Hanover County family law matters fall under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3, with 19 documented case results in the locality. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides representation for divorce, custody, and support cases at Hanover County Circuit Court. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal support. Under Va. Code § 20-91, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under § 20-108.1. Custody decisions use the best interests of the child standard under § 20-124.3. Spousal support considers 13 statutory factors under § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are available through the Hanover County General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Hanover County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- File a complaint for divorce at Hanover County Circuit Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201). Filing fee approximately $86.
- Serve the 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 within 21-60 days).
- Complete financial disclosure and exchange discovery documents within 21 days of the initial hearing.
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party) or proceed to trial.
- Obtain final decree of divorce after meeting separation period requirements.
In Hanover County, family law cases involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences determined by the court.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (no-fault) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Property division, spousal support |
| Child custody | Civil proceeding | None | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | None | Parenting time restrictions |
| Child support | Civil proceeding | None (contempt possible) | Guidelines-based | Driver’s license suspension possible | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
| Spousal support | Civil proceeding | None (contempt possible) | 13-factor analysis | None | Modification possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in all Virginia divorces. This amendment directly affects how Hanover County Circuit Court divides marital assets. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 total documented case results in Hanover County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive). Accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33.
Family law lawyer near Hanover County — serving Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Hanover 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Hanover 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 ($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). Hanover County Circuit Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Hanover County, Virginia?
Custody in Hanover 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. Hanover County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Hanover 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. Compare our services in nearby localities: Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Hanover County, see our Hanover County criminal defense lawyer page.
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.