Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Lexington, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our firm has 14 documented case results in Lexington. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Lexington Circuit Court. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
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 custody decisions use the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support factors are listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Law 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 initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Lexington Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence for property division and support calculations.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Lexington Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Family Law Penalties and Costs in Lexington
In Lexington, family law matters involve court costs, not criminal penalties. A divorce complaint filing fee is approximately $86, with additional costs for service, motions, and potential Guardian ad Litem fees.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + possible trial costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property Division | 12-24 months | $86 filing + business valuation + experienced fees | Involves forensic accounting |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best Interests Determination | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Handled in J&DR or Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes in Lexington Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. As a family law lawyer near Lexington, we serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Lexington, 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.
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 Lexington, Virginia?
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?
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County family law lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer. If you need other legal services in Lexington, consider our Lexington criminal defense lawyer or Lexington DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.