Desertion Divorce Lawyer Goochland County — What Are Your Options?
If your spouse has abandoned you, you may have grounds for a desertion divorce in Goochland County under Va. Code § 20-91. A desertion divorce lawyer Goochland County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you file a fault-based divorce, which may impact spousal support and property division. Our firm has documented results in Goochland County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Virginia Desertion Divorce Law
In Virginia, desertion is a fault-based ground for divorce. It is defined as the voluntary separation of one spouse from the other, with the intent to abandon the marriage, for a continuous period of one year or more. The spouse who leaves must have the intent to end the marital relationship, and the separation must be against the will of the spouse who remains. This is distinct from a no-fault separation, where both parties agree to live apart.
Last verified: April 2026 | Goochland County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings deep experience in Virginia family law statutes. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, see Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the Goochland County Courts website.
Goochland County Desertion Divorce Process
Proving desertion in Goochland County Circuit Court requires clear evidence of the one-year separation and the abandoning spouse’s intent. The court will examine factors like who left the marital home, communication attempts, and whether support was provided. A spouse abandonment lawyer Goochland County can gather the necessary evidence, which may include witness testimony, financial records, and correspondence.
- Consult a desertion divorce lawyer: Discuss your situation and gather evidence of the abandonment and its duration.
- File a Complaint for Divorce: Your lawyer will file the complaint in Goochland County Circuit Court, citing desertion as the ground.
- Serve Your Spouse: The complaint must be legally served on your spouse, which can be challenging if their location is unknown.
- Proceed to Hearing: If your spouse does not respond, you may seek a default judgment. If they contest, you will present evidence of desertion at a trial.
- Obtain the Final Decree: The court will issue a divorce decree, which will also address related issues like property division and support.
Potential Outcomes in a Desertion Case
In Goochland County, a desertion divorce is a fault-based proceeding that can influence the court’s decisions on spousal support and the division of marital assets under Virginia’s equitable distribution laws.
| Issue | Potential Impact of Desertion Finding |
|---|---|
| Spousal Support | The court may award support to the deserted spouse or modify the amount based on fault. |
| Equitable Distribution | Desertion is one factor a court may consider when dividing marital property, potentially favoring the innocent spouse. |
| Divorce Timeline | A fault-based desertion divorce can proceed once the one-year period is met, without needing a separation agreement. |
| Legal Fees | In some cases, the court may order the deserting spouse to contribute to the other spouse’s attorney’s fees. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have handled 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who personally contributed to amending Virginia’s key equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep legislative insight informs our approach to complex fault-based divorces like those involving abandonment divorce grounds in Goochland County.
Case Experience in Goochland County
Our firm has documented case results in Goochland County across all practice areas. In family law, we use the extensive experience of our team, including Mr. Sris, whose background includes amending the very statutes that govern divorce and property division in Virginia. For a desertion case, this level of statutory understanding is a significant advantage.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Goochland County Desertion Divorce Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Goochland County. We are accessible via I-64, Route 6, and Route 250.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (804) 977-0097
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville.
Desertion Divorce in Goochland County: FAQs
What is considered desertion in a Virginia divorce?
Yes. Desertion is the voluntary separation of one spouse from the other with the intent to abandon the marriage, continuing for one year or more. The separation must be against the will of the spouse who remains. Proving the intent to abandon is a key part of the case.
How do I prove my spouse abandoned me for a desertion divorce?
It depends. Evidence can include testimony about who left the home, records showing a lack of financial support, written communication refusing to return, and witness accounts. A spouse abandonment lawyer Goochland County can help identify and compile the strongest evidence for Goochland County Circuit Court.
Can I get a divorce for desertion if I don’t know where my spouse is?
Yes. Virginia law allows for service by publication or other alternative methods when a spouse’s location is unknown. Your lawyer can file the necessary motions with the Goochland County Circuit Court to proceed with the divorce after making diligent efforts to locate them.
Does proving desertion aim for I will get spousal support?
No. A finding of desertion is one factor the court considers under Va. Code § 20-107.1. It may influence the decision and amount, but the court also weighs income, needs, the marriage’s duration, and other statutory factors. An abandonment divorce grounds lawyer Goochland County can argue how fault should impact support.
What is the difference between desertion and no-fault separation?
The key difference is intent and consent. Desertion is a fault-based ground where one spouse leaves against the other’s will. A no-fault divorce is based on a separation period (6 months or 1 year) that can be mutually agreed upon. Desertion can affect property and support rulings.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a divorce in Goochland County, you may also need information about Virginia family law. For other legal needs in the area, consider our Goochland County criminal defense lawyers or our Goochland County DUI attorneys. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.