Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented results in Lexington. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters in Lexington Circuit Court. We use a case-specific approach to handle the details of your family law situation.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris) governs equitable distribution of marital property, requiring courts to consider 11 factors for fair division. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests standard for child custody decisions.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court-specific information and forms for Lexington cases are available through the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Process
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2 South Main Street. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- File initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with Lexington Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other evidence through formal discovery procedures as required by Virginia rules.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve property division, support, and custody issues.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare for trial on all contested issues before the Lexington Circuit Court judge.
- Obtain final decree: Receive the court’s final decree of divorce and orders on property, support, and custody after hearing or settlement.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Lexington, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | $86 filing fee + service costs | Property division, support orders |
| Child Support Non-Payment | Contempt of Court | Wage garnishment, liens, fines | Driver’s license suspension, passport denial |
| Custody Violation | Contempt of Court | Court costs, attorney fees | Modified custody arrangement, supervised visitation |
Results may vary based on specific case facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results. 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 successful property division settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and reduced support obligations.
Results may vary based on specific case facts and court discretion.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. As a family law lawyer near Lexington, we represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding 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 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.
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 about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Lexington, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.