Fault-Based Divorce: Adultery and Cruelty Litigation in McLean VA

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:07:19 +0000

While most divorces in Virginia proceed under the no-fault separation ground, a McLean VA divorce lawyer must be prepared to litigate fault-based grounds such as adultery, felony conviction, desertion, or cruelty. Adultery, in particular, Divorce Lawyers Mclean VA has severe implications, as it can be an absolute bar to spousal support for the guilty party (absent a manifest injustice finding) and can influence the equitable distribution of property. Proving fault requires meeting a high legal standard, often requiring more intensive investigation, including forensic evidence, private investigators, and witness testimony. The strategic use of a fault-based claim—whether as the primary ground for divorce or as leverage in negotiation—requires sophisticated legal judgment. A lawyer ensures that the evidence is admissible and compelling, using it not only to secure the divorce but also to maximize the client’s financial and legal standing within the final decree.