Fault Based Divorce Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Fault based divorce in Prince William County, Virginia, is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, which provides grounds including adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 289 documented results in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate.
Understanding Fault Based Divorce Under Virginia Law
Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-91 allows for fault based divorce on specific grounds. Adultery carries no waiting period, while cruelty and desertion require one year of separation. Felony conviction with at least one year of imprisonment also qualifies as a fault ground. The court at Prince William County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Official Legal References
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce laws, consult the following official government sources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) — Grounds for divorce
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) — Equitable distribution
Local Procedural Insights for Prince William County
In Prince William County Circuit Court, prosecutors routinely require corroborating evidence for fault grounds. We have observed that judges closely scrutinize adultery claims for lack of direct proof. The court expects clear and convincing evidence before granting a fault based divorce.
- Step 1: Identify your fault ground under Va. Code § 20-91.
- Step 2: Gather corroborating evidence, such as witness testimony or documentation.
- Step 3: File your complaint at Prince William County Circuit Court.
- Step 4: Serve the other party and attend the final hearing.
- Step 5: Present your case with the help of a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince William County.
- Step 6: Obtain your final divorce decree.
In Prince William County, fault based divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 carries specific legal consequences, including financial penalties and impacts on property division, spousal support, and custody arrangements.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery (Fault Ground) | Civil — No Criminal Penalty | None | None | None | May affect spousal support and property division |
| Cruelty (Fault Ground) | Civil — No Criminal Penalty | None | None | None | Requires 1-year separation; may impact custody |
| Desertion (Fault Ground) | Civil — No Criminal Penalty | None | None | None | Requires 1-year separation; may affect support |
| Felony Conviction (Fault Ground) | Civil — No Criminal Penalty | None | None | None | Requires 1+ year imprisonment; may affect custody |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fault Based Divorce
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%. ‘Advocacy Without Borders’ is our commitment to providing exceptional legal representation regardless of geographic boundaries. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce, demonstrating our firm’s deep impact on Virginia family law.
Your Legal Team
Proven Results in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 289 documented results in Prince William County: 163 dismissed or not guilty, 108 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 97%. Results may vary. These outcomes demonstrate our commitment to achieving favorable results for our clients.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 15 miles from Prince William County Circuit Court, with access via I-66 and Route 28. We serve as a fault grounds for divorce lawyer Prince William County and an at-fault divorce lawyer Prince William County for clients throughout the area.
Fault Based Divorce Lawyer near Prince William County: We provide representation for clients in Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Serving the communities of Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fault Based Divorce in Prince William County
How long does a divorce take in Prince William County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Prince William County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Prince William 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Prince William County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint is 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).
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 William County Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Prince William County, Virginia?
Custody in Prince William 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 William County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Prince William County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 297 total documented case results across all practice areas (97% 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 William County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
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. An experienced Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince William County evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-91.
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. Contact a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince William County immediately.
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Last verified: April 2026
By appointment only.