Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Our firm has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and equitable distribution matters at Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The key laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and forms are available at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Family Court Process
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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 at the Chesterfield County Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, request a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence for your case.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a trial when possible.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Chesterfield County Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Chesterfield County, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | 6-month/1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs | Adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony |
| Child Custody | Best interests | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division | 12-24 months complex | Business valuation: $2,500-$10,000+ | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have 120+ years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into complex property division cases. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results.
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 Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. Our experience includes successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and equitable distribution cases in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). As a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County, we represent clients throughout Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
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 Chesterfield County, 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, 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.
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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Custody in Chesterfield County 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.
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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County family law and Colonial Heights family law. In Chesterfield County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.