Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Caroline County — What Are Your Legal Grounds?
A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Caroline County handles divorces under Va. Code § 20-91 for adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in Caroline County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Caroline County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-91 provides specific fault grounds for divorce. Unlike no-fault divorce requiring separation, fault-based divorce allows you to file immediately without a waiting period. The recognized fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty and reasonable apprehension of bodily harm, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Caroline County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can evaluate which ground applies to your situation. Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into Virginia family law. The Caroline County Circuit Court at 111 Ennis Street, Bowling Green, VA 22427 handles all divorce filings. Filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86.
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) — official Virginia General Assembly. Court procedures are available at the Caroline County General District Court website.
- Gather evidence of the fault ground (photographs, messages, witness statements, court records).
- File a complaint for divorce at Caroline County Circuit Court, 111 Ennis Street, Bowling Green.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody, typically set within 21-60 days.
- Present your corroborating witness at the final hearing to prove the fault ground.
- Receive your final divorce decree with property division under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
In Caroline County, fault-based divorce grounds under Va. Code § 20-91 carry no criminal penalties but affect property division, spousal support, and custody determinations.
| Ground | Classification | Waiting Period | Evidence Required | Impact on Property | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault ground | None | Corroborating witness or documentation | Court may award less to adulterous spouse | No spousal support for adulterous spouse |
| Cruelty | Fault ground | None | Medical records, police reports, witness testimony | May affect equitable distribution | Protective order possible |
| Desertion | Fault ground | 1 year | Proof of abandonment without consent | May affect equitable distribution | Spousal support may be denied |
| Felony Conviction | Fault ground | 1+ year imprisonment | Certified conviction record | May affect equitable distribution | Grounds for immediate custody evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in all Virginia divorces. This achievement gives the firm unmatched authority in Caroline County family law matters. The firm has 11 documented case results in Caroline County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in Caroline County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia. Results include dismissed charges for obtaining money by false pretense (Va. Code § 18.2-178), burning or destroying a building (Va. Code § 18.2-80), and eluding police (Va. Code § 46.2-817B).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is accessible from Caroline County via I-95 and Route 301, approximately 45 minutes from the Caroline County Circuit Court at 111 Ennis Street, Bowling Green.
Looking for a fault grounds for divorce lawyer Caroline County or an at-fault divorce lawyer Caroline County near Bowling Green or Carmel Church? We serve all Caroline County communities.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does a fault-based divorce take in Caroline County?
It depends. Adultery and cruelty grounds have no waiting period, so the case can proceed immediately. From filing to final decree, expect 2-4 months for an uncontested fault divorce and 9-18 months for a contested fault divorce in Caroline County Circuit Court.
What evidence do I need for a fault-based divorce in Caroline County?
Yes. Virginia requires corroborating evidence for fault grounds. For adultery, you need a witness or documentation. For cruelty, medical records or police reports. For desertion, proof of one year of abandonment. Your Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Caroline County will help gather this evidence.
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. Separate property is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in a fault-based divorce in Caroline County?
It depends. Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors including each parent’s role and any history of abuse. Fault grounds like cruelty may affect custody determinations.
How much does a fault-based divorce cost in Caroline County?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12. Private process server fees range from $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody costs $500-$2,500+. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.