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. A Private Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County can guide you through the legal process. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law covers divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. The state follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. A Private Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County handles adoption cases under Virginia law. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
For official statutes, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website (.gov).
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support matters. Virginia requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. An independent adoption lawyer Chesterfield County can assist with adoption filings.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road).
- Serve the other party with process — sheriff service costs approximately $12.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Present the agreement at a final hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Receive the final divorce decree from the court.
In Chesterfield County, family law matters involve no criminal penalties but carry financial and custodial consequences under Virginia equitable distribution and child support guidelines.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | Civil | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | 6-month or 1-year separation required |
| Child Custody | Civil | None | GAL fee $500-$2,500+ | None | Best interests of child standard |
| Child Support | Civil | None | Guidelines-based | Driver’s license suspension possible | Wage garnishment for arrears |
| Spousal Support | Civil | None | 13-factor analysis | None | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
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 4,739+ total 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 unique credential in the family law field. A non-agency adoption lawyer Chesterfield County can provide independent adoption services.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel. VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. She handles family law matters in Virginia and Florida.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles family law cases in Chesterfield County. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has practiced since 1997.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is accessible to Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road) via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
Family law lawyer near Chesterfield County — serving Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
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: 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesterfield County, 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.
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).
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.
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).
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. Nearby localities include Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Colonial Heights Family Law Lawyer. Related services include Criminal Defense Lawyer Chesterfield County and DUI Lawyer Chesterfield County.
View our attorney profile and our Richmond office location.
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.