Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Chesterfield County, Virginia
In Chesterfield County, family law matters are heard at the Chesterfield County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and at the Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support cases.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Chesterfield County
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Spousal support factors are listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For information about the Chesterfield County court, see the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Family Law Procedure
Chesterfield 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.
- File the initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Chesterfield County Circuit Court clerk’s office.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to the other party.
- If needed, attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support or custody orders.
- Exchange financial documents and evidence through the discovery process.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Chesterfield County, family law involves equitable distribution of property, not community property. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (Failure to pay support) | Civil / Criminal | Up to 10 days | Varies | Driver’s license suspension, professional license suspension |
| Violation of Protective Order | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional protective order, mandatory counseling |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law provides a unique advantage in complex property division cases.
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
Case Results in Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). The office is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We are a family law lawyer near Chesterfield County and near Chesterfield Towne Center.
We serve the Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley 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 Chesterfield County, 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 Chesterfield 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 and mediation.
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 (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County family law lawyer and Colonial Heights family law lawyer. In Chesterfield County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.