In Lexington, Virginia family law matters including divorce and equitable distribution are governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Last verified: April 2026
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Lexington
Virginia family law is governed by multiple statutes. Divorce grounds are found under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after 6 months separation (no minor children) or 1 year separation (with minor children). Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody follows the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. 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.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website for Title 20. For Lexington court information, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Lexington Family Law Cases
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Lexington 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 Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve the divorce complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed. Hearing typically set within 21-60 days.
- Attend mediation (optional, $100-$300/hour per party) to resolve property division, custody, and support issues.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to trial before the Circuit Court judge for equitable distribution and other contested issues.
- Obtain final divorce decree after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
In Lexington, Virginia family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve significant financial and custodial consequences. Equitable distribution divides marital property fairly but not necessarily 50/50.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Cost Range | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault after 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Property settlement agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | Equitable distribution hearing required |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | $500-$2,500+ for Guardian ad Litem | Parenting plan required |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Ongoing | Varies by income | Modification possible with changed circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Varies by income and duration | Modification possible with changed circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Lexington Family Law Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a rare achievement that demonstrates deep understanding of family law. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team also includes Samantha Rae Powers, who handles Virginia family law matters. She holds a J.D./M.A. from University of Florida (2005) and a Ph.D. in Communication from UCSB (2017), with 18+ years of experience. She is admitted to the Virginia Bar (2023) and Florida Bar (2005).
Lexington Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Distance: Our Richmond Location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60.
Near-Me: Family law lawyer near Lexington, Virginia.
Neighborhoods Served: Lexington.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
NAP: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Lexington, Virginia
How long does a divorce take in Lexington, 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. Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, 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 may apply for complex cases involving business valuation or retirement assets.
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). Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Lexington, Virginia?
Custody in Lexington 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. Lexington J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Lexington 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 Lexington Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.