Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington family law cases are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented results in Lexington. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters in Lexington Circuit Court. We help you understand the legal process and protect your rights.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests factors for child custody determinations.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, the Lexington General District Court website provides details on filing procedures and local rules.
Lexington Family Court Process
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Lexington Circuit Court (2 South Main Street). Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Attempt settlement: Mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) is available to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at Lexington Circuit Court.
Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Lexington, family law matters involve court costs and statutory guidelines rather than penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property and guideline calculations for child support.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | 6-month/1-year separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees | Equitable distribution applies |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 statutory factors considered |
| Child Support | Guideline calculation | Ongoing | Court costs for modification | Based on combined gross income |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of your 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 and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia 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 for family law matters. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and support modifications.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of your case.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. As a family law lawyer near Lexington, we represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
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.
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.
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). 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.
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
For more information on family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law. In Lexington, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys’ 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.