Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington divorce is governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters in Lexington Circuit Court. Our firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Lexington cases are heard at Lexington Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and Lexington Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support issues.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists. When minor children are involved, the separation period extends to one year. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court information and forms for Lexington cases are available at the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Procedures
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 property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at Lexington Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street) with the $86 filing fee. The sheriff serves the complaint on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of filing the motion at Lexington Circuit Court.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Final hearing or trial: For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing. For contested cases, prepare for trial at Lexington Circuit Court before a judge.
Lexington Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Lexington, divorce involves court costs rather than penalties, with filing fees starting at approximately $86 and additional costs for service, motions, and professional services.
| Proceeding | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Lexington Circuit Court | $86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-4 months (uncontested) |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Lexington Circuit Court | Additional court costs | Hearing preparation | 21-60 days for hearing |
| Child Custody Petition | Lexington J&DR Court | Approximately $86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 3-6 months |
| Mediation | Court-referred or private | Varies | $100-$300/hour per party | 1-3 sessions |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces.
Global advocacy. Local precision. Our attorneys understand both the broad legal principles and the specific procedures of Lexington courts.
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
Lexington Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolution of contested divorces, child custody matters, and complex property division cases in Lexington Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. We represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
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. 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.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer | Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
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.