Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Chesterfield County divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). The firm has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law cases in Chesterfield County are governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes divorce grounds, while § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris) governs equitable distribution of marital property. Child custody determinations follow the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering ten statutory factors. Child support calculations use the Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support awards consider thirteen factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate legal information, consult these official government sources:
Chesterfield County Family Court Procedures
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 9500 Courthouse Road. Chesterfield County 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 complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief and attend the scheduled hearing.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial disclosures, responding to interrogatories, and conducting depositions.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Chesterfield County Circuit Court judge.
Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Chesterfield County, family law matters follow equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after 6-month or 1-year separations, and fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or fault grounds | 2-24 months | $86+ filing fee |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | Varies by complexity | Valuation fees |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Hearing within 21-60 days for temporary orders | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Establishment at filing | Court costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Pendente lite hearing possible | Motion fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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 in Chesterfield County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout Chesterfield County and surrounding communities.
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. These results include divorce, child custody, support, and equitable distribution matters handled at 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), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We are a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County serving 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. 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 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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). Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all property division. 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. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Chesterfield County 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, explore these related pages:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer (parent hub)
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer (sibling locality)
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer (related practice area)
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.