Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Manassas — What Are Your Legal Grounds?
A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Manassas handles divorces under Va. Code § 20-91 based on adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Manassas Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue handles all fault divorce filings.
Virginia Fault Divorce Grounds Under Va. Code § 20-91
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law provides specific fault grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Unlike no-fault divorce which requires a separation period, fault-based divorce allows you to file immediately upon proving the ground. The recognized fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty (reasonable apprehension of bodily harm), desertion (abandonment for one year), and felony conviction (imprisonment for one year or more). A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Manassas can help you establish these grounds with the required corroborating evidence. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law.
Official Legal Resources
Insider Procedural Edge: Filing a Fault Divorce in Manassas
Manassas Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for every fault divorce hearing. You cannot rely solely on your own testimony.
The court schedules pendente lite hearings within 21-60 days of filing a motion for temporary support or custody.
Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period, but proving them requires specific evidence such as text messages, hotel receipts, or witness testimony.
- Step 1: File a complaint for divorce listing the specific fault ground at Manassas Circuit Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Step 2: Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Step 3: Gather corroborating evidence — text messages, financial records, photographs, or witness statements supporting the fault ground.
- Step 4: Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary support, custody, or exclusive use of the marital home is needed.
- Step 5: Participate in discovery, including depositions and document requests for financial accounts and communications.
- Step 6: Present your case at trial or negotiate a property settlement agreement before the final hearing.
In Manassas, a fault-based divorce does not carry criminal penalties but affects property division, spousal support, and attorney fee awards under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Fault Ground | Classification | Waiting Period | Impact on Property Division | Impact on Spousal Support | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault ground | None | Court may award a greater share to the innocent spouse | Bar to spousal support for the adulterous spouse | Attorney fee award possible |
| Cruelty | Fault ground | None | Court considers fault in equitable distribution | May affect support amount | Protective order possible |
| Desertion | Fault ground | 1 year | Court considers abandonment in division | May affect support | Must prove intent to abandon |
| Felony Conviction | Fault ground | 1 year imprisonment | Court considers conviction in division | May affect support | Must provide conviction documentation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Manassas — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation in Manassas
Distance: Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, Route 234 (Sudley Road/Prince William Pkwy), and Route 29.
Near-me: Looking for a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Manassas near Historic Downtown Manassas or the VRE Station? We serve all of Manassas.
Neighborhoods Served: Manassas.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fault Divorce in Manassas
How long does a fault divorce take in Manassas, Virginia?
Yes, it varies. A contested fault divorce with adultery or cruelty grounds typically takes 9-18 months from filing to final decree. Complex cases involving business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are set within 21-60 days.
How much does a fault divorce cost in Manassas, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs $12, private process server $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody costs $500-$2,500+. Mediation runs $100-$300/hour per party. Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state for fault divorce?
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). Fault grounds like adultery can affect the division.
How is child custody decided in a fault divorce in Manassas?
It depends. Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. Manassas J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Manassas Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. Fault grounds may affect custody if they involve the child.
What are the specific fault grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia recognizes four fault grounds under Va. Code § 20-91: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty (reasonable apprehension of bodily harm), desertion (abandonment for one year), and felony conviction (imprisonment for one year or more). Each requires corroborating evidence.
Can I get spousal support in a fault divorce in Manassas?
It depends. Spousal support is based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Adultery by the receiving spouse can bar spousal support. Other fault grounds may affect the amount and duration of support awarded by Manassas Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.