In Lexington, 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 14 documented case results in Lexington. A Support Contempt Lawyer Lexington can help enforce or modify court orders. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia family law is defined by equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. The court divides marital property fairly but not necessarily equally. Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A contempt of court motion lawyer Lexington can address violations of court orders.
Official resources: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and Lexington General District Court.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street).
- Serve the other party with process — sheriff service costs approximately $12.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically set within 21-60 days) for temporary orders.
- Complete mediation if ordered by the court (costs $100-$300/hour per party).
- Attend the final hearing with corroborating witness for uncontested divorce.
In Lexington, Virginia family law matters carry potential outcomes including equitable distribution of marital property, child support under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | Civil Proceeding | None | $86 filing fee | None | 6-month or 1-year separation required |
| Child Custody Dispute | Civil Proceeding | None | Varies | None | Guardian ad Litem costs $500-$2,500+ |
| Contempt of Court | Civil/Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible jail time for willful violations |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. We serve the Lexington community including Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University areas. A court order violation lawyer Lexington can help enforce or modify existing orders.
How long does a divorce take in Lexington, 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. 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 Lexington, Virginia?
It depends. 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 motion fees.
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). Lexington Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Lexington, Virginia?
It depends. Custody in Lexington 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. Lexington Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
It depends. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.