While many states do not have fault grounds for divorce, Virginia offers both no-fault and fault grounds divorce options. A Virginia Beach spousal support attorney can explain the possible ramifications that fault grounds can have on spousal support.

Virginia statute § 20-91 establishes fault divorce grounds as the following:

  • Adultery, sodomy or buggery committed outside the marriage
  • Felony conviction with over a year confinement
  • Cruelty causing reasonable apprehension of bodily hurt or willful desertion or abandonment
  • No cohabitation and living separate and apart for one year without interruption

Except for the last divorce ground of living separately, the court can consider fault grounds as an influencing factor when determining whether to award spousal support. For this reason, if spousal support is an issue, you may want to consider carefully the grounds used for pursuing divorce. According to the Virginia State Bar, a spouse's fault in causing divorce is not necessarily a complete bar to spousal support. It may be a factor in whether or not the court awards spousal support.

Despite the fact that spousal support may be an important factor, pursuing a divorce on fault grounds can result in a contested divorce, which can be costly. Norfolk spousal support lawyers can explain how Virginia laws relate to your divorce and help you evaluate your options.

Darrell M. Harding works diligently to protect clients’ rights and can help them make the best decisions toward obtaining a favorable outcome.

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Virginia Beach: 757-499-2600
Chesapeake: 757-401-6804
Norfolk: 757-512-8393

Testimonials

"In every case Mr. Harding takes, he strives to provide his clients with the highest level of legal service. If you choose Darrell M. Harding Attorney At Law, PLC to represent you, you can expect to receive experienced legal guidance and be treated with the utmost courtesy and respect at all times."

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Our Offices

  • Virginia Beach Office

    Address

    5366 Virginia Beach Boulevard, AAA Building.,
    Suite 301,
    Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

  • Chesapeake Office

    Address

    2010 Old Greenbrier Road,
    Suite L,
    Chesapeake, Virginia 23320

    Phone

    757-401-6804

  • Norfolk Office

    Address

    1500 E Little Creek Road,
    Suite 309,
    Norfolk, Virginia 23518

    Phone

    757-512-8393

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Ratings & Reviews

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  • google
    5.0/5.0

    They handle my divorce in like 2 months and they took payment arrangements they were amazing I appreciate them

    — jezzy 25

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Mr. Harding was able to get everything I wanted in my case with less than 4 hours notice to be at court as I didn't retain until the day of court. Fantastic lawyer would recommend to anyone in need of an attorney

    — Client

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    For such a difficult subject, Mr. Harding made this as simple as possible. He never pressured me but guided me to make the best decisions for myself and my child. He also encouraged communication between myself and my ex to settle things mo...
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    — T.J. K

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Mr. Harding took his time to answer any questions that I had. Even in my fears, he consistently had a professional, yet confident demeanor that put me at ease. He never pressured me, always encouraged an open communication between myself an...
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    — Client

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Thomas has been absolutely heaven-sent in my family law case. He has gone above and beyond and is quick to answer any questions that I have whether it be by email, phone call, or in person. I have recommended him to several of my friends an...
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    — Jessica Schwind