In Greene County, Virginia, a fault based divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 allows you to seek dissolution without a waiting period on grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Greene County, demonstrating a commitment to favorable outcomes. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Greene County can guide you through this process.
Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Greene County, Virginia
Virginia law provides for fault based divorce under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows a spouse to file for divorce on specific fault grounds without the mandatory separation period required for no-fault divorces. These grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty and reasonable apprehension of bodily harm, desertion for a period of one year, and conviction of a felony with imprisonment for one year or more. The court at Greene County Circuit Court, located at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973, handles all divorce filings. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For court procedures, visit Greene County Circuit Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Greene County Circuit Court, prosecutors and judges are familiar with fault based divorce cases. We have observed that the court requires clear and convincing evidence for fault grounds, particularly in adultery cases where direct proof is often lacking.
- Consult with a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Greene County to identify the strongest fault ground.
- Gather evidence, including witness statements, financial records, and communications.
- File the complaint at Greene County Circuit Court with the appropriate filing fee.
- Serve your spouse and attend all court hearings.
- Negotiate or litigate equitable distribution and other issues.
- Obtain the final divorce decree.
In Greene County, Virginia, a fault based divorce does not carry criminal penalties but involves significant financial and legal consequences, including equitable distribution of marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery (Fault Ground) | Civil Matter | None | None | None | May affect spousal support and property division |
| Cruelty (Fault Ground) | Civil Matter | None | None | None | May affect custody and support determinations |
| Desertion (Fault Ground) | Civil Matter | None | None | None | Requires one year of continuous desertion |
| Felony Conviction (Fault Ground) | Civil Matter | None | None | None | Requires imprisonment for one year or more |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Greene County: 2 dismissed or not guilty, 2 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 60 miles from Greene County Circuit Court, with access via Route 29 and Route 33. Serving as a fault grounds for divorce lawyer Greene County, we provide representation for clients in Stanardsville and Ruckersville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fault Based Divorce in Greene County
How long does a divorce take in Greene County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Greene County Circuit Court. Contested divorces routinely take 9-18 months. Va. Code § 20-91 governs divorce grounds.
How much does a divorce cost in Greene County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Greene County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property is excluded from marital division.
How is child custody decided in Greene County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Greene County J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Greene County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Greene County Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-91.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against fault based divorce charges?
Defense strategies for fault based divorce in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-91 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing fault based divorce charges in Virginia?
If facing fault based divorce charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
For more information, visit our Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia hub page. Explore related pages: Family Law Lawyer Albemarle County, Family Law Lawyer Arlington County, and Corporate Transactions Lawyer Greene County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Virginia law and court procedures.