Desertion divorce in Manassas, Virginia requires a one-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91(6); Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Manassas (City) and across Virginia. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute governing property division in every Virginia divorce.
Desertion Divorce Lawyer Manassas, Virginia
Desertion as a ground for divorce in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 20-91(6). This statute requires that one spouse willfully and without justification abandons the marital relationship for a continuous period of at least one year. The desertion must be against the will of the other spouse, who must not have consented to the separation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor, the firm has handled 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the desertion divorce statute, see Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For equitable distribution rules, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Manassas Circuit Court, prosecutors and judges routinely require a corroborating witness for any uncontested divorce hearing. We have observed that failing to bring a witness who can testify to the separation period often results in continuances. The court strictly enforces the one-year desertion period from the date of abandonment.
- Document the exact date your spouse left the marital home.
- Gather evidence of intent to abandon (texts, emails, witness statements).
- File a complaint at Manassas Circuit Court after one year of continuous desertion.
- Serve the deserting spouse with the complaint.
- Attend the hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Obtain the final divorce decree.
In Manassas, desertion divorce carries no criminal penalties but affects property division, spousal support, and custody outcomes under Virginia’s equitable distribution framework.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertion (Fault Ground) | Civil — No Criminal Classification | None | None | None | May affect spousal support and property division |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects its commitment to clients across multiple states and jurisdictions.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Manassas (City): firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 15 miles from Manassas Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110), with access via I-66 and Route 28. Serving the communities of Manassas and Sudley area. 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 Desertion Divorce in Manassas
How long does a divorce take in Manassas (City), Virginia?
Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Manassas (City) Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Manassas (City) 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 with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
Uncontested divorces in Manassas typically resolve in 2-6 months; contested divorces take 9-18 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Manassas, 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 Manassas General District Court.
Filing fee is approximately $86; total 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). Manassas Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property.
How is child custody decided in Manassas, Virginia?
Custody in Manassas 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. Manassas J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Manassas Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Custody is decided based on the child’s experienced interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 Manassas 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.
Grounds include no-fault (6-month or 1-year separation) and fault grounds like desertion (1 year).
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against desertion divorce charges?
Defense strategies for desertion 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.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating under Va. Code § 20-91.
What should I do if I am facing desertion divorce charges in Virginia?
If facing desertion 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.
Contact a family law attorney immediately and preserve all evidence.
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Last updated: 2026-04-30