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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Lexington Circuit Court.
In Lexington, Virginia, family law cases including divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution are handled by the Lexington Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are established under Va. Code § 20-91, requiring either a 6-month separation (with agreement and no minor children) or a 1-year separation. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, which requires courts to divide marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors. Child custody determinations are made under Va. Code § 20-124.3, focusing on the child’s best interests. Child support is calculated using the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce) – Official Virginia statute from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Lexington General District Court Website – Official court information from the Virginia Judiciary.
Lexington Family Court Process
Family law matters in Lexington are split between two courts. The 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.
- Initial Filing: File a Complaint for Divorce or other petition with the Lexington Circuit Court Clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process: Have the complaint served on the other party by sheriff ($12) or a private process server.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures. Attempt to reach a settlement on all issues through negotiation or mediation.
- Court Hearings: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders within 21-60 days if needed, and final hearings if the case is contested.
- Final Decree: Obtain a final divorce decree from the judge, incorporating any settlement agreements or court orders.
Family Law Outcomes & Considerations
In Lexington, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or fault grounds | 2-24 months | Separation period, agreement on issues |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | Varies with complexity | Marital vs. separate property, contributions, debts |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Part of divorce or standalone case | Parent-child relationship, parental roles, child’s needs |
| Child Support | Va. Code § 20-108.1 guidelines | Established at filing, modifiable | Combined gross income, custody arrangement, healthcare costs |
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. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep, substantive involvement in Virginia family law.
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
Lexington Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results include divorces, custody modifications, and support enforcement cases 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 at the Lexington courts. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
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 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.
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 include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in a nearby Virginia locality.
- Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney serving Lexington.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your primary attorney.
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.