If your spouse has abandoned you, a Desertion Divorce Lawyer Dinwiddie County can help. Under Va. Code § 20-91, desertion for one year is grounds for divorce. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 30 documented case results in Dinwiddie County. Call (888) 437-7747 today.
Desertion as Grounds for Divorce in Dinwiddie County
Virginia law recognizes desertion as a fault-based ground for divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-91, you can file for divorce on the ground of desertion if your spouse has willfully abandoned you for a period of one year. This is distinct from no-fault divorce, which requires a 6-month or 1-year separation. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Dinwiddie County can help you prove the elements of desertion, including the intent to permanently end the marriage. The Dinwiddie County Circuit Court handles all divorce filings. Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into Virginia family law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Resources for Dinwiddie County Divorce
- Va. Code § 20-91 (Divorce Grounds) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Dinwiddie County General District Court — Official Court Website
How a Desertion Divorce Works in Dinwiddie County
Proving desertion requires showing your spouse left without your consent and with no intent to return. The court examines the facts closely.
- Gather evidence of the date your spouse left and their intent not to return.
- File a complaint for divorce at Dinwiddie County Circuit Court.
- Serve your spouse with the divorce papers through the sheriff or a process server.
- Attend a hearing to present your evidence of desertion.
- Obtain a final decree of divorce from the court.
In Dinwiddie County, desertion divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 carries no criminal penalty but affects property division and spousal support.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertion (Divorce Ground) | Fault-Based Ground | None | None | None | May affect equitable distribution and spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Desertion Divorce
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Dinwiddie County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 30 total documented case results across all practice areas in Dinwiddie County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include reckless driving charges amended to defective equipment. These results are firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Dinwiddie County courts, accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We serve Dinwiddie and McKenney. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Dinwiddie County is available near you.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Desertion Divorce in Dinwiddie County
What is desertion as a ground for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Desertion under Va. Code § 20-91 means your spouse willfully left you with the intent to permanently end the marriage, and the separation has lasted at least one year.
How long does a desertion divorce take in Dinwiddie County?
It depends. An uncontested desertion divorce can take 2-4 months after filing. A contested case may take 9-18 months, depending on court scheduling and evidence disputes.
Can I get a divorce if my spouse deserted me but came back?
No. Desertion requires a continuous one-year period of abandonment. If your spouse returns during that year, the clock resets. You may need to start the waiting period over.
How much does a desertion divorce cost in Dinwiddie County?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service ($12), private process server ($50-$100), and attorney fees. Total costs vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state for desertion divorce?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. The court divides marital property fairly under Va. Code § 20-107.3, considering 11 factors. Desertion may affect how property is divided.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.