Fault Based Divorce Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
A fault based divorce in King William County requires proving specific grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides direct representation for fault grounds for divorce in King William County. Our firm has 7 documented case results in the county with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Fault Divorce Law and Grounds
Virginia law provides specific fault grounds for ending a marriage, distinct from a no-fault separation. The primary statute is Va. Code § 20-91, which lists the acceptable reasons. To file a fault based divorce in King William County, you must submit a complaint to the Circuit Court alleging and proving one of these grounds. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our team deep insight into how fault can impact property division and support awards.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce laws, refer to the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly site). Court procedures and forms for King William County are available through the Virginia Courts website for King William County.
Local Court Process for a Fault Based Divorce
Filing a fault based divorce in King William County involves specific steps at the Circuit Court. The process differs from an uncontested case, as you must present evidence to support your claim. In this court, fault allegations can influence decisions on spousal support and the division of assets under equitable distribution principles.
- Consult with a fault based divorce lawyer to evaluate your evidence and grounds.
- File a Complaint for Divorce stating the specific fault ground at the King William County Circuit Court clerk’s office.
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse through a sheriff or process server.
- Proceed through discovery to gather evidence supporting your fault allegation.
- Attend any necessary hearings or mediation sessions ordered by the court.
- Present your case and evidence at a final divorce hearing before a judge.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In King William County, a fault based divorce can impact spousal support and property division, but does not typically change child custody determinations, which are based on the child’s best interests.
| Fault Ground | Legal Standard | Potential Impact | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Voluntary sexual intercourse outside marriage | Can bar spousal support for adulterous spouse; affects equitable distribution | Requires clear and convincing evidence; cohabitation defense may apply |
| Cruelty | Reasonable apprehension of bodily hurt or danger to life | Fault finding can influence support and property division | Includes physical violence or credible threats causing fear |
| Desertion | Willful abandonment for one year or more | Deserting spouse may be barred from receiving spousal support | Must prove intent to abandon marital cohabitation permanently |
| Felony Conviction | Sentence of one year or more, confirmed by final judgment | Convicted spouse may be barred from spousal support | Requires certified copy of final conviction order |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Fault Divorce Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have a documented record of 7 case results in King William County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates a unique level of authority in Virginia family law, directly relevant to how fault impacts financial outcomes in divorce.
Case Results in King William County
Our firm-wide experience includes over 4,739 documented case results with a 93% favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. For fault based divorce cases, our approach involves meticulous evidence review and strategic presentation. Mr. Sris, with his background as a former prosecutor and deep statutory knowledge, provides critical oversight on complex fault allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our King William County Fault Divorce Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients at the King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane). We are your local fault based divorce lawyer near King William County, accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33. We serve the communities of King William, West Point, and Aylett.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Fault Based Divorce in King William County: FAQs
What are the fault grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia’s fault grounds are adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more, as defined in Va. Code § 20-91. These are distinct from no-fault separation and must be proven with evidence in court.
Does proving fault aim for I will get more property or support?
It depends. While proving fault can influence a judge’s decisions on spousal support and the equitable division of marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3, it is not an automatic aim for. The court considers multiple factors, and the impact varies case by case.
How long does a fault based divorce take in King William County?
A contested fault divorce typically takes 9 to 18 months from filing to final decree in King William County Circuit Court. The timeline depends on case complexity, evidence gathering, court scheduling, and whether settlement negotiations occur.
What evidence is needed for a fault based divorce?
Evidence must meet the “clear and convincing” standard. For adultery, this may include photographs, communications, or witness testimony. For cruelty, evidence can be police reports, medical records, photographs of injuries, or testimony about threats.
Can I file for a fault based divorce if we have already been separated?
Yes. You can choose to file using fault grounds even if you are eligible for a no-fault divorce based on separation. The choice depends on your strategic goals, as alleging fault can affect negotiations and final outcomes on support and property.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with related matters like criminal defense in King William County and family law in Henrico County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
King William County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on fault based divorce lawyer in Virginia explains each stage.