Caroline County?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors including each parent’s role and any history of abuse. Fault grounds may affect custody.
How much does a fault-based divorce cost in Caroline County?
Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs $12. Private process server costs $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody costs $500-$2,500+. Mediation costs $100-$300/hour per party.
Learn more about Virginia Family Law Lawyer. See also Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer and Prince William County Family Law Lawyer. Related services: Criminal Defense Lawyer Caroline County and DUI Lawyer Caroline County. Visit our Fairfax Office.
View attorney profiles: Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.