A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince William County handles divorces under Va. Code § 20-91 for adultery, cruelty, or desertion. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law provides specific fault grounds for divorce lawyer Prince William County clients can use. Under Va. Code § 20-91, fault-based divorce 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. Unlike no-fault divorce requiring a six-month or one-year separation, fault-based divorce allows immediate filing when grounds exist. Prince William County Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110 handles all divorce filings. The court applies an 11-factor equitable distribution analysis under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. An at-fault divorce lawyer Prince William County can help prove grounds through witness testimony, documentation, or other evidence. Fault grounds may affect spousal support and property division outcomes.
For official statutory language, review Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Court procedures are available at the Prince William County General District Court website.
In Prince William County Circuit Court, proving fault grounds requires corroborating evidence beyond the spouse’s admission. The court expects independent witnesses, documented communications, or professional reports. Filing a fault-based complaint triggers specific procedural timelines different from no-fault cases.
- Gather corroborating evidence: text messages, emails, photographs, witness statements, or private investigator reports.
- File a complaint for divorce listing specific fault grounds at Prince William County Circuit Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (21-60 days after motion) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete discovery including interrogatories, document requests, and depositions to prove fault grounds.
- Proceed to final hearing or trial where you present corroborating evidence before the judge.
In Prince William County, fault-based divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 carries no criminal penalties but affects property division, spousal support, and custody outcomes.
| Ground | Waiting Period | Evidence Required | Impact on Support | Impact on Property | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | None | Corroborating witness or documentation | Bar to spousal support for adulterous spouse | Court may consider marital waste | May affect custody if children exposed |
| Cruelty | None | Medical records, police reports, witness testimony | May increase support for victim | Fault considered in equitable distribution | Protective order may be issued |
| Desertion | 1 year | Proof of abandonment with intent to desert | May affect support award | Fault considered in division | Must show willful abandonment |
| Felony Conviction | 1+ year imprisonment | Certified conviction records | May terminate support obligations | Fault considered in division | Grounds exist during incarceration |
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 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 distinction no other family law firm in Prince William County can claim. The firm’s 93%+ favorable outcome rate reflects its commitment to client advocacy. Samantha Rae Powers, Of Counsel, brings 18+ years of legal experience including a J.D./M.A. from University of Florida and a Ph.D. in Communication from UC Santa Barbara, providing advanced negotiation skills for complex divorce cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution matters. 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 Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). Accessible via I-66 and Route 28.
Looking for a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince William County near Manassas or Woodbridge? We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417. By appointment only.
Q: Can I file for fault-based divorce immediately in Prince William County?
Yes. Adultery and cruelty grounds have no waiting period. Desertion requires one year. Felony conviction requires one year imprisonment. File at Prince William County Circuit Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110. Filing fee approximately $86.
Q: Does adultery affect property division in Prince William County?
Yes. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court may consider marital waste from adultery when dividing property. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Adultery also bars spousal support for the adulterous spouse.
Q: What evidence do I need for cruelty divorce in Prince William County?
You need corroborating evidence beyond your testimony. Medical records, police reports, photographs of injuries, threatening text messages or emails, and witness statements all qualify. Prince William County judges require independent proof.
Q: How long does a fault-based divorce take in Prince William County?
Contested fault-based divorce takes 9-18 months from filing to final decree. Complex cases with business valuation or retirement assets take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support occur within 21-60 days of motion.
Q: Is mediation required for fault-based divorce in Prince William County?
No. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia for fault-based divorce. However, the court may order mediation for custody or property issues. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party. A signed settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
Q: Can I get spousal support if I file for fault-based divorce?
It depends. If your spouse committed adultery, they are barred from receiving spousal support. If you file on cruelty or desertion grounds, the court considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Fault may increase support for the innocent spouse.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. Compare with Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer or Manassas Family Law Lawyer. Related services: Criminal Defense Lawyer Prince William County and DUI Lawyer Prince William County. View attorney profile: Bryan Block. Visit our Fairfax Office location.
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.