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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters in Lexington Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Lexington cases are heard in the Lexington Circuit Court at 2 South Main Street.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists. When minor children are involved, the separation period extends to one year. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
The equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, governs how marital property is divided. Virginia is not a community property state—property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing unique insight into its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Lexington General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
Lexington Family Court Procedures
Lexington Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Lexington Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- 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 orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, complete interrogatories, and conduct depositions if needed. This phase establishes the marital estate for equitable distribution.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Negotiate a property settlement agreement. If agreement isn’t reached, the court may order mediation before trial.
- Prepare for trial: File pre-trial motions, prepare witness lists, and submit trial exhibits. The court will schedule a trial date for unresolved issues.
- Obtain the final decree: After trial or settlement, the judge signs the final divorce decree. This order resolves all issues: divorce, property division, support, and custody.
Lexington Family Law Penalties & Requirements
In Lexington, divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period and carries court costs starting at $86 for filing, with additional fees for service, motions, and professional evaluations.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 + $12 service | Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + motion fees | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property division | 12-24 months | $86 + experienced fees | Forensic accountant: $200-$500/hour |
| Child Custody Case | Best interests standard | 6-12 months | J&DR filing fees | Parenting coordinator: $150-$300/hour |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial resources to Lexington family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
Our Richmond location serves Lexington clients with 24/7 availability for consultations. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
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 for family law matters. Our Lexington results include successful property division settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and negotiated support agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer | Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.