Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full family law representation in Lexington, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has 14 documented case results in Lexington. You need a 6-month or 1-year separation for a no-fault divorce, and fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce requires grounds under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and child support follows the state guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – official Virginia statute.
- Lexington General District Court website – court information and procedures.
Lexington Family Court Process
Family law cases in Lexington are heard in the Lexington Circuit Court for divorce and property matters, and the Lexington Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the court clerk’s office.
- Serve the legal documents on the other party through the sheriff or a process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary orders for support or custody are needed.
- Complete the discovery process to exchange financial documents and evidence.
- Attempt to settle the case through negotiation or court-ordered mediation.
- Proceed to a final hearing for an uncontested matter or a trial for contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Lexington
In Lexington, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state, no-fault divorce requires a separation period, and child support is calculated using state guidelines.
| Matter | Legal Classification | Key Factor / Standard | Typical Timeline | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | Grounds under Va. Code § 20-91 | 9-18 months | Filing fee + discovery costs |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months if complex | Possible business valuation fees |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | Combined gross income under Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Established at hearing | Filing fee for petition |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally helped amend Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving the firm direct insight into this critical area of law.
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
Case Results in Lexington
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 handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients with cases at the Lexington courts on 2 South Main Street. We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities. Consultations are available 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.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Lexington, Virginia?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary orders is usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Service of process by the sheriff costs around $12. Additional costs include private process servers ($50-$100), Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally helped amend this statute. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
How is child custody decided in Lexington, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases are heard in Lexington Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Cases are filed at Lexington Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – hub page for family law in Virginia.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – representation in a nearby locality.
- Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer – related practice area in Lexington.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.