In Prince George County, Virginia, a fault based divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 allows you to seek dissolution without a separation period on grounds such as adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fault Based Divorce Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia
Virginia law recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-91, fault grounds for divorce include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty (actual or constructive desertion), desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. A fault based divorce lawyer in Prince George County can help you handle these grounds, which may affect spousal support, equitable distribution, and custody determinations. Prince George County Circuit Court, located at 6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875, handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince George County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the divorce grounds statute, see Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Prince George County Circuit Court, prosecutors and judges routinely scrutinize fault-based divorce claims for corroborating evidence. We have observed that adultery claims require independent proof beyond a spouse’s admission, such as hotel receipts, photographs, or witness testimony. Cruelty claims must demonstrate a pattern of behavior that makes cohabitation unsafe or intolerable.
- Identify the specific fault ground that applies to your situation under Va. Code § 20-91.
- Gather corroborating evidence, such as financial records, communications, or witness statements.
- File a complaint at Prince George County Circuit Court, 6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody, typically set within 21-60 days.
- Obtain a final decree of divorce, which may take 9-18 months for contested cases.
In Prince George County, Virginia, a fault based divorce carries no criminal penalties but affects equitable distribution, spousal support, and custody determinations under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery (Fault Ground) | Civil — No criminal penalty | None | None | None | May affect spousal support and equitable distribution |
| Cruelty (Fault Ground) | Civil — No criminal penalty | None | None | None | May affect custody and support determinations |
| Desertion (1 Year) | Civil — No criminal penalty | None | None | None | May affect property division |
| Felony Conviction (1+ Year Imprisonment) | Civil — No criminal penalty | None | None | None | May affect custody and support |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. The firm has extensive family law experience in Prince George County, including 7 documented case results across all practice areas.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 7 documented results in Prince George County across all practice areas: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 0 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 43%. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 25 miles from Prince George County Circuit Court, with access via I-295 and Route 10. If you need a fault based divorce lawyer near Prince George County, we serve the communities of Prince George and the Hopewell area. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (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 divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Prince George County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Prince George County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution… High-asset or international-element cases can extend longer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a divorce cost in Prince George County, Virginia?
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 include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Prince George County General District Court.
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?
Custody in Prince George County is based on the experienced 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. 7 total documented case results across all practice areas (43% favorable outcome rate)
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. 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
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 (grounds for divorce) 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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against adultery divorce charges?
Defense strategies for adultery 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(1) (adultery as fault ground — no waiting period) to build the strongest possible defense.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these related pages useful: Family Law Lawyer Albemarle County, Family Law Lawyer Arlington County, and Business Compliance Lawyer Prince George County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-29.