Understanding the grounds for divorce in Virginia
Written by our divorce lawyers in Manassas
“No-Fault” Divorce
A “no-fault” divorce is not based on any particular conduct. The most common no-fault case is “irreconcilable differences” (also called “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage”), which is another way of saying that the couple cannot get along anymore, and there’s no chance that they will get back together. There is no other explanation required for a no-fault divorce.
Although Virginia laws do not recognize the “irreconcilable differences” ground for a no-fault divorce, they do allow couples to get divorced if they can prove they’ve lived separate and apart for a certain period time: one year if they have children, or six months if there are no children involved.
“Fault” Divorce
Virginia is among a handful of states that still allows “fault” divorces. A “fault” divorce is based on bad conduct; one spouse must allege that the other was at “fault” for the divorce, because of misconduct that led to the breakdown of the marriage.
For more than 30 years our divorce lawyers in Manassas have been helping individuals resolve complex divorce matters in Manassas, Prince William, Manassas Park, Gainesville, Haymarket, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Bristow, Warrenton, Centreville, Fairfax, Stafford, Chantilly, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, and throughout Northern Virginia.
Many times people assume they know the law because “it’s just common sense” and they expect everything to fall in place for them. NOTHING could be further from the truth! The law is wide and complex and having a decent understanding of it will help you in your case.
In a “fault” divorce, here are some of the grounds to be aware of:
• cruelty, willful desertion or abandonment
• adultery
• a felony conviction and confinement following the conviction
If you are in need of an experienced divorce lawyer who gets results, please contact us online or by calling 703-361-0776.
Divorce lawyers in Manassas serving Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington, Manassas Park, Gainesville, Haymarket, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Bristow, Warrenton, Centreville, Stafford, Chantilly, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Alexandria, and Annandale.
