Cruelty Divorce Attorneys in Northern Virginia

Divorce Lawyers Serving Ashburn, Leesburg, Arlington & Surrounding Areas in Northern VA

When filing for divorce in Northern Virginia, spouses have two options. The first circumstance is when both parties agree that their marriage is over and file for no-fault divorce. If both parties do not agree to file, the other may be able to use a fault-ground for divorce, such as cruelty.

Cruelty is not easy to prove as grounds for divorce in Northern Virginia, however, if your spouse has physically or emotionally harmed you and causes you to fear for your safety in your home, call Graham Law Firm, PLLC. The divorce lawyers at our family law firm will meet with you for a divorce consultation to discuss your fault grounds for cruelty.

Call us today at (703) 443-9360 to schedule your family law consultation in Northern Virginia.

Types of Cruelty in a Northern Virginia Divorce
The state of Virginia does not grant a final divorce unless proof of cruelty exists. Many spouses seeking a divorce often ask us what constitutes grounds of cruelty. The cruelty ground requires proof of “cruelty or reasonable apprehension of bodily hurt.” There are two types of cruelty recognized in Northern Virginia divorce courts. These are:
- Physical cruelty – Acts of physical violence and physical conduct that endangers your life, safety, and/or health constitutes a ground of cruelty in a divorce.
- Emotional cruelty – Also known as “mental cruelty,” “extreme cruelty,” or “cruel and inhumane treatment,” abusive language, humiliating statements, and/or repeated neglect constitutes emotional cruelty in a divorce. Emotional cruelty may not be provoked by a spouse. In today’s legal system, any conduct exhibited by your spouse that causes mental suffering to you is more than likely sufficient to be deemed emotional cruelty.
How Do I Prove Cruelty for Divorce in Virginia?
Cruelty is grounds for divorce and can be proved by providing evidence of a succession of acts or a single act of cruelty, depending on severity. Some examples of evidence with the best chance of standing up in court include:
- Corroboration by a third party – This would include members of the police force, family, friends, or anyone else confirming that they witnessed cruel acts takes place.
- Physical evidence – Physical evidence includes items such as photographs, videos, hospital records, or anything that depicts physical or verbal cruelty.
Other acts that are considered to qualify as cruelty in a divorce by the state of Virginia include being afflicted with a sexually transmitted disease, repeated yelling, screaming, or displays of rage, constant criticizing of spouse’s abilities as a homemaker, parent, or breadwinner, and publicly displaying a relationship with another person.

The best way to prove any act of cruelty for a fault divorce is to have your claims corroborated by a third party. If you live in Northern Virginia and believe you have suffered from cruelty, give us a call. Our award-winning divorce lawyers can discuss your grounds for cruelty during a divorce consultation.

If you have proof of cruelty or need guidance proving your fault-ground divorce in Northern Virginia, contact us now.
Is There a Time Limit to Prove Cruelty in a Northern Virginia Divorce?

When filing for divorce in Northern Virginia, proof of cruelty in a divorce must be present within the previous five years. Additionally, a final divorce cannot be granted based on grounds of cruelty in Virginia until at least one year after a couple files for divorce.
Schedule a Consultation with Northern Virginia's Leading Divorce Lawyers

The divorce lawyers at Graham Law Firm, PLLC have the experience and law expertise to look out for you. If you think you are the victim of physical or emotional cruelty from your spouse and would like to file for divorce in Northern Virginia, schedule a consultation with our divorce attorneys. During your consultation, our divorce lawyers will discuss your grounds for divorce and any potential proof of cruelty you may have.

Contact us online to schedule a family law consultation or give us a call at (703) 443-9360.

Our divorce law and family law jurisdictions include:

Arlington County (VA): Arlington and Crystal City

Fairfax County (VA): Annandale, Herndon, Laurel Hill, McLean, Reston, Tysons Corner, and Vienna

Fauquier County (VA): Bealeton, Orlean, and Warrenton

Loudoun County (VA): Ashburn, Leesburg, Purcellville, and Sterling

Prince William County (VA): Gainesville, Lake Ridge, and Woodbridge

Northern VA: City of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Winchester
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