Desertion Divorce Lawyer Hanover County — What Are Your Legal Options?
In Hanover County, desertion is a fault ground for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a one-year separation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented case results in Hanover County. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Hanover County can help you prove abandonment and seek spousal support.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, desertion as a divorce ground requires proof that one spouse left the marital home with the intent to abandon the marriage permanently, and that the separation has lasted at least one year. This is distinct from no-fault separation. A Desertion Divorce Lawyer Hanover County must establish the elements of willful abandonment and lack of consent. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into property division in desertion cases.
For desertion divorce specifically, the controlling statute is Va. Code § 20-91(6) (desertion). This differs from the general no-fault grounds under § 20-91(1). The abandonment divorce grounds lawyer Hanover County must prove the desertion was against the other spouse’s will and without justification. The firm’s experience with § 20-107.3 ensures that even in fault-based divorces, property division is handled aggressively.
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and the Hanover County General District Court website for procedural rules.
- File a verified complaint for divorce based on desertion at Hanover County Circuit Court (7507 Library Drive).
- Serve the defendant with process; if they cannot be located, request service by publication.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody if needed (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Prove the one-year desertion period with witness testimony or documented evidence of abandonment.
- Negotiate a property settlement agreement or proceed to trial on equitable distribution.
- Obtain a final decree of divorce from the Circuit Court.
In Hanover County, desertion divorce carries no criminal penalty but affects spousal support and property division under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertion (divorce ground) | Civil fault ground | None | None | None | May bar spousal support for deserting spouse |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, a credential unique among Virginia family law firms. The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Hanover County, the firm has 19 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. One notable result: a reckless driving charge (81/70) was dismissed in Hanover County GDC. Results may vary.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from Hanover County Circuit Court, accessible via I-95 and I-295. We serve Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. Desertion Divorce Lawyer Hanover County near the historic Hanover Courthouse.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-91(6), desertion is a fault ground for divorce in Virginia.
It depends. You must prove the desertion lasted at least one year and was against your will.
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state; property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50.
It depends. If you are the deserted spouse, you may receive spousal support; the deserting spouse may be barred.
No. You must file in Hanover County Circuit Court; the one-year separation period starts after the desertion begins.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.