Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Greene County, Virginia
Greene County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at the Greene County Circuit Court; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Greene County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We serve clients in Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. Greene County Circuit Court applies these laws to local cases.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, providing our firm with unique insight into its application. Divorce requires either a 6-month separation (with a signed agreement and no minor children) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Greene County court information, including forms and procedures, refer to the Greene County General District Court website.
Greene County Family Law Process
Greene County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Greene County 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 the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Greene County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee of approximately $86.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff (approximately $12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt mediation: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Proceed to trial: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the Greene County Circuit Court.
Family Law Penalties and Costs in Greene County
In Greene County, family law matters involve court costs, potential support obligations, and property division based on equitable distribution principles under Virginia law.
| Offense/Matter | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Filing fee: ~$86 + service fees | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Child Support | Court Order | Based on VA guidelines & income | Enforcement through wage garnishment, license suspension |
| Contempt of Court | Civil/Criminal | Fines, attorney fees, possible jail | For violating custody, support, or visitation orders |
| Equitable Distribution | Civil Division | Division of marital property & debts | Based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. The outcomes described depend on the specific facts of each case.
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, giving our team direct insight into this critical area of family law. 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 Greene County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Greene County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include matters resolved through dismissal, settlement, or favorable judgment.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street). We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. As a family law lawyer near Greene County, we represent clients in Stanardsville and Ruckersville. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Greene County, 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 Greene County, 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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). Greene County Circuit Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Greene County, Virginia?
Custody in Greene County 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. Greene County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Greene County 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 Greene County Circuit Court. 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.
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 including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Greene County, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.