Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced 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. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Lexington Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Family law cases in Lexington are governed by specific Virginia statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods of 6 months (no minor children with a signed agreement) or 1 year. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, controls how marital property is divided. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests, and child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Lexington General District Court official website.
Lexington Family Court Process
Family law matters in Lexington are split between two courts. Lexington Circuit Court at 2 South Main Street handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support cases. The Lexington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Lexington Circuit Court clerk. The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. Hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
- Attend final hearing or trial: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a final hearing before a judge at Lexington Circuit Court.
Lexington Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Lexington, family law cases involve court costs, not criminal penalties. A divorce complaint filing fee is approximately $86, with additional costs for service, motions, and potential Guardian ad Litem fees for custody cases.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Primary Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Filing fee ($86), service fee ($12-$100) |
| Contested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fee, service, motion costs, possible experienced fees |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Lexington J&DR Court | Varies | Filing fee, potential Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Equitable Distribution (Complex) | Lexington Circuit Court | 12-24 months | Filing fee, forensic accountant/business valuator fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of Virginia law and Lexington court procedures.
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 these matters. These results include divorces, custody agreements, and property division settlements handled in Lexington courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients with matters at the Lexington courts. 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?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is about $86. Sheriff service costs around $12, while a private process server may charge $50-$100. Additional costs can include motion fees, Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. 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 relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to Lexington J&DR Court; custody within a divorce is handled by Lexington Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer – A different practice area in Lexington.
Learn more about Mr. Sris – Attorney profile.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.