Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters in Lexington Circuit Court. Our firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution law.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. Child custody follows the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and support uses statewide guidelines.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Lexington General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural information.
Lexington Family Court Procedures
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2 South Main Street. Lexington Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Lexington Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, request a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, complete interrogatories, and potentially hire experts for business valuation or custody evaluation.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at Lexington Circuit Court.
Lexington Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Lexington, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 and additional costs for service, motions, and potential experienced fees.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service fees $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Motion costs, experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Lexington J&DR Court | 3-12 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Lexington J&DR Court | 1-3 months | ~$86 | Income verification costs |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Lexington Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Lexington Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. Our Lexington results include successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. We represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Lexington, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Lexington, Virginia?
Custody in Lexington is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Lexington J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Lexington Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Lexington Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer. In Lexington, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience or visit our Richmond office location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.