Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights — What Are Your Legal Grounds?
A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights handles cases under Va. Code § 20-91 for adultery, cruelty, or desertion. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Colonial Heights courts. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Fault Divorce Grounds Under Va. Code § 20-91
Virginia law provides specific fault grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. These grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty (reasonable apprehension of bodily harm), desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights helps you prove these grounds in court. Unlike no-fault divorce, fault-based divorce does not require a separation period for adultery cases. You must present corroborating evidence at your hearing. Colonial Heights Circuit Court at 550 Boulevard handles all divorce filings. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into Virginia family law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For fault-based divorce specifically, Va. Code § 20-91(A) defines each ground: adultery under subsection (1), cruelty under subsection (2), desertion under subsection (3), and felony conviction under subsection (4). Each ground has distinct evidentiary requirements. An at-fault divorce lawyer Colonial Heights must gather specific proof for each ground type.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-91 (Divorce grounds — official Virginia General Assembly)
- Colonial Heights General District Court — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge for Colonial Heights Fault Divorce Cases
Colonial Heights Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for every uncontested fault divorce hearing. This witness must have personal knowledge of the grounds you claim.
In Colonial Heights, prosecutors and judges expect detailed affidavits supporting fault allegations. Vague claims without specific dates or incidents often face dismissal.
- Identify which fault ground applies to your situation — adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction.
- Gather corroborating evidence: witness statements, photographs, financial records, or court documents.
- File a complaint for divorce at Colonial Heights Circuit Court, 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.
- Serve the divorce complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody is needed.
- Present your corroborating evidence at the final divorce hearing before the judge.
In Colonial Heights, fault-based divorce grounds carry specific legal consequences including property division, spousal support, and cost allocation.
| Fault Ground | Classification | Separation Required | Evidence Needed | Impact on Property Division | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault ground | None | Corroborating witness or strong circumstantial evidence | Court may award larger share to innocent spouse | Bar to spousal support for adulterous spouse |
| Cruelty | Fault ground | None | Medical records, police reports, witness testimony | Court considers fault in equitable distribution | Protective orders possible |
| Desertion | Fault ground | 1 year continuous | Proof of abandonment and intent to desert | May affect spousal support award | Abandoned spouse may keep marital home |
| Felony Conviction | Fault ground | 1+ year imprisonment | Certified conviction order | Limited impact on property division | Grounds for immediate divorce filing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Colonial Heights Fault Divorce Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Colonial Heights, the firm has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. This includes dismissed reckless driving and reduced charges in Colonial Heights General District Court.
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO, also oversees all family law matters. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Colonial Heights Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results in Colonial Heights with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include: Reckless Driving 76/55 — Dismissed (Colonial Heights GDC); Speeding 53/35 — Dismissed (Colonial Heights GDC); Reckless Driving Pass School Bus — Amended to Improper Driving (Colonial Heights GDC).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Colonial Heights Family Law Services Near You
Distance: Our Richmond location serves clients at Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 144.
Near-me: Fault Based Divorce Lawyer near Colonial Heights Courthouse.
Neighborhoods served: Colonial Heights.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fault Based Divorce in Colonial Heights
How long does a fault-based divorce take in Colonial Heights?
It depends. Adultery cases can proceed immediately with no waiting period. Contested fault divorces typically take 9-18 months. Uncontested fault divorces with signed agreement may take 2-4 months from filing. Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorce cases.
Can I get a divorce for adultery in Colonial Heights without a separation period?
Yes. Adultery under Va. Code § 20-91(A)(1) has no separation requirement. You must provide corroborating evidence such as witness testimony, hotel records, or financial transactions. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Colonial Heights can help gather this proof.
What evidence do I need for a cruelty divorce in Colonial Heights?
You need corroborating evidence showing reasonable apprehension of bodily harm. Medical records, police reports, photographs of injuries, and witness testimony all qualify. Colonial Heights Circuit Court requires more than verbal arguments — physical harm or credible threats are necessary.
Does fault affect property division in Colonial Heights?
Yes. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court considers fault as one of 11 factors when dividing marital property. Adultery or cruelty may result in a larger share awarded to the innocent spouse. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute.
How much does a fault-based divorce cost in Colonial Heights?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12. Private process server fees range $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody cases typically costs $500-$2,500+. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party.
Can I get spousal support after a fault-based divorce in Colonial Heights?
It depends. If you prove adultery, the adulterous spouse is barred from receiving spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1. For cruelty or desertion, the court considers 13 statutory factors including fault. An at-fault divorce lawyer Colonial Heights can advise on your specific situation.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Divorce & Family Lawyer
- Henrico County Divorce Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Divorce Lawyer
- Colonial Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Colonial Heights DUI Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.