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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and support 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 requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation with minor children, before filing at Lexington Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Lexington
Family law in Lexington is governed by Virginia state statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris) governs equitable distribution of marital property, requiring courts to consider 11 factors for a fair division. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests of the child standard for custody determinations, evaluating 10 specific factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – Official Virginia family law statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Lexington General District Court Website – Official court information, forms, and procedures from the Virginia court system.
Lexington Family Court Procedures
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 2 South Main Street. 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- Filing the appropriate petition: File the necessary petition (divorce, custody, support) at the Lexington Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and negotiation: Engage in the discovery process to exchange financial information and attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Court hearings and trial preparation: Attend scheduled court hearings, including pendente lite motions for temporary orders, and prepare for trial if settlement is not reached.
- Final decree and post-judgment matters: Obtain the final decree from the court and address any post-judgment enforcement or modification issues as needed.
Lexington Family Law Procedures and Requirements
In Lexington, divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Lexington Circuit Court | ~$86 | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) |
| Child Custody Petition | Lexington J&DR Court | ~$86 | 3-6 months for initial determination |
| Child Support Establishment | Lexington J&DR Court | ~$86 | 1-3 months for initial order |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Lexington Circuit Court | Additional court costs | Hearing within 21-60 days of filing |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
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, complex equitable distribution matters involving business assets, and child custody determinations.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Family Law Lawyer Serving Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities. Contact us for a family law lawyer near Lexington, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), or 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 Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state-wide family law hub page.
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer – Family law representation in nearby Henrico County.
- Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation in Lexington.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney’s background and 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.