Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division in Lexington Circuit Court. We handle both uncontested and contested cases with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state.
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 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Procedures
Lexington Circuit Court at 2 South Main Street 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 within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and legal arguments for a bench trial before the judge.
Lexington Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Lexington, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties; divorce filing fees start at approximately $86, with additional costs for service, motions, and professional evaluations.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service fees $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Mediation $100-$300/hr, GAL $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Lexington J&DR Court | 3-12 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Lexington J&DR Court | 1-3 months | ~$86 | Income verification costs |
| Spousal Support | Lexington Circuit Court | 2-6 months | ~$86 | Financial evaluation fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Lexington Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into this critical area of family law.
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. Our firm-wide results include 4,739+ cases across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Lexington Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities. As a family law lawyer near Lexington, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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. 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?
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). Lexington Circuit Court handles all property division. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Lexington, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.