Greene County desertion divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 requires one year of willful abandonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Greene County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Under Virginia law, desertion is a fault-based ground for divorce defined in Va. Code § 20-91(A)(6). Willful desertion requires proof that one spouse abandoned the marital relationship without consent or justification for a continuous period of at least one year. The abandoning spouse must have both physically left and intended to permanently end the marriage. Unlike no-fault divorce based on separation, desertion does not require a signed separation agreement. The burden of proof falls on the spouse alleging desertion, who must present clear and convincing evidence of the abandonment and its duration. Greene County Circuit Court at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973 handles all divorce filings in the county. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Greene County can help you gather the necessary corroborating evidence, such as witness testimony or documented separation, to establish the statutory elements.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, visit Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Greene County court procedures and forms, see the Greene County Combined Courts website.
In Greene County Circuit Court, desertion cases require corroborating evidence beyond the spouse’s testimony. The court applies strict scrutiny to claims of willful abandonment, particularly when children or jointly owned property are involved. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Greene County knows that the one-year separation period must be continuous and uninterrupted.
- File a complaint for divorce based on desertion at Greene County Circuit Court, 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Present corroborating evidence at the final hearing to prove the one-year desertion period.
- Obtain the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Greene County, desertion divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects property division and spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertion (Fault Divorce Ground) | Civil — Fault Ground | None | None | None | May affect equitable distribution and spousal support awards |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, a landmark achievement in family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Greene County from SRIS, P.C. brings this depth of experience to every case.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
In Greene County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% 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 the District of Columbia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is accessible via Route 29 and Route 33 from Greene County courts at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973. We serve Stanardsville and Ruckersville. Desertion Divorce Lawyer Greene County — near the Greene County Courthouse.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
Q: How long does a divorce take in Greene County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing: 21-60 days.
Q: How much does a divorce cost in Greene County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Q: 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.
Q: How is child custody decided in Greene County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. Greene County J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce.
Q: 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, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Greene County Circuit Court.
Internal links: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer | Greene County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.