Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince George County — What Are Your Legal Grounds?
A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince George County handles cases under Va. Code § 20-91 for adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 7 documented case results in Prince George County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. 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. These grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty (reasonable apprehension of bodily harm), desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. An at-fault divorce lawyer Prince George County can help you prove these grounds in court. Unlike no-fault divorce, fault grounds do not require a separation period for adultery cases. The Prince George County Circuit Court at 6601 Courts Drive handles all fault-based divorce filings. Filing fees start at approximately $86 for the complaint, with additional costs for service of process.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
Insider Procedural Edge: Filing Fault-Based Divorce in Prince George County
Prince George County Circuit Court requires specific evidence for fault grounds. Adultery cases need corroborating witness testimony or documented proof.
Cruelty claims require medical records, police reports, or witness statements showing physical harm or reasonable fear.
Desertion cases need proof of one year of continuous separation with intent to abandon.
- Consult with a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince George County to evaluate your grounds.
- Gather evidence: text messages, financial records, photos, or witness statements.
- File a complaint at Prince George County Circuit Court, 6601 Courts Drive.
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the hearing with your corroborating witness if required.
- Obtain the final divorce decree from the court.
In Prince George County, fault-based divorce grounds under Va. Code § 20-91 determine the timeline and requirements for dissolving a marriage.
| Ground | Classification | Separation Required | Evidence Needed | Filing Fee | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault ground | None | Corroborating witness or documented proof | ~$86 | No waiting period; most common fault ground |
| Cruelty | Fault ground | None | Medical records, police reports, witness statements | ~$86 | Requires reasonable apprehension of bodily harm |
| Desertion | Fault ground | 1 year continuous | Proof of abandonment with intent | ~$86 | Must show willful desertion |
| Felony Conviction | Fault ground | None | Certified conviction record | ~$86 | Imprisonment for 1+ year required |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results in Prince George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 7 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince George County, with a 43% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Prince George County Location
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive), accessible via I-295, Route 10, Route 36, and Route 156.
Looking for a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince George County near you? We serve Prince George, Hopewell area, and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fault-Based Divorce in Prince George County
How long does a divorce take in Prince George 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Prince George County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Prince George 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 vary based on complexity.
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). Prince George County Circuit Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Prince George County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody in Prince George 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. Prince George County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Prince George County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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 Prince George County Circuit Court. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince George County can explain which grounds apply to your situation.
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.