In Hanover County, desertion is a fault ground for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 requiring one year of willful abandonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented case results in Hanover County. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Hanover County can help prove the statutory elements.
Understanding Desertion as a Ground for Divorce in Virginia
Under Virginia law, desertion as a fault ground for divorce requires proof that one spouse willfully and intentionally abandoned the other for a continuous period of at least one year. Va. Code § 20-91(A)(6) specifically addresses desertion. Unlike no-fault divorce based on separation, desertion requires showing the abandoning spouse left without justification and with the intent to end the marriage. An abandonment divorce grounds lawyer Hanover County must present clear evidence of the abandonment and its duration. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Desertion divorce specifically requires proving the statutory elements of willful abandonment under Va. Code § 20-91(A)(6). Unlike a general no-fault divorce, desertion claims demand evidence of the abandoning spouse’s intent to permanently end the marital relationship without consent. A spouse abandonment lawyer Hanover County must gather documentation showing the date of departure, lack of consent, and continuous absence for the statutory period.
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds — official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Hanover County General District Court website.
- Gather evidence of the date your spouse left the marital home.
- Document any communication showing intent to permanently abandon the marriage.
- Collect financial records showing cessation of support or shared expenses.
- File a complaint for divorce based on desertion at Hanover County Circuit Court.
- Present corroborating witness testimony at the final hearing.
In Hanover County, desertion divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects property division and spousal support under equitable distribution.
| Issue | Classification | Impact | Legal Standard | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertion (Fault Ground) | Fault-based divorce ground | May affect equitable distribution | Va. Code § 20-91(A)(6) | Spousal support may be impacted |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Desertion Divorce Case
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 firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles complex desertion divorce cases in Hanover County.
Hanover County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 total documented case results across all practice areas in Hanover County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissals and reductions in traffic and sex crimes matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33. Serving Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Hanover County near Mechanicsville can help with your case.
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24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. By appointment only.
What is the difference between desertion and separation in Virginia?
Yes. Desertion requires proof of willful abandonment without consent for one year. Separation is a no-fault ground requiring six months (no minor children) or one year (with minor children) of living apart with mutual consent. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Hanover County can explain which applies to your situation.
Can I get a divorce based on desertion if my spouse left me?
Yes, if your spouse willfully abandoned you for at least one continuous year without justification. You must prove the abandonment was against your will and that your spouse intended to permanently end the marriage. An abandonment divorce grounds lawyer Hanover County can help gather the necessary evidence.
How long does a desertion divorce take in Hanover County?
It depends. If the desertion period is already met (one year), the divorce can proceed in 2-4 months for an uncontested case. Contested desertion cases may take 9-18 months due to evidentiary hearings. The Desertion Divorce Lawyer Hanover County team at SRIS, P.C. can provide a timeline estimate.
Does desertion affect property division in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). The court may consider fault, including desertion, when dividing marital property. A spouse abandonment lawyer Hanover County can argue how desertion should impact the division.
What evidence do I need to prove desertion in Hanover County?
You need evidence showing the date your spouse left, proof they did so without your consent, and documentation of the continuous one-year absence. Corroborating witness testimony is required. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Hanover County can help compile the necessary proof.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.