Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Lexington, Virginia
Lexington divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. Our Richmond location serves Lexington clients by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Lexington
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise, under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which our founder amended. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific information, the Lexington General District Court website provides details on procedures and forms.
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 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 requests, including interrogatories and requests for production.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation to resolve property division, support, and custody issues without a trial.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare for trial by organizing evidence, identifying witnesses, and developing a clear legal strategy for the judge.
- Attend the final hearing: Present your case at the final divorce hearing before the Lexington Circuit Court judge, who will issue a final decree resolving all issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Lexington, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | $86 filing fee + service costs | Property division, potential support orders |
| Child Support Non-Payment | Contempt of Court | Wage garnishment, liens, fines | Driver’s license suspension, professional license suspension |
| Violation of Custody Order | Contempt of Court | Fines up to $250 | Modified custody arrangement, possible jail time |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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. Our firm-wide case results total 4,739+ with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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 dismissals, favorable settlements, and reduced support obligations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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 serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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 on Virginia family law, 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. In Lexington, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys and our Richmond office.
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.