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 case results in Lexington. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters in Lexington Circuit Court. Our firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution law.
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), and § 20-124.3 (child custody best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
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). For Lexington court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Family Court Procedures
Lexington Circuit Court at 2 South Main Street 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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with the Lexington Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 2 South Main Street, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process: The complaint is served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). Your spouse has 21 days to respond.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Proceedings: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to pendente lite hearings for temporary orders, then to trial for final resolution before a judge.
Lexington Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Lexington, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties: divorce filing fees start at $86, with additional costs for service of process, Guardian ad Litem appointments ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Primary Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Lexington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Lexington J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Filing fees + possible Guardian ad Litem |
| Child Support | Lexington J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Filing fees |
| Equitable Distribution | Lexington Circuit Court | 12-24 months (complex) | Filing fees + business valuation experts |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have 120+ years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into Virginia family law. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results.
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 divorce settlements, child custody agreements, and equitable distribution resolutions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Representation in Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are a family law lawyer near Lexington, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute 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.
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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Lexington, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer and DUI/DWI Lawyer pages. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.