In Alexandria, Virginia, fault-based divorce grounds include adultery, cruelty, and desertion under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ firm-wide case results. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Alexandria can help you prove these grounds in Alexandria Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law provides specific fault grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. These grounds allow you to seek a divorce without waiting the standard separation period. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Alexandria understands that proving fault can affect spousal support, property division, and custody decisions. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute).
Fault grounds include: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty (reasonable apprehension of bodily harm), desertion (abandonment for one year), and felony conviction (imprisonment for one year or more). Each ground requires specific evidence and corroboration. An at-fault divorce lawyer Alexandria can evaluate your situation and determine which ground applies.
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds — official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Alexandria General District Court website (.gov).
Alexandria Circuit Court requires corroborating witnesses for fault-based divorce hearings. You cannot rely solely on your own testimony. The court at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor handles all divorce filings.
- File a complaint for divorce listing specific fault grounds at Alexandria Circuit Court.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Gather corroborating evidence: witness affidavits, financial records, or communications.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Proceed to final hearing where you present evidence and witnesses.
- Obtain final divorce decree with fault finding and related orders.
In Alexandria, fault-based divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects spousal support, property division, and custody outcomes under Va. Code § 20-91.
| Ground | Waiting Period | Evidence Required | Impact on Support | Impact on Property | Corroboration Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | None | Direct or circumstantial | Bar to spousal support | May affect equitable distribution | Yes — witness or strong circumstantial |
| Cruelty | None | Reasonable apprehension of harm | May increase support | May favor innocent spouse | Yes — medical records, police reports |
| Desertion | 1 year | Abandonment with intent | May affect support | May affect distribution | Yes — witness testimony |
| Felony Conviction | 1+ year imprisonment | Conviction record | May affect support | May affect distribution | Yes — court records |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential unique to this firm. “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Alexandria — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Alexandria General District Court, SRIS has obtained nolle prosequi dispositions in assault cases (Va. Code § 18.2-57).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is approximately 5 miles from Alexandria Circuit Court, accessible via I-395 and Route 1. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Alexandria near Old Town can meet you by appointment. We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
How long does a fault-based divorce take in Alexandria?
Yes. Uncontested fault divorce with signed agreement: 2-4 months. Contested fault divorce: 9-18 months. Adultery has no waiting period. Alexandria Circuit Court handles all divorces.
Can I get a divorce based on adultery in Virginia?
Yes. Adultery is a fault ground with no waiting period. You need corroborating evidence — witness testimony or strong circumstantial proof. A fault grounds for divorce lawyer Alexandria can help gather evidence.
What evidence do I need for a cruelty divorce in Alexandria?
You need evidence showing reasonable apprehension of bodily harm. Medical records, police reports, witness affidavits, and documented threats all qualify. Alexandria Circuit Court requires corroboration.
Does fault affect spousal support in Virginia?
Yes. Adultery bars the adulterous spouse from receiving spousal support. Cruelty and desertion may increase or decrease support depending on circumstances. Va. Code § 20-107.1 governs support factors.
How much does a fault-based divorce cost in Alexandria?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Is Virginia a community property state for divorce?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. The court divides marital property fairly under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Fault may affect the division.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.