In Greene County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault filings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Greene County. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Greene County can help you pursue fault grounds like adultery or cruelty without a waiting period.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia divorce law provides two paths: no-fault divorce after a separation period, or fault-based divorce with specific grounds. Under Va. Code § 20-91, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. Fault grounds for divorce include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Greene County can guide you through these options. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing unique insight into property division matters.
For fault-based divorce specifically, Va. Code § 20-91(A) lists the statutory grounds: adultery, cruelty, reasonable apprehension of bodily hurt, willful desertion or abandonment for 1 year, and conviction of a felony with imprisonment for 1+ year. An at-fault divorce lawyer Greene County can help you establish these grounds in court. Unlike no-fault divorce, fault grounds require no separation period for adultery cases, which can significantly accelerate the divorce timeline.
Key government resources for Greene County divorce matters:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Greene County Combined Courts — official court website
Greene County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce at Greene County Circuit Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973) with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the divorce complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing typically set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended) to resolve property division and custody issues.
- Present your case at the final hearing with corroborating witness testimony for uncontested matters.
- Receive the final divorce decree from Greene County Circuit Court.
In Greene County, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and custody consequences based on Virginia’s equitable distribution laws.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost Range | Impact | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | No waiting period if adultery | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $5,000-$15,000+ | Equitable distribution of assets | May require Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $10,000-$50,000+ | Business valuation, retirement assets | Forensic accountant often required |
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 across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. With 4,739+ total case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide, our team brings substantial courtroom experience to Greene County family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, providing unique insight into property division in divorce cases. Our Greene County family law practice is led by Samantha Rae Powers, Of Counsel, who brings over 18 years of legal experience and a Ph.D. in Communication from UC Santa Barbara to every case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas in Greene County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973), accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. We are a family law lawyer near Greene County, serving Stanardsville and Ruckersville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Greene County, Virginia?
It depends. 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Greene County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
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). Greene County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Greene County, Virginia?
Custody in Greene 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. Greene County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Greene County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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 Greene County Circuit Court. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Greene County can help you pursue fault grounds.
Related pages: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer | Greene County Criminal Defense Lawyer
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.