Lexington divorce cases require a 6-month or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. An Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Lexington can help you understand spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Lexington
Virginia family law governs divorce, spousal support, child custody, and property division. Under Va. Code § 20-91, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. As a permanent spousal support lawyer Lexington, we understand the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 that determine spousal support. A long-term alimony lawyer Lexington can help you pursue or defend against ongoing support obligations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce and equitable distribution statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly’s official code site. For court procedures and forms, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Lexington Family Law
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Lexington J&DR Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia 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 the Lexington Circuit Court, 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through the sheriff or a private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary support, custody, or use of the marital home.
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- If no settlement, attend a contested hearing where the judge decides all issues.
- Receive the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Lexington, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support, child support, and custody determinations.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Duration | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | One-time division | 11 factors including length of marriage, contributions, and economic circumstances |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Indefinite or limited duration | 13 factors including earning capacity, need, and standard of living |
| Child Support | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Until age 18 or emancipation | Guidelines based on combined gross income |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Until age 18 | 10 best-interest factors |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Lexington Family Law Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law firm in the state can claim. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team also includes Samantha Rae Powers (VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience), who handles family law matters in Virginia.
Lexington Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60.
Family law lawyer near Lexington — serving the Lexington community including Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University areas.
How long does a divorce take in Lexington, 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. 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?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. 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). 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
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