Fault Based Divorce Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
A fault based divorce in Prince William County, Virginia, requires proving grounds such as adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 289 documented results in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. You need a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince William County who understands local court procedures at Prince William County Circuit Court.
Fault Grounds for Divorce Under Virginia Law
Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-91 provides specific fault grounds for divorce. These 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. A fault based divorce allows you to seek a divorce without the mandatory separation period required for no-fault divorces. The Prince William County Circuit Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110, 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. 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 Virginia Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, visit: Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and Prince William County Circuit Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
Insider Knowledge: handling Prince William County Family Court
In Prince William County Circuit Court, judges expect parties to have a signed separation agreement before the final hearing. We have observed that the court routinely requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorces. Mediation is available but not mandatory, though the court strongly encourages it for custody disputes.
- Consult with a Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Prince William County to determine your grounds.
- File a complaint at Prince William County Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend all court hearings, including pendente lite and final hearings.
- Obtain a final decree of divorce after all issues are resolved.
In Prince William County, Virginia, fault based divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and custodial consequences determined by the Prince William County Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault Ground (Civil) | None | None | None | May affect spousal support and equitable distribution |
| Cruelty | Fault Ground (Civil) | None | None | None | May affect custody and visitation |
| Desertion (1 year) | Fault Ground (Civil) | None | None | None | May affect property division |
| Felony Conviction (1+ year imprisonment) | Fault Ground (Civil) | None | None | None | May affect custody and support |
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%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. The firm has 289 documented case results in Prince William County alone, with 163 dismissed or not guilty and 108 reduced or amended — a 97% favorable outcome rate. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled these cases with dedication and experience.
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 results include cases handled at Prince William County Circuit Court and Prince William County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. The firm-wide total of 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ demonstrates extensive experience in family law and related matters.
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 based divorce lawyer near Prince William County. Serving the communities of Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032 | (703) 636-5417 | 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; 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 William 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 William 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 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; 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law matters in Virginia, visit our Visitation Enforcement Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these pages useful: Complex Property Division Lawyer Goochland County, Complex Property Division Lawyer Albemarle County, and Complex Property Division Lawyer King William County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Content reviewed for accuracy and compliance with Virginia law.