Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington divorce is governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented family law results in Lexington. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation before filing no-fault divorce. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters in Lexington Circuit Court.
In Lexington, family law cases are heard at the Lexington Circuit Court located at 2 South Main Street. The court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses standalone custody and child support matters.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests standard), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm direct experience with its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Procedures
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Lexington Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee. Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through formal discovery. In complex cases, hire forensic accountants for business valuation.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Attempt to resolve issues through negotiation or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) before trial to reduce costs and time.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, proceed to trial where the judge will decide on divorce grounds, property division, custody, and support.
Lexington Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Lexington, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties. Divorce filing fees start at approximately $86, with additional costs for service of process, pendente lite motions, Guardian ad Litem appointments ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + possible trial costs |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Lexington Circuit Court | 12-24 months | $86 filing + forensic accountant + valuation experts |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Lexington J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Filing fees + possible Guardian ad Litem |
| Child Support Establishment | Lexington J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Filing fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Lexington Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct insight into its application in Lexington Circuit Court cases.
Our firm follows the principle of “Global advocacy. Local precision.” We combine broad legal knowledge with specific understanding of Lexington court procedures and judges.
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. Our experience includes successful resolution of contested divorces, custody disputes, and complex equitable distribution cases involving business assets and retirement accounts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Lexington Family Law Office
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) 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.
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. 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
For more information about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County family law and Chesterfield County family law.
If you need other legal services in Lexington, consider our Lexington criminal defense lawyer or Lexington DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance specific to your situation.