Hanover County divorce cases require a 6-month or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented case results in Hanover County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law governs divorce, custody, support, and property division. The primary statute for divorce grounds is Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed separation agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique authority in property division matters.
Family law in Virginia covers divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, child support, and spousal support. The court applies Va. Code § 20-107.3 for dividing marital property fairly but not necessarily equally. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing direct insight into its application in Hanover County.
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Hanover County court information, see the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The court 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.
- File a complaint for divorce at Hanover County Circuit Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201).
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support or custody if needed.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Present the agreement at a final hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Receive the final divorce decree from the court.
In Hanover County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 | Service of process: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | 3-12 months | $86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | 30-90 days | $86 | Income verification costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | 3-12 months | $86 | Forensic accountant if needed |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts every Virginia divorce case involving property division. This achievement is a documented, real-world accomplishment that sets the firm apart in Virginia family law.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 total documented case results in Hanover County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. One notable result: an Object Sexual Penetration by Force charge under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2 was amended to Sexual Battery in Hanover General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33.
Family law lawyer near Hanover County — serving Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Hanover County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. 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).
How is child custody decided in Hanover County, Virginia?
Custody in Hanover 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.
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).
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Henrico County divorce lawyer and Chesterfield County divorce lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Hanover County, see our criminal defense lawyer and DUI lawyer pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.