In Prince William County, desertion as a fault ground for divorce requires a one-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 documented case results in Prince William County. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince William County can help you prove willful abandonment and seek equitable distribution of marital assets.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, desertion is a fault-based ground for divorce. Va. Code § 20-91(6) requires proof that your spouse willfully abandoned you for at least one year without justification. The abandonment must be against your will and without your consent. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince William County can help you gather evidence of the abandonment, such as proof of separate residences and lack of financial support. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving him unique insight into how desertion affects property division.
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing requirements, visit the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Circuit Court handles all divorce cases, including those based on desertion. The court requires corroborating evidence of the abandonment, such as testimony from a witness or documentation of separate living arrangements. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince William County can help you prepare this evidence.
- File a complaint for divorce based on desertion at Prince William County Circuit Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110).
- Serve your spouse with the divorce papers through the sheriff’s office or a private process server.
- Gather evidence of the one-year abandonment, including bank records, lease agreements, and witness statements.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody is needed (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Proceed to trial or negotiate a settlement agreement addressing property division and support.
In Prince William County, desertion divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects property division, spousal support, and custody determinations under Virginia’s equitable distribution laws.
| Issue | Classification | Impact on Divorce | Financial Consequences | Timeline | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertion (Fault Ground) | Fault-based divorce ground | May affect equitable distribution and spousal support | Court may award a larger share of marital property to the abandoned spouse | 1-year separation required before filing | Corroborating witness required; adultery defense possible |
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 and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts desertion divorce cases in Prince William County. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 297 total documented case results across all practice areas in Prince William County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 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 is approximately 15 miles from the Prince William County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince William County serves clients near Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. 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.
What is desertion as a ground for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Desertion under Va. Code § 20-91(6) requires proof that your spouse willfully abandoned you for at least one year without your consent. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince William County can help you file at the Prince William County Circuit Court.
How long does a desertion divorce take in Prince William County?
It depends. You must wait one year from the date of abandonment before filing. After filing, an uncontested case takes 2-4 months; a contested case takes 9-18 months. The Prince William County Circuit Court handles all desertion divorce cases.
Can I get a divorce based on desertion without a lawyer?
No. Virginia requires corroborating evidence and proper court filings. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince William County ensures your evidence meets the legal standard and that all procedural requirements are met at the Prince William County Circuit Court.
What evidence do I need for a desertion divorce in Prince William County?
You need proof of the one-year separation, such as lease agreements, utility bills, bank records, and witness testimony. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince William County can help you compile this evidence for the Prince William County Circuit Court.
How does desertion affect property division in Prince William County?
It depends. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Desertion may affect the court’s division of marital property. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving him unique insight into how desertion impacts property division.
Can I get spousal support if my spouse deserted me in Prince William County?
Yes. Spousal support is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on 13 statutory factors. Desertion may be considered as a factor. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince William County can help you seek support at the Prince William County Circuit Court.
What is the difference between desertion and separation in Virginia?
Desertion is a fault ground requiring willful abandonment for one year. Separation is a no-fault ground requiring 6 months (no minor children) or 1 year (with minor children). A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince William County can explain which ground applies to your case.
How much does a desertion divorce cost in Prince William County?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour). A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Prince William County can provide a fee estimate.
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.