In King George County, Virginia, desertion is a fault ground for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 requiring a one-year separation; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in King George County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Speak with a Desertion Divorce Lawyer King George County today.
Last verified: April 2026 | King George County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, desertion as a ground for divorce requires proof that one spouse willfully abandoned the other for a continuous period of at least one year. This is a fault-based ground, meaning the spouse seeking the divorce must demonstrate the other spouse left without justification or consent. The statute, Va. Code § 20-91, provides that desertion must be “willful” and “without cause.” A Desertion Divorce Lawyer King George County can help you gather the necessary evidence, such as proof of separation and lack of financial support, to establish this ground in court. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to these cases.
For more information, review the Virginia Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and the King George County General District Court website.
In King George County, proving desertion requires more than just showing you live apart. The court will examine whether the leaving spouse had a valid reason, such as cruelty or adultery. You must present clear evidence of willful abandonment for the full one-year period. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer King George County can help you build this case.
- File a complaint for divorce based on desertion at the King George County Circuit Court.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through the sheriff or a private process server.
- Gather evidence of the one-year separation, including lease agreements, utility bills, and witness statements.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody is needed.
- Participate in mediation if the court orders it or if both parties agree.
- Present your case at trial or final hearing to obtain the final divorce decree.
In King George County, desertion divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects property division and spousal support under Virginia’s equitable distribution laws.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertion (Divorce Ground) | Fault-Based Ground | None | None | None | May affect spousal support, property division, and custody determinations |
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 documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, a unique achievement in Virginia family law. This experience directly benefits clients seeking a Desertion Divorce Lawyer King George County.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
In King George County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas, with an 88% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals and not guilty verdicts in assault and battery cases at the King George General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 45 miles from the King George County Circuit Court, accessible via Route 3 and Route 301. We serve clients in King George and Dahlgren. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in King George County, Virginia?
Yes. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. King George County Circuit Court handles all divorces. 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 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (88% favorable outcome rate)
How much does a divorce cost in King George County, Virginia?
It depends. 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 King George 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). King George County Circuit Court (10446 Government Center Blvd, Ste 105, King George, VA 22485) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in King George County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody in King George County is based on the best 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. King George County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. King George County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (88% 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 King George 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
What is desertion as a ground for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Desertion under Va. Code § 20-91 requires proof that one spouse willfully abandoned the other for at least one year without justification. The spouse seeking the divorce must show the abandonment was against their will. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer King George County can help you gather evidence and file the necessary paperwork at the King George County Circuit Court.
Can I get a divorce based on abandonment in King George County?
Yes. Abandonment, also called desertion, is a fault ground for divorce in Virginia. You must prove your spouse left you willfully and without cause for at least one year. The court will consider evidence such as lack of communication, financial support, and intent to end the marriage. A spouse abandonment lawyer King George County can assist with this process.