A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Manassas helps you file under Va. Code § 20-91 for adultery, cruelty, or desertion — no waiting period for adultery claims. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Manassas Circuit Court at 9311 Lee Avenue handles all divorce filings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law recognizes fault grounds for divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. These include adultery (no separation period required), cruelty (reasonable apprehension of bodily harm), desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one or more years. A Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Manassas can help you prove these grounds in court. Unlike no-fault divorce, fault-based divorce does not require a 6-month or 1-year separation period. The court considers fault when dividing marital property and awarding spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
For official court procedures, visit the Manassas General District Court website. Review the full statute at Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly).
- File a complaint for divorce at Manassas Circuit Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody within 21-60 days.
- Present corroborating evidence at the final hearing — witness testimony or documentation.
- Obtain the final divorce decree with property division and support orders.
In Manassas, fault-based 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Fault ground | None | None | None | May bar spousal support; affects equitable distribution |
| Cruelty | Fault ground | None | None | None | Requires corroboration; impacts custody decisions |
| Desertion (1 year) | Fault ground | None | None | None | Abandonment must be willful and without consent |
| Felony conviction | Fault ground | 1+ year imprisonment | None | None | Must be convicted and imprisoned for 1+ year |
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 4,739+ documented 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 unique credential in the family law market. The firm handles fault-based divorce cases in Manassas Circuit Court with a case-specific approach case-specific to each client’s circumstances.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also oversees all family law cases in Manassas. He brings former prosecutor experience and a deep understanding of Virginia’s equitable distribution laws.
SRIS actively practices in Manassas — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span family law, criminal defense, traffic, and other practice areas across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. We serve Manassas and surrounding communities.
Fault Based Divorce Lawyer Manassas — near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas.
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 Manassas, Virginia?
Yes. Adultery has no waiting period. Contested fault divorce: 9-18 months. Uncontested fault divorce with agreement: 2-4 months. Manassas Circuit Court handles all filings.
How much does a fault-based divorce cost in Manassas, 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.
Is Virginia a community property state for fault-based divorce?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. The court divides marital property fairly under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Fault can affect the division.
How is child custody decided in a fault-based divorce in Manassas?
No. Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Fault in the marriage does not automatically determine custody.
What are the fault grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Adultery (no waiting period), cruelty (reasonable fear of harm), desertion (1 year), and felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Manassas Circuit Court.
Can I get a fault-based divorce if my spouse committed adultery in Manassas?
Yes. Adultery is a fault ground with no separation period. You need corroborating evidence — a witness or documentation. Manassas Circuit Court requires proof.
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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.