In Lexington, Virginia, family law matters such as divorce and custody are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. An Adoption Lawyer Lexington can guide you through the child adoption process lawyer Lexington requires. Contact us for a consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law covers divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital property. Under Va. Code § 20-91, you may file for divorce on no-fault grounds after a separation period of 6 months (no minor children with a signed separation agreement) or 1 year (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. The court divides marital property equitably under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. An Adoption Lawyer Lexington can assist with adoption petitions filed at Lexington Circuit Court.
For adoption matters, Virginia law requires a home study and court approval under Va. Code § 63.2-1200 et seq. An adoption petition lawyer Lexington files the petition with Lexington Circuit Court and handles all procedural requirements.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) — official Virginia General Assembly and Lexington General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce at Lexington Circuit Court, 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450. Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve the other party with the complaint via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Negotiate a separation agreement covering property division, custody, and support.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing (21-60 days after motion) if temporary orders are needed.
- Finalize the divorce at a hearing with at least one corroborating witness.
In Lexington, family law cases involve no criminal penalties but carry financial and custodial consequences. Divorce costs include filing fees, service fees, and potential Guardian ad Litem fees.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Impact | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + $12 service | Property division | Separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + attorney fees | Custody, support, property | Mediation available |
| Child Custody | Best interests | Varies | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting time | 10 factors under § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative and courtroom experience. An Adoption Lawyer Lexington from our team understands local court procedures.
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.
In Lexington, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results 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 serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. Family law lawyer near Lexington — serving Lexington and surrounding areas.
Neighborhoods served: Lexington.
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 Lexington, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs may apply for complex cases.
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). Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Lexington, Virginia?
Custody 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 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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer. Related services: Lexington criminal defense lawyer and Lexington DUI lawyer.
Meet our team: Mr. Sris. Visit 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 updated guidance.