In Hanover County, Virginia, a fault-based divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 allows you to seek dissolution without a waiting period on grounds such as adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented results in Hanover County, including 9 dismissals and 10 reductions, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Fault Based Divorce Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Virginia law recognizes several fault grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Adultery carries no waiting period, while cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with one or more years of imprisonment each provide a basis for divorce. A fault based divorce lawyer Hanover County clients trust can help you handle these grounds. The court at Hanover County Circuit Court, located at 7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069, handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, see Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Hanover County Circuit Court, prosecutors and judges routinely scrutinize fault-based divorce claims for corroborating evidence. We have observed that adultery claims often fail without independent witness testimony or documented proof. An at-fault divorce lawyer Hanover County residents retain must prepare a corroborating witness for the uncontested hearing.
- Identify the specific fault ground under Va. Code § 20-91.
- Gather corroborating evidence: witness statements, financial records, or documented communication.
- File the divorce complaint at Hanover County Circuit Court.
- Serve your spouse with the complaint and summons.
- Attend the hearing with your corroborating witness.
- Obtain the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Hanover County, fault based divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 carries no criminal penalty, but the financial and custodial consequences can be significant, including equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support, and child custody determinations.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault Ground | None | None | None | May affect spousal support and equitable distribution |
| Cruelty | Fault Ground | None | None | None | Requires corroborating evidence; may impact custody |
| Desertion (1 year) | Fault Ground | None | None | None | Must prove willful abandonment for 1+ year |
| Felony Conviction | Fault Ground | None | None | None | Requires 1+ year imprisonment; may affect custody |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has 19 documented case results in Hanover County: 9 dismissed or not guilty, 10 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented results in Hanover County: 9 dismissed or not guilty, 10 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 20 miles from Hanover County Circuit Court, with access via I-95 and I-295. Serving the communities of Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009 | By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Hanover County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Hanover County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces routinely take 9-18 months.
Uncontested divorces resolve in 2-6 months; contested divorces take 9-18 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Hanover County, Virginia?
Yes, there are costs. 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.
Filing fee is approximately $86; total costs vary by case complexity.
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). Hanover County Circuit Court handles all property division.
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state.
How is child custody decided in Hanover County, Virginia?
Custody in Hanover County is based on the experienced 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. Hanover County J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
Custody is decided based on the child’s experienced interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 Hanover County Circuit Court.
Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against fault based divorce charges?
Defense strategies for fault based divorce in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing fault based divorce charges in Virginia?
If facing fault based divorce charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
For more information, visit our Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find our Family Law Lawyer Albemarle County and Family Law Lawyer Arlington County pages useful. For related practice areas, see Business Estate Planning Lawyer Hanover County and Petit Larceny Lawyer Hanover County.
Last verified: April 2026