Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington, Virginia family law matters are governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and support cases in Lexington Circuit Court. Our Richmond location serves Lexington clients by appointment.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Family law in Lexington is based on Virginia state statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 defines divorce grounds, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided. Va. Code § 20-124.3 sets the “best interests of the child” standard for custody decisions. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines based on combined gross income.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Equitable distribution statute.
- Lexington General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Lexington Family Court Process
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Lexington 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: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint at Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street). Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal papers to your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach an agreement.
- Prepare for trial or final hearing: If no agreement is reached, prepare for trial before a judge at Lexington Circuit Court to decide all issues.
Lexington Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Lexington, family law cases involve court-ordered divisions and support, not criminal penalties. Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 divides marital property fairly based on 11 factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault separation (6 mo/1 yr) or fault grounds | Lexington Circuit Court | 2-24 months | Separation period, grounds, agreement |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Lexington Circuit Court | Varies with complexity | 11 statutory factors, contributions, debts |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Lexington J&DR Court | 3-12 months | Child’s needs, parental roles, safety |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Lexington J&DR Court | Established at hearing | Combined gross income, custody time, healthcare |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Lexington Circuit Court | Can be temporary or permanent | Need, ability to pay, marriage length |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and evidence presented to the court.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our team direct insight into this critical area of law. Our approach is case-specific, built on deep knowledge of Virginia statutes and local court procedures.
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 Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters we have handled. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and court rulings in divorce and custody cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities. Consultations are available by appointment only. For immediate assistance, call our 24/7 phone line: (888) 437-7747.
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 Lexington, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary matters is usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Service of process costs $12-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
How is child custody decided in Lexington, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to Lexington J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page.
Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in Lexington.
View Mr. Sris’s attorney profile for more background.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.