In Chesterfield County, Virginia family law matters including divorce and custody are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Chesterfield County
Virginia family law operates under several key statutes. Divorce grounds are set forth in Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with over 120 years of combined attorney experience firm-wide.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For the official Virginia family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly. For Chesterfield County court information, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Chesterfield County Family Law
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesterfield County Circuit Court, 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons through the sheriff or a private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary support, custody, or use of the marital home.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court or agreed by the parties.
- Attend the final hearing with your corroborating witness and signed property settlement agreement.
- Receive the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Chesterfield County, Virginia family law matters involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences determined by the court.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Cost Range | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Corroborating witness required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | May require Guardian ad Litem |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | $500-$2,500+ GAL fees | J&DR Court handles standalone cases |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Ongoing | Varies by income | Modification available upon change |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Varies by income and need | Modification available upon change |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Chesterfield County Family Law Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Chesterfield County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesterfield County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). The location is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We serve the communities of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. If you are searching for a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County or near Chesterfield Towne Center, we are ready to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Chesterfield County
How long does a divorce take in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. 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. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. 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 vary based on complexity.
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 (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.