In Colonial Heights, Virginia family law matters including divorce, custody, and support are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Colonial Heights courts. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — Title 20
Virginia family law is governed by multiple statutes. Divorce grounds are found in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions use the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support uses 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). The Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Visit the Colonial Heights General District Court website for court information.
Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Colonial Heights 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 the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Colonial Heights Circuit Court, 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Negotiate Settlement: Negotiate a property settlement agreement covering asset division, support, and custody if applicable.
- File Settlement Agreement: File the signed settlement agreement with the court. This resolves most issues without trial.
- Attend Final Hearing: Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with your corroborating witness. The judge reviews the agreement and enters the final decree.
In Colonial Heights, Virginia family law matters involve court costs, filing fees, and potential Guardian ad Litem expenses that vary by case complexity.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Timeline | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-4 months | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | ~$86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | 9-18 months | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | ~$30 | Mediation: $100-$300/hr | 3-6 months | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | J&DR Court | ~$30 | DCSE involvement possible | 2-4 months | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Financial affidavits required | 3-6 months | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a rare achievement that demonstrates deep legislative knowledge and influence in family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Colonial Heights, the firm has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results demonstrate the firm’s commitment to achieving positive outcomes for clients in the Colonial Heights community.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex family law matters. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 27 years of legal experience across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
In Colonial Heights, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissals and reductions in traffic and reckless driving matters at Colonial Heights General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard). The Richmond office is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 144 (Temple Avenue), and Route 36.
If you are searching for a family law lawyer near Colonial Heights, our team is ready to assist. We serve the Colonial Heights community and surrounding areas.
Neighborhoods served: Colonial Heights.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Colonial Heights, 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. 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 Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include pendente lite motions and financial experienced fees for complex estates.
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). Colonial Heights Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Custody in Colonial Heights 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. Colonial Heights J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights Circuit Court. Each ground has different waiting periods and evidence requirements.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
If you are in a nearby area, see our pages for Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer.
We also handle other legal matters in Colonial Heights, including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense.
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block — Former Virginia State Trooper.
Visit our Richmond office location page for directions and contact information.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.